Product information processing device and program

Abstract

To improve an efficiency of utilization related to self-trading.SOLUTION: A commodity information processing device comprises: commodity receiving means; acquisition means; and transaction control means. The commodity receiving means receives a commodity to be traded by an operation of a customer. The acquisition means acquires identification information of the customer. The transaction control means conducts a transaction for equipment on the condition that the acquisition means acquires the identification information in the case where the commodity to be traded includes the equipment used at a business office where the customer is engaged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a product information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in business establishments such as factories and offices, there may be a store used by customers such as employees. Products handled in the store may include not only ordinary products such as food and beverages but also equipment used in the business establishment. The equipment includes products provided free of charge and products purchased at a discounted price for employees. Equipment traded in the store is managed by a predetermined department such as the General Affairs Department. Therefore, in the transaction of equipment, procedures related to the equipment are performed, such as the store staff entering the equipment to be traded in a slip or the like and sending the slip to a predetermined department.

[0003] In recent years, self-checkout transactions in which product registration and settlement are performed by customer operations have become widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Self-checkout transactions are also becoming widespread in stores in business establishments.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the prior art, even if self-checkout transactions are introduced in a store in a business establishment, procedures related to the equipment may be required by the store staff for the equipment. Therefore, the transaction of the equipment is to be carried out through the store staff, that is, self-checkout transactions may not be possible. As a result, there is a problem in that even if self-checkout transactions are introduced, self-checkout transactions may not be efficiently operated.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can improve the efficiency of operations related to self-service trading. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a product information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a product information processing device characterized by comprising: a product receiving means for receiving products to be traded by a customer; an acquisition means for acquiring the customer's identification information; and a transaction control means for conducting a transaction for equipment used at the business establishment where the customer works, provided that the customer has acquired the identification information by the acquisition means.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product information processing device, characterized in that the computer functions as a product receiving means for receiving products to be traded by customer operation, an acquisition means for acquiring the customer's identification information, and a transaction control means that, if the products to be traded include equipment used at the business establishment where the customer works, conducts a transaction for the equipment on the condition that the acquisition means acquires the identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the network configuration of the equipment management system St according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation of the POS terminal device 20. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal device 20. [Figure 4A] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen transitions when conducting a normal product transaction. [Figure 4B] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen transitions when conducting a normal product transaction. [Figure 5]This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a POS terminal device 20. [Figure 6A] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen transitions when conducting equipment transactions. [Figure 6B] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen transitions when conducting equipment transactions. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of equipment management information stored in Equipment DB2. [Figure 8A] This flowchart shows an example of product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8B] This flowchart shows an example of product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9A] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by a POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9B] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by a POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of equipment management information stored in the equipment DB2 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11A] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen transitions according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11B] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen transitions according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12A] This flowchart shows an example of product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12B] This flowchart shows an example of product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a common receipt 1300 issued by a POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Embodiment 1) (Network configuration of the equipment management system St) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the network configuration of the equipment management system St according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The equipment management system St is introduced into the store of the business establishment. The business establishment is, for example, a facility where many employees are engaged, such as a factory. However, the business establishment is not limited to a factory and may be, for example, an office, a hospital, a school, a lodging facility, an airport, a fishing port, etc. The employees are customers in the store, and specifically include employees (workers) and users (officers) of the business establishment.

[0011] The store sells various goods. The store may be a store operated by the business establishment or may be an externally commissioned store such as a convenience store. Also, the store may be an unmanned store where no staff is stationed. The various goods include ordinary goods such as food and beverages and equipment provided to employees. The equipment is an article used in the business establishment, such as work clothes, uniforms, shoes, hats, belts, etc., which employees wear. However, the equipment is not limited to what employees wear and includes office supplies. Office supplies include, for example, peripheral devices for personal computers such as mice, writing utensils such as ballpoint pens, and articles around copy machines such as copy paper and toner.

