Registered payment device

Abstract

To make it possible to perform error correspondence operation efficiently.SOLUTION: A registration / settlement device includes a first display device, a second display device, switching means, and first control means. The first display device performs display to a salesclerk. The second display device performs display to a customer. The switching means switches between a first operation mode in which the operation for registering a purchased commodity purchased by the customer is performed by the salesclerk and the operation for paying the price of the purchased commodity is performed by the customer and a second operation mode in which the operation for registering the purchased commodity and the operation for paying the price of the purchased commodity are performed by the customer. When an error occurs in the operation for the registration, the first control means displays an image showing an error content on the first display device in the case where the first operation mode is selected and displays an image instructing to call the salesclerk on the second display device in the case where the second operation mode is selected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a registration settlement device.

Background Art

[0002] There is a registration settlement device in which a clerk and a customer face each other across a cashier counter, the clerk performs an operation for registering purchased goods that the customer purchases, and the customer performs an operation for paying the price for the purchased goods. For such a registration settlement device, the arrangement of the device is devised so that the customer can also perform an operation for registering purchased goods. By doing so, it becomes possible to properly use the operation in which the clerk performs the operation for registration and the customer performs the operation for payment, so-called semi-self operation, and the operation in which the customer performs the operation from registration to payment, so-called full-self operation.

[0003] However, when performing the above-described proper use, if an error notification is not appropriately given to the clerk or the customer when an error occurs, there is a risk of reducing the efficiency of error handling work.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a registration settlement device capable of efficiently performing error handling work.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, a registration settlement device in which a customer performs an operation from registering purchased goods to paying the price for the purchased goods isA first display means and a second means of display and , regulation To provide the means and equipment. The first means of display is to display to the store staff. The second is The means of displaying information is to display it to the customer. . system Your means are, The control means controls the first display means and the second display means. The control means causes the first display means to display an image indicating that it is fully self-operating. If an error occurs during the registration process, The first display means displays an image notifying that an error has occurred, and the second The display device shows an image instructing the customer to call a store employee. Let When the store clerk accepts the confirmation procedure, Second Display by means of display I instructed them to call the store employee. Delete the image. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a POS system, including a POS terminal, which is one embodiment of a registered payment device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the information processing steps performed by the processor in response to the operation of the mode switching button. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the error handling procedure performed by the processor. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the error handling procedure performed by the processor when a registration operation error occurs. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the error handling procedure performed by the processor when a payment operation error occurs. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the error handling procedure performed by the processor when a device error occurs. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel during registration operations on a POS terminal operating in semi-self-service mode. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel when a registration operation error occurs in a POS terminal operating in semi-self-service mode. [Figure 11]A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel during registration operations on a POS terminal operating in full self-service mode. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram showing examples of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel when a registration operation error occurs in a POS terminal operating in full self-service mode. [Figure 13] This schematic diagram shows an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel after the confirmation button has been touched, starting from the state shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel during an electronic money payment operation at a POS terminal operating in semi-self-service mode. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens displayed on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel when an error occurs during an electronic money payment operation on a POS terminal operating in semi-self-service mode. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel during an electronic money payment operation at a POS terminal operating in full self-service mode. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens displayed on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel when an error occurs during an electronic money payment operation on a POS terminal operating in full self-service mode. [Figure 18] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel during receipt issuance at a POS terminal operating in semi-self-service mode. [Figure 19] A schematic diagram showing an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel when a paper jam error occurs during receipt issuance at a POS terminal operating in semi-self-service mode. [Figure 20] This schematic diagram shows an example of the screens on the employee's touch panel and the customer's touch panel after the confirmation button has been touched, starting from the state shown in Figure 19. [Figure 21]Schematic diagram showing an example of the screens of the clerk-side touch panel and the customer-side touch panel during receipt issuance in a POS terminal operating in full self-service mode. [Figure 22] Schematic diagram showing an example of the screens of the clerk-side touch panel and the customer-side touch panel when a paper jam error occurs during receipt issuance in a POS terminal operating in full self-service mode.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a registration settlement device capable of efficiently performing error handling operations will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a case where a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal of a POS system for a convenience store is taken as an example of the registration settlement device.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a POS system. The POS system is configured by connecting a plurality of POS terminals 100 and a store server 200 via a communication network 300. The communication network 300 may be wireless or wired. Typically, a LAN (local area network) is used as the communication network 300. In addition to a LAN, the communication network 300 can also be used alone or in appropriate combination with the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc.

[0010] Each POS terminal 100 is installed on a cashier counter 400 provided in the store to separate the sales floor space SP1 and the clerk's workspace SP2. In FIG. 1, a state where three POS terminals 100 are installed on the cashier counter 400 is shown. As shown in the figure, each POS terminal 100 is arranged at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the cashier counter 400. Each POS terminal 100 is operated by a clerk located on the side of the workspace SP2 across the cashier counter 400 and a customer located on the side of the sales floor space SP1.

[0011] Each POS terminal 100 has the function of registering sales data of the items purchased by the customer, calculating the amount the customer will pay based on the registered sales data, and settling the transaction with the customer upon receiving payment. Since these functions are well-known functions of well-known POS terminals, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0012] The store server 200 is located in the back room of the store. The store server 200 may also be located in a space other than the back room. The store server 200 has the function of collecting sales data for each product registered at each POS terminal 100 via the communication network 300, and the function of aggregating sales data of purchased products based on the collected sales data, for example, by product, time of day, or by person in charge. Since these functions are well known functions of well-known store servers, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0013] Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 100 will be explained using the external perspective view in Figure 2 and the block diagram showing the main circuit configuration in Figure 3. The POS terminal 100 is installed on the checkout counter 400 so that its right rear side faces the workspace SP2 in Figure 2. In other words, the POS terminal 100 is installed on the checkout counter 400 so that its left front side faces the sales area SP1 in Figure 2. That is, in Figure 2, the right rear side is the staff side and the left front side is the customer side. Therefore, in the following, the right rear side in Figure 2 will be referred to as the staff side and the left front side as the customer side.

[0014] The POS terminal 100 includes a customer-side touch panel 1, a fixed scanner 2, a coin unit 3, a banknote unit 4, a credit card reader 5, a proximity communication unit 6, a prepaid card reader / writer (prepaid card R / W) 7, a receipt printer 8, a store employee-side touch panel 9, a sub-touch panel 10, a keyboard 11, and a handheld scanner 12.

[0015] The customer-side touch panel 1 is positioned facing the customer, as shown in Figure 2. The customer-side touch panel 1 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. The customer-side touch panel 1 also accepts input from the customer through touch operations on the screen. The customer-side touch panel 1 is an example of a second display device.

[0016] The fixed scanner 2 has a reading window 2a facing the customer. The fixed scanner 2 captures an image of the product held in front of the reading window 2a and recognizes the barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. The fixed scanner 2 then outputs the recognized barcode information to the processor 14, which will be described later. The fixed scanner 2 can also use other types of well-known devices that optically read barcodes using the reflection of laser light. Furthermore, the fixed scanner 2 can also use a type of well-known device that has the function of identifying products using object recognition technology from the image of the product itself obtained by capturing the product.