[0012] The equipment management system St shown in FIG. 1 includes an equipment management server 1, a store controller 10, a transaction status management device 11, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal device 20, and an equipment management terminal device 30. Each device is communicably connected via a LAN 55. Each device is a computer device provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc.

[0013] The equipment management server 1 manages the equipment available to each employee. The equipment management server 1 is equipped with a communication unit and connects to the store controller 10 via a network. The equipment management server 1 communicates with the store controller 10 and also communicates with the transaction status management device 11 and the POS terminal device 20 via the store controller 10. Alternatively, the equipment management server 1 may communicate directly with the transaction status management device 11 and the POS terminal device 20 without going through the store controller 10.

[0014] Equipment management server 1 is equipped with equipment DB (database) 2. The equipment provided to employees varies depending on the department to which the employee is assigned. Equipment DB 2 stores information that associates employees (departments) with equipment. Details of Equipment DB 2 will be described later using Figure 7.

[0015] The store controller 10 stores various information necessary for transactions, such as a product master. Transactions include product registration and settlement. The product master is a file that stores product information, including product identification information (e.g., JAN (Japanese Article Number) code), product name, and sales price for each product. In this embodiment, the products stored in the product master include equipment. That is, the product information includes information that identifies the equipment and the name of the equipment. The product master also includes product identification information, product name, and unit price of products that require weighing (weighing target products). In addition to the product master, the store controller 10 also stores various other information such as inventory status, sales history, and deposit / withdrawal records.

[0016] The transaction status management device 11 is a device for store employees to monitor the POS terminal device 20. Specifically, the transaction status management device 11 can display the status of the POS terminal device 20 (operating mode, processing status, etc.) and control the POS terminal device 20. Employees stationed at the transaction status management device 11 can monitor customers operating the POS terminal device 20 via the monitor provided by the transaction status management device 11. Since the store's users are employees, shoplifting and other fraudulent activities are unlikely. Therefore, in the equipment management system St, it is not necessary to station an employee at the transaction status management device 11, or the system may not even include the transaction status management device 11.

[0017] The POS terminal device 20 is an example of a product information processing device. The POS terminal device 20 is a cash register device that accepts registration of ordinary products and supplies and performs settlement. The POS terminal device 20 can operate in any of several operating modes. The operating modes include, for example, a full self-service mode, a store clerk registration mode, and a payment-only mode.

[0018] Full self-service mode is a mode in which customers register their items on the device (self-registration) and complete their payment on the device (self-payment). The clerk registration mode is a mode in which a clerk registers the product, and the customer pays in person with the clerk (face-to-face payment). The payment-only mode is a mode for self-checkout. In payment-only mode, payment is made based on the payment information generated by the POS terminal device 20 in the employee registration mode. In the following description, the POS terminal device 20 will be described as operating in full self-service mode. Furthermore, the POS terminal device 20 may be a dedicated device for self-registration and self-payment, meaning it may not be possible to switch its operating mode to a staff registration mode or a dedicated payment mode.

[0019] The equipment management system St may also include an employee terminal carried by the employee. The employee terminal can display the status of the POS terminal device 20 (operating mode, processing status, etc.) and control the POS terminal device 20. The employee terminal also includes a communication unit and can receive information from the POS terminal device 20 indicating that an employee has been summoned. Upon receiving this information, the employee terminal notifies the employee that a customer has called.

[0020] The equipment management terminal device 30 is a computer device used by an employee of a designated department, such as the general affairs department, which manages equipment (hereinafter referred to as "equipment manager"). The equipment management terminal device 30 is, for example, a personal computer, but it may also be a tablet or a smartphone. The equipment management terminal device 30 can access the equipment DB2 and display the contents stored in the equipment DB2.

[0021] (Example configuration of POS terminal device 20) Next, the configuration of the POS terminal device 20 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation of the POS terminal device 20. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal device 20. In Figures 2 and 3, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0022] The following describes an example configuration of the POS terminal device 20 shown in Figure 3, with reference to Figure 2. The POS terminal device 20 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, hard disk 204, customer-side display unit 205, customer-side scanner unit 206, card payment unit 208, change dispenser 209, employee-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, employee-side scanner unit 212, printing unit 213, audio output unit 214, communication unit 215, and camera 216. These components can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0023] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS terminal device 20 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 202. These various programs include the product information processing program according to this embodiment. ROM202 is read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU201, including programs.

[0024] RAM203 is a read-and-write memory that stores various types of information. For example, RAM203 stores information obtained from external sources (such as product master data obtained from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing. This information includes, for example, information generated during the registration process for registering products and information generated during the settlement process for settling registered products.

[0025] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, the hard disk 204 stores the imaging results (e.g., video) captured by the camera 216. The hard disk 204 may store various programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Alternatively, it may store information acquired from external sources or information generated during processing instead of the RAM 203.

[0026] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer-side display unit 205 displays various information to the customer and accepts various inputs from the customer. In full self-service mode, the customer-side display unit 205 displays preset keys (buttons for ordering products) corresponding to products, including accessories, and accepts product registration when these preset keys are operated (pressed).

[0027] The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers that optically reads various codes. These codes include employee numbers (barcodes, 2D codes, etc.) attached to employee ID cards, barcodes (product codes) attached to products, as well as codes printed on gift certificates (vouchers and coupons), membership cards, point cards, etc. The customer-side scanner unit 206 includes both an internal type that is incorporated into the main body of the POS terminal device 20 and a separate type that is retrofitted to the main body of the POS terminal device 20.

[0028] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that accepts various types of cards. These types of cards include prepaid cards, credit cards, and point cards. The card payment unit 208 can also accept payments using contactless charging media. Contactless charging media include, for example, contactless cards (IC cards) and mobile terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0029] The change dispenser 209 is a cash payment mechanism and has slots for inserting banknotes and coins, and slots for dispensing banknotes and coins. The change dispenser 209 calculates the amount to be inserted into the slot, calculates the change amount which is the difference between the inserted amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the dispensing slot. The change dispenser 209 is facing the customer and accepts various operations and cash insertions from the customer. The change dispenser 209 also has a sensor that detects banknotes and coins inserted into the slot. This sensor detects that banknotes and coins have been inserted into the slot, and also detects the number of items of each denomination. The change dispenser 209 can also accept cash to be charged to a prepaid card.

[0030] The employee-side display unit 210 is a touch display for employees. The employee-side display unit 210 displays various information to employees and accepts various inputs from them. The employee-side display unit 210 displays preset keys corresponding to products. When a preset key is pressed, the employee-side display unit 210 accepts the registration of the product corresponding to that preset key.

[0031] The key operation unit 211 is equipped with various keys (hardware keys, buttons). The key operation unit 211 receives various inputs from store staff. The key operation unit 211 includes keys corresponding to products. When a key is pressed by a store staff member, the key operation unit 211 registers the product corresponding to that key. The key operation unit 211 also includes a mode switching button and accepts switching of the operating mode.

[0032] The employee-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for employees and optically reads various types of information. For example, the employee-side scanner unit 212 optically reads barcodes attached to products and employee codes attached to employee name tags. The employee-side scanner unit 212 can also read codes printed on gift certificates and various cards.

[0033] The printing unit 213 prints and outputs a receipt. The audio output unit 214 outputs sound. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs voice guidance and warning sounds. Voice guidance and warning sounds include, for example, voices related to product registration operations and payment operations. The communication unit 215 is an interface for sending and receiving information with other devices (store controller 10, transaction status management device 11, and other POS terminal devices 20).

[0034] Camera 216 is mounted to the upper right of the customer-side display unit 205, as viewed from the customer's perspective. Camera 216 continuously captures video or still images. Camera 216 can be a CCD (charge coupled device) camera or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera. Camera 216 captures various operations performed by the customer. These operations include those performed during registration and payment. For example, camera 216 captures images of the inside of the shopping basket (products) and the customer's actions during registration. Camera 216 also captures images of the customer's actions during payment. For example, camera 216 captures images of banknotes and coins held by the customer, the change machine 209, and hand movements. Since the users of the store are employees, shoplifting and other fraudulent activities are unlikely. For this reason, the POS terminal device 20 does not need to be equipped with camera 216, or it may be possible to switch camera 216 on and off to keep its function permanently OFF.