[0017] The coin unit 3 comprises a coin slot 3a, a coin outlet 3b, and a coin tray 3c. The coin slot 3a is designed to allow customers to insert coins. The coin unit 3 counts the coins inserted through the coin slot 3a and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The coin unit 3 discharges the coins stored in the storage compartment to the coin tray 3c via the coin outlet 3b. The coin tray 3c is designed to allow customers to remove coins.

[0018] The banknote unit 4 is equipped with a banknote insertion slot 4a and a banknote discharge slot 4b. The banknote insertion slot 4a is formed so that banknotes can be inserted from the customer's side. The banknote unit 4 counts the amount of banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 4a and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The banknote unit 4 discharges the banknotes stored in the storage compartment from the banknote discharge slot 4b. The banknote discharge slot 4b holds the discharged banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside. The banknote discharge slot 4b is formed so that the banknotes held as described above can be removed from the customer's side.

[0019] The credit card reader 5 reads card information from the credit card as it slides along the slit 5a. The credit card reader 5 is positioned with the slit 5a facing the customer, making it convenient for the customer to slide the credit card.

[0020] The proximity communication unit 6 is positioned to establish a communication range on the customer side. The proximity communication unit 6 performs proximity wireless communication with a wireless tag that is brought close by the customer and acquires data stored in the wireless tag. The proximity communication unit 6 also writes arbitrary information to the wireless tag through the proximity wireless communication described above.

[0021] The prepaid card reader / writer 7 is equipped with a slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 reads card data magnetically recorded on a prepaid card inserted into slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 can also write arbitrary data to a prepaid card inserted into slot 7a.

[0022] The receipt printer 8 prints a receipt image onto the receipt paper. The receipt printer 8 then ejects the receipt paper with the printed receipt image from the receipt output port 8a to the outside.

[0023] The employee-side touch panel 9 is positioned facing the employee. The employee-side touch panel 9 displays a screen for presenting information to the employee. The employee-side touch panel 9 also accepts input from the employee through touch operations on the screen. The employee-side touch panel 9 is an example of a first display device.

[0024] The sub-touch panel 10 is positioned facing the store staff. The sub-touch panel 10 displays a screen for presenting information to the store staff. The sub-touch panel 10 also accepts input from the store staff through touch operations on the screen.

[0025] Keyboard 11 is equipped with numerous keys to facilitate operation by the employee located in the employee's workspace SP2. Keyboard 11 receives instructions from the employee by pressing these keys.

[0026] The handheld scanner 12 is held in the operator's hand and optically reads barcodes placed opposite the reading slot. The handheld scanner 12 is connected to the POS terminal 100 via a communication cable 13, and can be operated by the operator from both the store clerk's and the customer's side.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the POS terminal 100 includes, in addition to the elements shown in Figure 2, a processor 14, a main memory unit 15, an auxiliary memory unit 16, a buzzer 17, a communication unit 18, and a transmission line 19. Each of the elements shown in Figure 2, the processor 14, the main memory unit 15, the auxiliary memory unit 16, the buzzer 17, and the communication unit 18, is connected to the transmission line 19.

[0028] The processor 14, main memory unit 15, and auxiliary memory unit 16 are connected by a transmission line 19 and constitute a computer that performs information processing to control the POS terminal 100.

[0029] The processor 14 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. Based on information processing programs such as the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory unit 15 and the auxiliary memory unit 16, the processor 14 controls various parts of the POS terminal 100 in order to realize various functions of the POS terminal 100.

[0030] The main memory unit 15 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The main memory unit 15 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory unit 15 stores the above-mentioned information processing program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory unit 15 may also store data necessary for the processor 14 to perform various information processing operations in either the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory unit 15 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 14.

[0031] The auxiliary storage unit 16 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 16 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 16 stores data used by the processor 14 in performing various information processing tasks, as well as data generated by the processing performed by the processor 14. The auxiliary storage unit 16 may also store the information processing programs described above.

[0032] The communication unit 18 performs communication processing to enable the processor 14 to exchange various data with any device, such as the store server 200, via the communication network 300. As the communication unit 18, a well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 300 can be used.

[0033] The buzzer 17 sounds to emit a warning sound according to a drive signal provided by the processor 14. The buzzer 17 sounds to emit different warning sounds depending on the type of drive signal. The buzzer 17 sounds to emit a warning sound repeatedly, for example, intermittently. The buzzer 17 sounds to emit a warning sound continuously, for example.

[0034] The transmission path 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, etc. The transmission path 19 transmits data and signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0035] The basic hardware of the POS terminal 100 can, for example, be that of another existing POS terminal. In this case, the transfer of the POS terminal 100 is generally carried out with the information processing program, which describes the information processing described later, stored in the main storage unit 15 or auxiliary storage unit 16. However, the hardware of the POS terminal 100 and the information processing program may be transferred separately, without the information processing program being stored in the main storage unit 15 or auxiliary storage unit 16. The information processing program may then be written to the main storage unit 15 or auxiliary storage unit 16 in response to an operation by the administrator of the POS terminal 100. The transfer of the information processing program can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network.

[0036] The POS terminal 100 with this configuration can be used in two ways: a so-called semi-self-service operation where the store clerk performs the registration operation and the customer performs the payment operation, and a so-called fully self-service operation where the customer performs both the registration operation and the payment operation. Specifically, the POS terminal 100 has the store clerk-side touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, and keyboard 11 facing the store clerk. The POS terminal 100 also has the customer-side touch panel 1, the reading window 2a of the fixed scanner 2, the coin slot 3a and coin outlet 3b of the coin unit 3, the banknote slot 4a and banknote outlet 4b of the banknote unit 4, the slit 5a of the credit card reader 5, the proximity communication unit 6, the slot 7a of the prepaid card reader / writer 7, and the receipt outlet 8a of the receipt printer 8 facing the customer. The handheld scanner 12 is positioned so that it can be used not only by the store clerk located in the store clerk-side workspace SP2 but also by the customer located in the customer-side sales area SP1.

[0037] Therefore, in semi-self-service mode, a store employee located in workspace SP2 can use the employee-side touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, keyboard 11, and handheld scanner 12 as appropriate to register the items purchased by the customer. On the other hand, in fully self-service mode, a customer located in sales area SP1 can use the customer-side touch panel 1, fixed scanner 2, and handheld scanner 12 as appropriate to register the items purchased by the customer. In both semi-self-service and fully self-service modes, a customer located in sales area SP1 can use the customer-side touch panel 1, coin unit 3, banknote unit 4, credit card reader 5, proximity communication unit 6, and prepaid card reader / writer 7 as appropriate to pay for the purchased items. Also, since the receipt printed by the receipt printer 8 is ejected from the receipt output slot 8a, a customer located in sales area SP1 can receive the receipt without the need for a store employee.

[0038] Now, the POS terminal 100 has two operating modes to allow users to switch between semi-self-service and fully self-service operation: a first operating mode that supports semi-self-service and a second operating mode that supports fully self-service. Therefore, in the following, the first operating mode will be referred to as the semi-self-service mode, and the second operating mode will be referred to as the fully self-service mode.

[0039] The POS terminal 100 stores a mode flag MF for identifying the operating mode in the main storage unit 15 or auxiliary storage unit 16. The processor 14 of the POS terminal 100 operates in semi-self mode when the mode flag MF is set to "0", and in full-self mode when the mode flag MF is set to "1". In this regard, the processor 14 may also operate in full-self mode when the mode flag MF is set to "0", and in semi-self mode when the mode flag MF is set to "1".

[0040] The POS terminal 100 has a mode switching button BU0 located on a portion of the keyboard screen displayed on the sub-touch panel 10, as shown in Figure 3. The mode switching button BU0 functions as a command means for the operator to command the switching between semi-self mode and full-self mode. Since the sub-touch panel 10 is positioned facing the store clerk, the operator is the store clerk in the workspace SP2. Note that the command means is not limited to the mode switching button BU0. The command means may be, for example, a button located on a portion of the screen displayed on the store clerk's touch panel. The command means may be a key located on the keyboard 11. The command means may be any other means.

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the processor 14 in response to the operation of the mode switching button BU0. This procedure follows the information processing program stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16. Note that the processing shown in Figure 4 and described below is just one example. The procedure and content of processing are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0042] When the mode switching button BU0 is operated, the processor 14 checks the mode flag MF as Act1. If the mode flag MF is set to "0", the processor 14 determines YES in Act1 and proceeds to Act2. In Act2, the processor 14 determines whether it is possible to switch from semi-self mode to full-self mode.

[0043] Switching from semi-self-service mode to full-self-service mode is possible when a person in charge is registered and product data has not been entered. However, operating all POS terminals 100 in full-self-service mode is prohibited for operational reasons. Person in charge registration state means that a store employee is signed in as the person in charge of operating the POS terminal 100. When an employee signs in, their unique ID number is registered in the person in charge memory as the person in charge number. The person in charge memory is located in the main storage unit 15. Person in charge registration state means that the ID number of any employee is registered in the person in charge memory. Product data not entered state means that purchased products have not been registered. For example, when a product code is read by the handheld scanner 12, the sales data of the product identified by that product code is registered in the transaction memory. The transaction memory is located in the main storage unit 15. Product data not entered state means that no sales data is registered in the transaction memory.

[0044] When both the responsible person registration status and the product data not entered status are satisfied, the processor 14 checks the mode flag MF of other POS terminals 100 connected via the communication network 300. If it confirms that the mode flag MF is "0", indicating semi-self mode, the processor 14 determines YES in Act 2 and proceeds to Act 3. In Act 3, the processor 14 changes the mode flag MF to "1". Subsequently, in Act 4, the processor 14 performs full self mode processing.

[0045] Full self-service mode processing includes the following: The processor 14 disables input from the employee's touch panel 9 and keyboard 11. The processor 14 records information indicating that the system has switched from semi-self-service mode to full self-service mode in the electronic journal file, along with the information of the person in charge who is signed in. The electronic journal file is located in the auxiliary storage unit 16. The processor 14 displays an image indicating that the system is in full self-service mode on a portion of the screen of the employee's touch panel 9. The processor 14 registers a fixed ID number, such as "999," which is not assigned to an employee, as the person in charge number when the system is in full self-service mode in the person in charge number memory. Note that full self-service mode processing is not limited to the above processing.

[0046] On the other hand, if the mode flag MF is set to "1", the processor 14 determines NO in Act 1 and proceeds to Act 5. In Act 5, the processor 14 determines whether or not it is possible to switch from full self mode to semi self mode.

[0047] Switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode is possible in the initial state after payment is completed. Once the receipt is issued and payment is complete, the customer's touch panel 1 screen becomes the initial screen. The content of the initial screen is arbitrary. For example, a screen displaying an advertisement may be used as the initial screen. The initial state after payment is when the initial screen is displayed on the customer's touch panel 1.

[0048] When the initial state after settlement is satisfied, processor 14 determines YES in Act 5 and proceeds to Act 6. In Act 6, processor 14 changes the mode flag MF to "0". Subsequently, processor 14 performs semi-self mode processing in Act 7.

[0049] The semi-self-service mode process includes the following steps: The processor 14 displays a pop-up image on the employee's touch panel 9 prompting the employee to enter a supervisor's number. The processor 14 records information in the electronic journal file indicating that the system has switched from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode. The processor 14 displays an image on a portion of the screen of the employee's touch panel 9 indicating that the system is in semi-self-service mode.

[0050] When the processor 14 has finished processing in full self mode or semi-self mode, it terminates the input processing for the mode switching button BU0. If the conditions for switching from semi-self mode to full self mode are not met in Act 2, or if the conditions for switching from full self mode to semi-self mode are not met in Act 5, the processor 14 will mark the input processing as an error.

[0051] Here, the computer of the POS terminal 100, which is mainly composed of processor 14, constitutes a switching means that switches between semi-self mode and full-self mode by executing the processes of Act 1 to Act 7 shown in Figure 4.

[0052] Figures 5 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating the error handling procedure performed by the processor 14. This procedure follows the information processing program stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16. The processing shown in Figures 5 to 8 and described below is just one example. The procedure and content are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0053] When an error occurs during various information processing steps, processor 14 initiates the processing steps shown in the flowchart in Figure 4. First, in Act 11, processor 14 checks whether the error occurred during the information processing associated with the registration operation of product sales data, i.e., a registration operation error. If it is not a registration operation error, processor 14 determines NO in Act 11 and proceeds to Act 12.

[0054] Processor 14, in Act 12, checks whether an error occurred during the information processing associated with the payment operation, a so-called payment operation error. If it is not a payment operation error, Processor 14 determines NO in Act 12 and proceeds to Act 13.

[0055] Processor 14 checks in Act 13 whether the error is caused by a device malfunction, a so-called device error. If it is not a device error, processor 14 determines NO in Act 13 and proceeds to Act 14.

[0056] Processor 14 executes other processes as Act 14. These other processes include handling errors other than registration operation errors, payment operation errors, or device errors. For example, this includes errors in the input processing of the mode switching button BU0 mentioned above. In this case, as part of the other processes, processor 14 performs a process to display a message such as "Mode cannot be switched" on the store clerk's touch panel 9.

[0057] Next, the operation of the POS terminal 100 in the event of a registration error will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6 and the screen display examples in Figures 9 to 13. If the error is a registration operation error, the processor 14 determines YES in Act 11 in Figure 5 and proceeds to Act 21 in Figure 6. In Act 21, the processor 14 checks the mode flag MF.

[0058] If a registration operation error occurs when the mode flag MF is "0", i.e., in semi-self mode, the processor 14 determines YES in Act 21 and proceeds to Act 22. In Act 22, the processor 14 displays an image indicating the error on the employee's touch panel 9. At this time, the processor 14 does not display any error information on the customer's touch panel 1. Also, in Act 23, the processor 14 places a confirmation button BU1 on a part of the screen of the employee's touch panel 9.