[0035] The sign pole 220 (see Figure 2) is equipped with a light-emitting part such as an LED (light-emitting diode) and illuminates in a predetermined color and in a predetermined lighting pattern. Depending on the lighting pattern, the sign pole 220 can indicate that the POS terminal device 20 is in use or to notify of an abnormality. Furthermore, the sign pole 220 is installed at the very top of the POS terminal device 20, making it possible for store employees who are not close to the POS terminal device 20 to recognize the lighting pattern.

[0036] (Regarding screen transitions in full self mode) In this embodiment, in full self-service mode, the customer's operations and screen transitions differ depending on whether a transaction involves a regular product (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "regular product transaction") or an equipment transaction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an "equipment transaction"). First, Figures 4A and 4B will be used to explain the screen transitions when conducting a regular product transaction.

[0037] Figures 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of screen transitions when conducting a normal product transaction. Figure 4A(1) shows the standby screen 410. The standby screen 410 includes an informational notification 411, a start equipment transaction button 412a, and a start normal transaction button 412b. The informational notification 411 is a notification that when conducting an equipment transaction such as work clothes, it is necessary to present an employee ID card and prompts the user to press the start equipment transaction button 412a.

[0038] The Equipment Transaction Start button 412a is a button that accepts the start of an equipment transaction. Screen transitions in equipment transactions will be described later. The Normal Transaction Start button 412b is a button that accepts the start of a normal product transaction. When the Normal Transaction Start button 412b is pressed on the standby screen 410, the screen transitions to the registration screen 420 shown in Figure 4A(2).

[0039] Figure 4A(2) shows the registration screen 420. The registration screen 420 includes a guidance notification 421, a cancel button 422, and a registration product field 423. The guidance notification 421 is a notification indicating that a product will be registered by scanning the product code or pressing a preset key. The cancel button 422 is a button that accepts the cancellation of the transaction. When the cancel button 422 is pressed, the screen returns to, for example, the waiting screen 410.

[0040] The registered product field 423 includes a product information field 423a, a purchase quantity field 423b, and a total field 423c. The product information field 423a displays the name of the registered product. The purchase quantity field 423b displays the number of registered products. The total field 423c displays the total price of the registered products. On the registration screen 420, for example, when a customer scans a product code with the customer-side scanner unit 206 and the product is registered, the screen transitions to the registration screen 430 shown in Figure 4A(3).

[0041] On the registration screen 430 of FIG. 4A(3), in the product information column 423a, "XX Chocolate (within ￥300), XX Milk (outside ￥200), XX Hair Styling Product (outside ￥1000)" is displayed. The character "within" indicates an inner-tax product (price including tax). The character "outside" indicates an outer-tax product (price excluding tax). Note that "XX Chocolate" and "XX Milk" are products to which a reduced tax rate (8%) applies. "XX Hair Styling Product" is a product to which the normal tax rate (10%) applies. On the registration screen 430, products to which a reduced tax rate applies may be marked as such, and products to which the normal tax rate applies may also be marked as such.

[0042] On the registration screen 430, in the purchase points column 423b, "3 points" is displayed, and in the total column 423c, "￥1616" is displayed. The registration screen 430 includes a settlement start button 431. The settlement start button 431 is a button that accepts the start of settlement. When the settlement start button 431 is pressed, the system transitions to the payment type selection screen 440 shown in FIG. 4A(3).

[0043] FIG. 4A(4) shows the payment type selection screen 440. The payment type selection screen 440 includes payment type selection buttons 441 (441a to 441d) that accept the selection of a payment type. The payment type selection buttons 441 are, for example, buttons corresponding to cash, credit card, electronic money, and employee ID respectively, and accept the selection of any one payment type. In the illustration, the payment type selection button 441d for accepting the selection of employee ID is disabled, for example, and is shown in grayed-out. On the other hand, the other payment type selection buttons 441a, 441b, and 441c are enabled. This is because this transaction is for a normal product, and thus the presentation of an employee ID is not required.