[0059] Figure 9 shows an example of the screen SC1 of the employee-side touch panel 9 and the screen SC2 of the customer-side touch panel 1 during a registration operation in a POS terminal 100 operating in semi-self-service mode. As shown in the figure, the purchased item list P1 is displayed on the employee-side touch panel 9's screen SC1. The purchased item list P1 displays the product name, unit price, quantity, amount, discount amount, and total amount of the purchased items registered as one transaction. Screen SC1 also displays an image P2 indicating that it is operating in semi-self-service mode. Screen SC2 of the customer-side touch panel 1 displays the product name, unit price, quantity, discount amount, and total amount of the most recently registered item. Screen SC2 also displays an advertisement image P3.

[0060] When operating in semi-self-service mode, a store employee, for example, operates a handheld scanner 12 to scan the barcode attached to the purchased item. The POS terminal 100 then registers the sales data of the item identified by the product code read from this barcode into its transaction memory. The product name, unit price, quantity, and total amount of this item are then added to the purchased item list P1. Additionally, the product name, unit price, and quantity of this item are displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 screen SC2.

[0061] However, sometimes the reading of the product code fails, for example, if the barcode is dirty. In such cases, the processor 14 recognizes that there is a registration operation error. That is, the processor 14 executes the processes of Act 22 and Act 23. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the screen SC1 of the store clerk's touch panel 9 displays an image P4 showing the details of the error and a confirmation button BU1. The screen SC2 of the customer's touch panel 1 does not change.

[0062] Therefore, the store clerk in workspace SP1 can learn that a product code reading error has occurred from image P4 displayed on screen SC1 of the clerk's touch panel 9. In this case, the clerk can touch the confirmation button BU1 and then manually enter the product code, for example, by operating the keyboard 11. By doing so, the registration operation error can be cleared. At this time, the screen SC2 of the customer's touch panel 1 does not change, so the customer does not take any action in response to the registration operation error. Therefore, the store clerk can efficiently handle errors in the semi-self-service mode.

[0063] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. After completing the processes in Act 22 and Act 23, the processor 14 waits for the confirmation button BU1 to be touched in Act 24. When the processor 14 detects that the confirmation button BU1 has been touched based on input from the employee's touch panel 9, it determines "YES" in Act 24 and proceeds to Act 25. In Act 25, the processor 14 erases the image P4 and the confirmation button BU1 displayed on the screen SC1 of the employee's touch panel 9. With this, the processor 14 finishes processing information regarding registration operation errors during semi-self-service mode operation.

[0064] On the other hand, if a registration operation error occurs when the mode flag MF is "1", i.e., in full self mode, the processor 14 determines NO in Act 21 and proceeds to Act 26. The processor 14 displays an image on the employee's touch panel 9 notifying them of the error. The processor 14 also displays an image on the customer's touch panel 1 instructing them to call an employee. Furthermore, in Act 27, the processor 14 places a confirmation button BU1 on a portion of the screen of the employee's touch panel 9.

[0065] Figure 11 shows an example of the screen SC3 of the employee-side touch panel 9 and the screen SC4 of the customer-side touch panel 1 during a registration operation in a POS terminal 100 operating in full self-service mode. As shown in the figure, the screen SC3 of the employee-side touch panel 9 displays the purchased items list P1, similar to when operating in semi-self-service mode. Screen SC3 also displays an image P5 indicating that it is operating in full self-service mode. The screen SC4 of the customer-side touch panel 1 displays the purchased items list P6. The purchased items list P6 displays the product name, quantity, price, and total amount of the purchased items registered as one transaction. Screen SC4 also has a cancel button BU2 and a checkout button BU3. The cancel button BU2 is touched when the customer wants to cancel the registration of purchased items. The checkout button BU3 is touched when the customer has finished registering purchased items and wants to proceed to payment.

[0066] When operating in full self-service mode, a customer in the sales area SP1 can, for example, hold the barcode of the purchased item over the fixed scanner 2. Alternatively, the customer can operate the handheld scanner 12 to scan the barcode attached to the purchased item. The POS terminal 100 then registers the sales data of the item identified by the product code read from this barcode into its transaction memory. The product name, quantity, and price of this item are then added to the purchased item list P6. Additionally, the product name, unit price, quantity, and price of this item are added to the purchased item list P1.

[0067] However, some products cannot be sold in full self-service mode. For example, alcohol and tobacco products that require age verification cannot be sold without the intervention of a store employee. The same applies to pharmaceuticals belonging to Category 1 or Category 2. When the barcode of such a restricted product is read by the fixed scanner 2 or the handheld scanner 12, the processor 14 checks the mode flag MF. If the mode flag is "1", that is, operating in full self-service mode, the processor 14 recognizes that there has been a registration operation error. In other words, the processor 14 executes the processes of Act 26 and Act 27. As a result, as shown in Figure 12, the screen SC3 of the store employee's touch panel 9 displays an image P7 indicating that an error has occurred, and a confirmation button BU1. The screen SC4 of the customer's touch panel 1 displays an image P8 instructing the customer to call a store employee.

[0068] Therefore, the customer calls a staff member according to the contents of image P8. POS terminals 100 operating in full self-service mode are usually not accompanied by a staff member. However, since at least one POS terminal 100 is operating in semi-self-service mode, there is at least one staff member in workspace SP2. The staff member called by the customer moves within workspace SP2. After the staff member confirms image P7 displayed on the staff member's touch panel 9, they touch the confirmation button BU1 displayed on the staff member's touch panel 9 along with image P7.

[0069] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. After completing the processes of Act 26 and Act 27, processor 14 waits for the confirmation button BU1 to be touched as Act 28. When processor 14 detects that the confirmation button BU1 has been touched based on input from the store clerk's touch panel 9, it determines YES in Act 28 and proceeds to Act 29. In Act 29, processor 14 erases the image P7 that was displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 and displays an image indicating the error in its place. Processor 14 also erases the image P8 that was displayed on the customer's touch panel 1.

[0070] Figure 13 shows an example of the screen SC3 on the employee's touch panel 9 and the screen SC4 on the customer's touch panel 1 after the confirmation button BU1 has been touched in the state shown in Figure 12. As shown in the figure, on the employee's touch panel 9 screen SC3, image P9, which indicates the content of the error, is displayed in place of image P7. Also, image P8 is removed from the customer's touch panel 1 screen SC4.

[0071] Therefore, a store employee in workspace SP1 can learn from image P9 displayed on screen SC3 of the employee-side touch panel 9 that a registration error has occurred due to the reading of a product code that cannot be sold in full self-service mode. In this case, the employee touches the confirmation button BU1. Then, the employee touches any button on the sub-touch panel 10, for example, to allow the registration of a prohibited product once, and then operates the handheld scanner 12 to scan the barcode of the product that caused the registration error. As a result, the sales data of the product is registered in the transaction memory of the POS terminal 100. Note that the operation to allow the registration of a prohibited product is not limited to touching any button on the sub-touch panel 10. For example, if each employee has an ID card that shows their ID number as a barcode, the employee may scan the barcode on that ID card with the handheld scanner 12 to allow the registration of a prohibited product once.

[0072] Thus, if a registration error occurs in the POS terminal 100 operating in full self-service mode, the customer can simply call a store employee by following the instructions in image P8 displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Meanwhile, the store employee can quickly move to the location of the POS terminal 100 where the registration error occurred upon receiving a call from the customer. Furthermore, the store employee can accurately understand the error details from image P9 displayed on screen SC3 of the store employee-side touch panel 9. Therefore, even in full self-service mode, both the customer and the store employee can efficiently handle registration errors.

[0073] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. After completing the processing in Act 29, the processor 14 waits for the confirmation button BU1 to be touched in Act 30. When the processor 14 detects that the confirmation button BU1 has been touched based on input from the employee's touch panel 9, it determines YES in Act 30 and proceeds to Act 31. In Act 31, the processor 14 erases the image P9 and the confirmation button BU1 displayed on the screen SC3 of the employee's touch panel 9. With this, the processor 14 finishes processing information regarding the registration operation error during full self-service mode operation.

[0074] Here, the computer of the POS terminal 100, which is mainly composed of processor 14, constitutes the first control means by executing the processes of Act 21, Act 22, and Act 26 in Figure 6.

[0075] Next, the operation of the POS terminal 100 in the event of a payment operation error will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7 and the screen display examples in Figures 14 to 17. If the error is a payment operation error, the processor 14 determines YES in Act 12 of Figure 5 and proceeds to Act 41 of Figure 7. In Act 41, the processor 14 checks the mode flag MF.

[0076] If a payment operation error occurs when the mode flag MF is "0", i.e., in semi-self mode, the processor 14 determines YES in Act 41 and proceeds to Act 42. In Act 42, the processor 14 displays an image showing the details of the error on the employee's touch panel 9. The processor 14 also displays an image notifying the customer of the error on the customer's touch panel 1. Furthermore, in Act 43, the processor 14 places a confirmation button BU1 on a portion of the screen of the employee's touch panel 9.

[0077] Figure 14 shows an example of the screen SC5 on the clerk's touch panel 9 and the screen SC6 on the customer's touch panel 1 when electronic money is selected as the payment method in a POS terminal 100 operating in semi-self-service mode. After the registration of purchased items is complete and the clerk presses a closing key on the keyboard 11, such as the customer type key, the payment method selection screen is displayed on the customer's touch panel 1. The payment method selection screen prompts the customer to select one payment method from among cash, credit card, prepaid card, electronic money, etc. The payment method selection screen displays, for example, a cash button, a credit card button, a prepaid card button, an electronic money button, etc. The customer then checks the payment method selection screen and touches the button assigned to their desired payment method. Figure 14 shows the screen SC5 on the clerk's touch panel 9 and the screen SC6 on the customer's touch panel 1 after the electronic money button has been touched.

[0078] As shown in the diagram, the screen SC5 of the employee's touch panel 9 displays an image P10 indicating that the customer is making a payment. The screen SC6 of the customer's touch panel 1 displays an image P11 showing the total amount along with operational guidance for the selected payment method. Therefore, the customer performs the payment operation according to this image P11. In other words, in the case of Figure 14, the customer holds their electronic money card over the proximity communication unit 6. At this time, for example, if the balance of the electronic money is equal to or greater than the total amount and payment is possible, the processor 14 executes the electronic money payment process.

[0079] However, if the electronic money balance is insufficient for the total amount, an insufficient balance error will occur. In such a case, the processor 14 recognizes that there is a payment operation error. That is, the processor 14 executes the processes of Act 42 and Act 43. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the screen SC5 of the store clerk's touch panel 9 displays an image P12 showing the details of the error and a confirmation button BU1. Also, the screen SC6 of the customer's touch panel 1 displays an image P13 indicating that an error has occurred.

[0080] Therefore, the store clerk can learn that an insufficient balance error occurred for electronic money payment from image P12 displayed on screen SC3 of the clerk's touch panel 9. Also, the customer who holds their electronic money card over the proximity communication unit 6 can learn that an error occurred in the payment operation. In this case, the clerk touches the confirmation button BU1 and instructs the customer to pay the insufficient amount using another payment method, such as cash. The customer can also learn that there was an error in the payment method from image P13 displayed on screen SC4 of the customer's touch panel 1, and will pay the insufficient amount using another payment method as instructed by the clerk. In this case, the customer may also choose to cancel the electronic money payment and pay the full amount using another payment method. Therefore, both the clerk and the customer can efficiently handle errors related to insufficient electronic money balance in semi-self-service mode.

[0081] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. After completing the processing in Acts 42 and 43, the processor 14 waits for the confirmation button BU1 to be touched in Act 44. When the processor 14 detects that the confirmation button BU1 has been touched based on input from the employee's touch panel 9, it determines YES in Act 44 and proceeds to Act 45. In Act 45, the processor 14 erases the image P12 and the confirmation button BU1 displayed on the screen SC3 of the employee's touch panel 9, and the image P13 displayed on the customer's touch panel 1. With this, the processor 14 finishes processing information regarding payment operation errors during semi-self-service mode operation.

[0082] On the other hand, if a payment operation error occurs when the mode flag MF is "1", i.e., in full self-service mode, the processor 14 determines NO in Act 41 and proceeds to Act 46. In Act 46, the processor 14 displays an image indicating the error on the employee's touch panel 9. The processor 14 also displays an image indicating the error on the customer's touch panel 1. Furthermore, in Act 47, the processor 14 places a confirmation button BU1 on a portion of the screen of the customer's touch panel 1.

[0083] Figure 16 shows an example of the SC7 screen on the clerk's touch panel 9 and the SC8 screen on the customer's touch panel 1 when electronic money is selected as the payment method in a POS terminal 100 operating in full self-service mode. When the customer finishes registering the items they are purchasing and touches the checkout button BU3 shown in Figure 13, the aforementioned payment method selection screen is displayed on the customer's touch panel 1. The customer then checks the payment method selection screen and touches the button assigned to their desired payment method. Figure 16 shows the SC7 screen on the clerk's touch panel 9 and the SC8 screen on the customer's touch panel 1 after the electronic money button has been touched.

[0084] As shown in the diagram, the screen SC7 of the employee's touch panel 9 displays image P14 indicating that it is in full self-service mode. The screen SC8 of the customer's touch panel 1 displays image P11, which shows the total amount along with operational guidance for the selected payment method, similar to the semi-self-service mode. Therefore, the customer performs the payment operation according to image P11. In other words, in the case of Figure 16, the customer holds their electronic money card over the proximity communication unit 6. At this time, for example, if the balance of the electronic money is greater than or equal to the total amount and payment is possible, the processor 14 executes the electronic money payment process.

[0085] However, if the electronic money balance is insufficient for the total amount, an insufficient balance error will occur. In such a case, the processor 14 recognizes that there has been a payment operation error. That is, the processor 14 executes the processes of Act 46 and Act 47. As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the screen SC7 of the store clerk's touch panel 9 displays an image P15 indicating that an error has occurred. In addition, the screen SC8 of the customer's touch panel 1 displays an image P16 indicating the details of the error and a confirmation button BU1.