[0044] Furthermore, on the payment method selection screen 440, the payment method selection button 441d corresponding to the employee ID card may be hidden. On the payment method selection screen 440, for example, if the payment method selection button 441a that accepts cash is selected, the user will be taken to the payment screen 450 shown in Figure 4B(5). Furthermore, on the payment method selection screen 440, for example, if the payment method selection button 441b that accepts credit card is selected, payment will be made by credit card. Also, on the payment method selection screen 440, for example, if the payment method selection button 441c that accepts electronic money is selected, payment will be made using the amount charged to the charging medium.

[0045] Figure 4B(5) shows the payment screen 450. The payment screen 450 shows that the payment amount is 1,616 yen and also shows a screen that accepts cash input. When 1,700 yen in cash is inserted, the screen transitions to the payment screen 460 shown in Figure 4B(6). Figure 4B(6) shows the payment screen 460. The payment screen 460 shows that the amount to be paid is 250 yen and the change is 84 yen. When the exit button 461 is pressed on the payment screen 460, the change is dispensed and a receipt is issued. Then, the system returns to the waiting screen 410 shown in Figure 4B(7).

[0046] (Functional configuration of POS terminal device 20) Even if the equipment management system St was introduced at the business premises, the procedures related to equipment purchases still required the store staff to handle them. Therefore, equipment transactions were conducted through the store staff, meaning that self-service transactions were not always possible. As a result, even if the equipment management system St was introduced, it was sometimes difficult to operate the system efficiently. Therefore, in this embodiment, efforts are made to improve the operational efficiency of the equipment management system St. The functional configuration of the POS terminal device 20 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 5.

[0047] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal device 20. In Figure 5, the POS terminal device 20 comprises an acquisition unit 501, a product receiving unit 502, a transaction control unit 503, and a storage control unit 504. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20. That is, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20 realizes the function of each functional unit by executing a product information processing program. The following will describe each functional unit shown in Figure 5 with reference to Figures 6A to 7.

[0048] Equipment transactions are conducted on the condition that employee identification information is obtained. The acquisition unit 501 acquires employee identification information. Identification information is information that can identify an employee, such as an employee number. First, the acquisition of the employee number will be explained using a screen example.

[0049] Figures 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of screen transitions when conducting equipment transactions. Figure 6A(1) shows the standby screen 410. When the equipment transaction start button 412a is pressed on the standby screen 410, the screen transitions to the employee ID card reminder screen 620 shown in Figure 6A(2).

[0050] Figure 6A(2) shows the employee ID prompt screen 620. The employee ID prompt screen 620 prompts the customer to have the customer-side scanner unit 206 read their employee ID. The employee ID stores employee information. This employee information includes the employee number and employee name. The customer confirms the employee ID prompt screen 620 and has the customer-side scanner unit 206 read their employee ID. As a result, the acquisition unit 501 acquires the employee number. Once the POS terminal device 20 has acquired the employee information, it transitions to the equipment selection screen 630 shown in Figure 6A(3).

[0051] Figure 6A(3) shows the equipment selection screen 630. The equipment selection screen 630 includes employee information 631 and equipment selection buttons 632. Employee information 631 includes the employee number and the employee name. Note that the employee ID card only needs to store the employee number, that is, it does not need to store the employee name. In this case, the POS terminal device 20 may display only the employee number in the employee information 631, or it may request the equipment management server 1 to send the employee name based on the employee number, and then display the employee name sent from the equipment management server 1 in the employee information 631.

[0052] The equipment selection button 632 is a button that accepts the customer's selection of any equipment. The product reception unit 502 shown in Figure 5 accepts the selection of the product (equipment) to be traded when the customer presses the equipment selection button 632. If, for example, the button indicating "work trousers" is selected from the equipment selection buttons 632, the system transitions to the quantity selection screen 640 shown in Figure 6A(4).