[0086] Therefore, the customer can learn that their electronic money balance is insufficient from the image P16 displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. In this case, the customer can touch the confirmation button BU1 and then, for example, insert cash equivalent to the insufficient amount into the banknote slot 4a or coin slot 3a. It is also possible to cancel the electronic money payment and pay the full amount using another payment method.

[0087] Therefore, a customer who holds their electronic money card over the proximity communication unit 6 can learn that an insufficient balance error has occurred from image P16 displayed on screen SC8 of the customer-side touch panel 1. In this case, the customer will pay the insufficient amount using another payment method. Meanwhile, a store employee in workspace SP2 can confirm that an error has occurred from image P12 displayed on screen SC3 of the employee-side touch panel 9, even from a distance. Therefore, if the customer appears confused by the error, the employee can go to the customer and provide appropriate advice. Thus, both the employee and the customer can efficiently handle the electronic money insufficient balance error, even in full self-service mode.

[0088] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. After completing the processing in Act 47, the processor 14 waits for the confirmation button BU1 to be touched in Act 48. When the processor 14 detects that the confirmation button BU1 has been touched based on input from the customer-side touch panel 1, it determines YES in Act 48 and proceeds to Act 49. In Act 49, the processor 14 clears the image P15 displayed on the screen SC7 of the employee-side touch panel 9, the image P16 displayed on the screen SC8 of the customer-side touch panel 1, and the confirmation button BU1. With this, the processor 14 finishes processing information regarding payment operation errors during full self-service mode operation.

[0089] Here, the computer of the POS terminal 100, which is mainly composed of processor 14, constitutes a second control means by executing the processes of Act 41, Act 42, and Act 46 in Figure 7.

[0090] Next, the operation of the POS terminal 100 in the event of a device error will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8 and the screen display examples in Figures 18 to 22.

[0091] In the case of POS terminal 100, the devices include a customer-side touch panel 1, a fixed scanner 2, a coin unit 3, a banknote unit 4, a credit card reader 5, a proximity communication unit 6, a prepaid card reader / writer 7, a receipt printer 8, a store employee-side touch panel 9, a sub-touch panel 10, and a keyboard 11. Of these devices, the customer-side touch panel 1, fixed scanner 2, store employee-side touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, and keyboard 11 are mainly driven in response to registration operations. The coin unit 3, banknote unit 4, credit card reader 5, proximity communication unit 6, prepaid card reader / writer 7, and receipt printer 8 are mainly driven in response to payment operations.

[0092] This section explains what to do if an error occurs in receipt printer 8. The same procedure applies if an error occurs in other devices; therefore, further explanation is omitted here.

[0093] If the error is a device error, the processor 14 determines YES in Act 13 of Figure 5 and proceeds to Act 51 of Figure 8. In Act 51, the processor 14 checks the mode flag MF.

[0094] If a device error occurs when the mode flag MF is "0", i.e., in semi-self mode, the processor 14 determines YES in Act 51 and proceeds to Act 52. In Act 52, the processor 14 displays an image indicating the nature of the error on the employee's touch panel 9. The processor 14 does not display any error information on the customer's touch panel 1. In Act 53, the processor 14 places a confirmation button BU1 on a portion of the screen of the employee's touch panel 9.

[0095] Figure 18 shows an example of the screen SC9 on the clerk's touch panel 9 and the screen SC10 on the customer's touch panel 1 when the receipt printer 8 is operating and printing a receipt as part of the payment process in a POS terminal 100 operating in semi-self-service mode. As shown in the figure, the screen SC9 on the clerk's touch panel 9 displays an image P17 that notifies the clerk that a receipt is being issued. The screen SC10 on the customer's touch panel 1 displays an image P18 that notifies the customer that a receipt is being issued, in addition to the total amount of the transaction, the payment amount, the change amount, etc.

[0096] In this state, if, for example, a paper jam occurs in the receipt printer 8, the processor 14 recognizes it as a device error. That is, the processor 14 executes the processes of Act 52 and Act 53. As a result, as shown in Figure 19, the screen SC9 of the employee's touch panel 9 displays an image P19 showing the details of the error and a confirmation button BU1. The screen SC10 of the customer's touch panel 1 remains unchanged.

[0097] Therefore, the store clerk can learn that a paper jam error has occurred in the receipt printer 8 from the image P19 displayed on the screen SC9 of the clerk's touch panel 9. In this case, the clerk will perform the necessary steps to resolve the paper jam error. However, the paper jam error can only be resolved from the sales floor space SP1. Therefore, after touching the confirmation button BU1, the clerk moves from workspace SP2 to sales floor space SP1 and performs the necessary steps to resolve the paper jam error from the sales floor space SP1. Note that at this time, the screen SC10 of the customer's touch panel 1 does not change, so the customer does not take any action regarding the device error.

[0098] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. After completing the processing in Act 52 and Act 53, the processor 14 waits for the confirmation button BU1 to be touched in Act 54. When the processor 14 detects that the confirmation button BU1 has been touched based on input from the store clerk's touch panel 9, it determines YES in Act 54 and proceeds to Act 55. In Act 55, the processor 14 checks whether the device where the error occurred is a device on the customer's side. In the case of the POS terminal 100, devices on the customer's side include the customer's touch panel 1, fixed scanner 2, coin unit 3, banknote unit 4, credit card reader 5, proximity communication unit 6, prepaid card reader / writer 7, and receipt printer 8. For example, the POS terminal 100 stores a data table in the main storage unit 15 or auxiliary storage unit 16 that stores identification flags associated with a device code that identifies each device. The identification flag is a 1-bit piece of information that is set to "1" for devices on the customer's side, for example, and reset to "0" for other devices, such as the employee's touch panel, sub-touch panel 10, keyboard 11, and handheld scanner 12. In Act 88, the processor 14 refers to the identification flag in the above-mentioned databook to determine whether the device where the error occurred is a customer's device or not.

[0099] In Act 55, processor 14 determines YES if the device where the error occurred is the customer's device, and proceeds to Act 56. In Act 56, processor 14 displays images on screen SC9 of the employee's touch panel 9 and screen SC10 of the customer's touch panel 1, respectively, showing the procedure for resolving the error.

[0100] Figure 20 shows examples of screens SC9 and SC10 displayed on the employee's touch panel 9 and the customer's touch panel 1 after the employee touches the confirmation button BU1 in the example screen shown in Figure 19. As shown in the figure, images P20 and P21, which indicate the procedure for resolving the paper jam error in the receipt printer 8, are displayed on screens SC9 and SC10 of the employee's touch panel 9 and the customer's touch panel 1, respectively.

[0101] As mentioned above, if a paper jam error occurs, the store clerk moves to sales area SP1 and performs the necessary steps to resolve the paper jam. At this time, the customer-side touch panel 1 displays image P21 showing the procedure, allowing the clerk to easily resolve the paper jam. Therefore, the clerk can efficiently handle errors in the customer-side device in semi-self-service mode.

[0102] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. After completing the processing in Act 56, the processor 14 waits for the error to be cleared in Act 57. When the processor 14 confirms that the error has been cleared by a signal from the device that had the error, it determines YES in Act 57 and proceeds to Act 58. In Act 58, the processor 14 erases the image P20 displayed on the screen SC9 of the employee-side touch panel 9 and the image P21 displayed on the screen SC10 of the customer-side touch panel 1. With this, the processor 14 finishes processing the information when an error occurs in the customer-side device during semi-self-service mode operation.

[0103] If an error occurs in a device other than the customer's during self-service mode operation, the processor 14 determines NO in Act 55 and proceeds to Act 59. In Act 59, the processor 14 displays an image on the SC9 screen of the employee's touch panel 9 showing the procedure for resolving the device error. After that, in Act 60, the processor 14 waits for the error to be resolved. When the processor 14 confirms that the error has been resolved by a signal from the device that had the error, it determines YES in Act 60 and proceeds to Act 61. In Act 61, the processor 14 erases the image showing the procedure for resolving the device error that was displayed on the SC9 screen of the employee's touch panel 9. With this, the processor 14 has finished processing information regarding an error occurring in an employee's device during semi-self-service mode operation. Therefore, even if an error occurs in an employee's device during semi-self-service mode, the employee can efficiently handle the error.

[0104] On the other hand, if a device error occurs when the mode flag MF is "1", i.e., in full self mode, the processor 14 determines NO in Act 51 and proceeds to Act 62. In Act 62, the processor 14 displays an image on the employee's touch panel 9 notifying them of the error. The processor 14 also displays an image on the customer's touch panel 1 instructing them to call an employee. Furthermore, in Act 63, the processor 14 outputs a warning sound drive signal to the buzzer 17, causing the buzzer 17 to sound. In Act 64, the processor 14 places a sound stop button BU4 on a part of the screen of the employee's touch panel 9.

[0105] Figure 21 shows an example of the screen SC11 on the employee-side touch panel 9 and the screen SC12 on the customer-side touch panel 1 when the POS terminal 100 is operating in full self-service mode and the receipt printer 8 is operating to print a receipt as part of the payment process. As shown in the figure, the screen SC11 on the employee-side touch panel 9 displays an image P22 indicating that it is operating in full self-service mode. The screen SC12 on the customer-side touch panel 1 displays an image P18 that notifies the customer that a receipt is being issued, in addition to the total amount of the transaction, the payment amount, the change amount, etc., as in semi-self-service mode.

[0106] In this state, if, for example, a paper jam occurs in the receipt printer 8, the processor 14 recognizes it as a device error. That is, the processor 14 executes the processes of Act 62, Act 63, and Act 64. As a result, as shown in Figure 22, the screen SC9 of the employee's touch panel 9 displays an image P23 indicating that an error has occurred, and a sound stop button BU4. Also, the screen SC12 of the customer's touch panel 1 displays an image P24 instructing the customer to call an employee.

[0107] Therefore, the customer calls a store employee according to the contents of image P24. POS terminals 100 operating in full self-service mode are usually not staffed by an employee. However, since at least one POS terminal 100 is operating in semi-self-service mode, there is at least one employee in workspace SP2. Meanwhile, the employee can hear the warning sound emitted from buzzer 17 and know that a device error has occurred in one of the POS terminals 100. The employee then moves within workspace SP2 after being called by the customer. If the employee sees image P23 on the employee-side touch panel 9 indicating the error, they touch the sound stop button BU4 displayed on the employee-side touch panel 9 along with image P23.

[0108] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8. After completing the processing in Acts 62, 63, and 64, the processor 14 waits for the sound stop button BU4 to be touched in Act 65. When the processor 14 detects that the sound stop button BU4 has been touched based on input from the store clerk's touch panel 9, it determines YES in Act 65 and proceeds to Act 66. In Act 66, the processor 14 stops the drive signal that was output to the buzzer 17, stopping the alarm sound. After that, the processor 14 proceeds to Act 52 as described above. Then the processor 14 executes the processing in Acts 52 through 61 in the same way as described above. With this, the processor 14 has finished processing information when an error occurs in the store clerk's device during full self-service mode operation.

[0109] Therefore, when the store clerk touches the sound stop button BU4 as the first confirmation operation, image P23 and the sound stop button BU4 are cleared from the screen SC11 of the store clerk's touch panel 9, and image P19 and the confirmation button BU1 shown in Figure 19 are newly displayed. On the screen SC12 of the customer's touch panel 1, image P24 is cleared. At this point, when the store clerk, having confirmed that a paper jam error has occurred, touches the confirmation button BU1 as the second confirmation operation, images P20 and P21 shown in Figure 20 are displayed on the screens SC11 and SC12 of the store clerk's touch panel 9 and the customer's touch panel 1, respectively. The store clerk can then move to the sales area SP1 and perform the necessary steps to resolve the paper jam error according to image P21 displayed on the customer's touch panel 1. Thus, even if an error occurs on the customer's device in full self-service mode, the store clerk can efficiently handle the error.

[0110] Here, the computer of the POS terminal 100, which is mainly composed of processor 14, constitutes a third control means by executing the processes of Act 51 to Act 56 and Act 62 in Figure 8.

[0111] As detailed above, the POS terminal 100 has a first display device, the employee-side touch panel 9, with its screen facing the employee, and a second display device, the customer-side touch panel 1, with its screen facing the customer, opposite to the employee side. Furthermore, the POS terminal 100 can be switched between semi-self-service mode and full-self-service mode as needed using a switching mechanism.

[0112] In such a POS terminal 100, if an error occurs during the registration process, an image representing the error will be displayed on the employee's touch panel 9 when semi-self-service mode is selected. When full-self-service mode is selected, an image instructing the customer to call an employee will be displayed on the customer's touch panel 1.

[0113] Furthermore, if an error occurs during the payment process, when semi-self-service mode is selected, an image representing the error will be displayed on the employee's touch panel 9, and an image notifying the customer of the error will be displayed on the customer's touch panel 1. When full self-service mode is selected, an image representing the error will be displayed on the customer's touch panel 1.

[0114] Furthermore, if an error occurs in the device that operates in response to registration or payment operations, when semi-self-service mode is selected, an image representing the error will be displayed on the staff-side touch panel 9. Then, in response to a confirmation operation, an image representing the device error clearing procedure will be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. When full-self-service mode is selected, an image instructing the customer to call a staff member will be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Then, in response to a first confirmation operation accompanying the operation of the sound stop button BU4, an image representing the error will be displayed on the staff-side touch panel 9. Then, in response to a second confirmation operation accompanying the operation of the confirmation button BU1, an image representing the device error clearing procedure will be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1.

[0115] In this way, when a registration error, payment error, or device error occurs, the system accurately differentiates the content displayed on the employee's touch panel 9 and the customer's touch panel 1 depending on whether semi-self-service mode or full-self-service mode is selected. Therefore, employees or customers can efficiently handle the error.

[0116] The above describes an embodiment of a registration and payment device that can efficiently handle error handling, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0117] For example, in the above embodiment, a POS terminal 100 was illustrated in which the orientation of the screen of the employee-side touch panel 9 and the orientation of the screen of the customer-side touch panel 1 are opposite, but the screen orientation is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the employee located on the employee side can see the screen of the employee-side touch panel 9, and the customer located on the customer side can see the screen of the customer-side touch panel 1. Therefore, in some cases, the orientation of the screen of the employee-side touch panel 9 and the orientation of the screen of the customer-side touch panel 1 may be the same, or they may be different in directions other than opposite.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the example given was that a warning sound is emitted by the buzzer 17 in Act 63 of Figure 8, but the type of warning is not limited to sound. For example, a lamp may be provided on the POS terminal 100, and the lamp may be lit or flashed to warn the store clerk that a device error has occurred. In other words, a warning may be issued by light.

[0119] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The original claims of this application are included below. [C1] A first display device that displays information to store staff, A second display device that displays information to the customer, A switching means for switching between a first operating mode in which the store clerk performs an operation to register the purchased items to be bought by the customer and the customer performs an operation to pay for the purchased items, and a second operating mode in which the customer performs operations from the operation to register the purchased items to the operation to pay for the purchased items, If an error occurs during the registration operation, the first control means displays an image representing the error on the first display device when the first operating mode is selected, and displays an image instructing the staff to be called on the second display device when the second operating mode is selected. A registered payment device equipped with the following features. [C2] A first display device that displays information to store staff, A second display device that displays information to the customer, A switching means for switching between a first operating mode in which the store clerk performs an operation to register the purchased items to be bought by the customer and the customer performs an operation to pay for the purchased items, and a second operating mode in which the customer performs operations from the operation to register the purchased items to the operation to pay for the purchased items, If an error occurs in the operation for payment of the aforementioned amount, the second control means displays an image representing the error on the first display device when the first operating mode is selected, and displays an image notifying the occurrence of the error on the second display device, and displays an image representing the error on the second display device when the second operating mode is selected, A registered payment device equipped with the following features. [C3] A first display device that displays information to store staff, A second display device that displays information to the customer, A switching means for switching between a first operating mode in which the store clerk performs an operation to register the purchased items to be bought by the customer and the customer performs an operation to pay for the purchased items, and a second operating mode in which the customer performs operations from the operation to register the purchased items to the operation to pay for the purchased items, A third control means that, when an error occurs in a device driven in response to the registration or payment operation, displays an image representing the error on the first display device when the first operating mode is selected, then displays an image representing the error clearing procedure for the device on the second display device when a confirmation operation is received, displays an image instructing the user to call a store employee on the second display device when the second operating mode is selected, then displays an image representing the error on the first display device when a first confirmation operation is received, and then displays an image representing the error clearing procedure for the device on the second display device when a second confirmation operation is received, A registered payment device equipped with the following features. [C4] The registration payment device according to [C3] wherein the third control means issues a warning along with displaying an image instructing the store clerk to be called when the second operating mode is selected, and stops the warning when the first confirmation operation is received. [C5] The registered payment device according to any one of [C1] to [C4], wherein the direction in which the screen of the second display device is facing is different from the direction in which the screen of the first display device is facing. [C6] The registered payment device according to [C5], wherein the direction in which the screen of the second display device is facing is opposite to the direction in which the screen of the first display device is facing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 1...Customer-side touch panel, 2...Fixed scanner, 3...Coin unit, 4...Banknote unit, 5...Credit card reader, 6...Proximity communication unit, 7...Prepaid card reader / writer, 8...Receipt printer, 8a...Receipt output slot, 9...Clerk-side touch panel, 10...Sub-touch panel, 11...Keyboard, 12...Handheld scanner, 14...Processor, 15...Main memory unit, 16...Auxiliary memory unit, 17...Buzzer, 18...Communication unit, 19...Transmission line, 100...POS terminal, 200...Store server, 300...Communication network.

Claims

1. A registration and payment device in which the customer performs operations from registering purchased items to paying for those purchased items, A first display means for displaying information to store staff, A second display means for displaying information to customers, Control means for controlling the first display means and the second display means, It is equipped with, The control means causes the first display means to display an image indicating that the device is fully self-service, and if an error occurs in the registration operation, it causes the first display means to display an image notifying the occurrence of the error and the second display means to display an image instructing the user to call a store employee, and when the store employee confirms the operation, it erases the image instructing the user to call a store employee that was displayed on the second display means.

2. A registration and payment device in which the customer performs operations from registering purchased items to paying for those purchased items, A first display means for displaying information to store staff, A second display means for displaying information to customers, Control means for controlling the first display means and the second display means, It is equipped with, The control means causes the first display means to display an image indicating that it is fully self-service, and if an error occurs in the operation for payment, it causes the first display means to display an image notifying the occurrence of the error and the second display means to display an image representing the error content, and when the customer confirms the operation, it erases the image representing the error content displayed on the second display means.

3. A registration and payment device in which the customer performs operations from registering purchased items to paying for those purchased items, A first display means for displaying information to store staff, A second display means for displaying information to customers, Control means for controlling the first display means and the second display means, It is equipped with, The control means causes the first display means to display an image indicating that the device is fully self-service, and if an error occurs in a device driven in response to an operation for registration or payment, it causes the first display means to display an image notifying the occurrence of the error and the second display means to display an image instructing the user to call a store employee, and when the store employee confirms the operation, it erases the image instructing the user to call a store employee displayed on the second display means.

4. The registration payment device according to claim 3, wherein the control means emits a warning sound along with displaying an image instructing the store clerk to be called, and stops the warning sound when it receives a confirmation operation to stop the warning sound.

5. A computer that controls the registration and payment device, which allows customers to perform operations from registering purchased items to paying for those items, A first display means for displaying information to store staff, A second display means for displaying information to customers, Control means for controlling the first display means and the second display means, wherein the first display means displays an image indicating that it is fully self-service, and if an error occurs in the registration operation, the first display means displays an image notifying the occurrence of the error, and the second display means displays an image instructing the user to call a store employee, and when the store employee confirms the operation, the control means erases the image instructing the user to call a store employee that was displayed on the second display means. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

6. A computer that controls the registration and payment device, which allows customers to perform operations from registering purchased items to paying for those items, A first display means for displaying information to store staff, A second display means for displaying information to customers, Control means for controlling the first display means and the second display means, wherein the first display means displays an image indicating that it is fully self-service, and if an error occurs in the operation for payment, the first display means displays an image notifying the occurrence of the error, and the second display means displays an image representing the error content, and when the customer confirms the operation, the control means erases the image representing the error content displayed on the second display means. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

7. A computer that controls the registration and payment device, which allows customers to perform operations from registering purchased items to paying for those items, A first display means for displaying information to store staff, A second display means for displaying information to customers, Control means for controlling the first display means and the second display means, wherein the first display means displays an image indicating that it is operating fully self-service, and if an error occurs in the device that is driven in response to the registration or payment operation, the control means displays an image notifying the occurrence of the error on the first display means and displays an image instructing the customer to call a store employee on the second display means, and when the customer confirms the operation, the control means erases the image instructing the customer to call a store employee displayed on the second display means, An information processing program that enables a function to work.

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