[0053] Figure 6A(4) shows the quantity selection screen 640. The quantity selection screen 640 is a screen that accepts the quantity of equipment selected on the equipment selection screen 630. The quantity selection screen 640 includes a price display 641 and a confirm button 642. The price display 641 shows the price to be paid for the equipment and shows "¥0". When a quantity is selected on the quantity selection screen 640 and the confirm button 642 is pressed, the screen transitions to the registration screen 650 shown in Figure 6B(5).

[0054] Figure 6B(5) shows the registration screen 650. On the registration screen 650, "Work Pants (¥0)" is displayed in the product information field 423a, "1 item" is displayed in the purchase quantity field 423b, and "¥0" is displayed in the total field 423c. The registration screen 650 also includes a preset key 651 that accepts the registration of "Work Clothes". When the preset key 651 is pressed, the user returns to the equipment selection screen 630 in Figure 6A(3), where it is possible to register additional equipment. When the start payment button 431 is pressed on the registration screen 650, the user transitions to the payment type selection screen 660 shown in Figure 6B(6).

[0055] Figure 6B(6) shows the payment type selection screen 660. On the payment type selection screen 660, the total amount field 661 shows "0 yen". Also, on the payment type selection screen 660, only the payment type selection button 441d, which accepts the selection of employee ID cards, is selectable, while the other payment type selection buttons 441a, 441b, and 441c are not selectable. This is because the transaction in question is an equipment transaction, meaning no payment is required (the payment amount is ¥0).

[0056] Furthermore, on the payment type selection screen 660, the payment type selection buttons 441a, 441b, and 441c corresponding to payment types other than employee ID cards may be hidden. When the payment type selection button 441d corresponding to employee ID cards is selected on the payment type selection screen 660, the system transitions to the payment screen 670 shown in Figure 6B(7).

[0057] Figure 6B(7) shows the payment screen 670. On the payment screen 670, the total amount field 671 indicates that the payment amount is 0 yen. When the exit button 461 is pressed on the payment screen 670, the change is dispensed and a receipt is issued. Then, the system returns to the waiting screen 410 shown in Figure 6B(8).

[0058] In this embodiment, the payment type selection screen 660 and the payment screen 670 are displayed in order to use the same operating procedure as in a normal product transaction. However, one or both of these screens may be skipped. For example, if the payment type selection screen 660 is to be skipped, when the settlement start button 431 is pressed on the registration screen 650 in Figure 6B(5), the system may transition to the payment screen 670 in Figure 6B(7). Alternatively, if both screens are to be skipped, when the settlement start button 431 is pressed on the registration screen 650 in Figure 6B(5), a receipt may be issued, and the system may transition directly to the waiting screen 410 shown in Figure 6B(8).

[0059] (Regarding the timing of obtaining employee numbers) In this embodiment, the timing for acquiring the employee number by the acquisition unit 501 is set to the start of the transaction. However, this acquisition timing is not limited to this; it may also be the timing when the equipment registration is accepted, or the timing when settlement begins in the transaction in which the equipment was registered. In other words, the POS terminal device 20 may display the employee ID prompt screen 620 (see Figure 6A(2)) to prompt the employee to scan their employee ID when the equipment registration is accepted or when the settlement start operation is accepted.

[0060] Furthermore, the timing of obtaining an employee number can be rephrased as the timing of receiving the declaration to commence equipment transactions. Therefore, the timing of receiving the declaration of equipment transactions can be any of the following: the timing of the start of the transaction, the timing of receiving the registration of the equipment, or the timing of receiving the operation to commence settlement.

[0061] (Regarding Transaction Control Unit 503) The transaction control unit 503 performs an equipment transaction if the goods being traded include equipment, provided that the employee number is acquired by the acquisition unit 501. An equipment transaction includes the registration of equipment and the settlement of equipment. In an equipment transaction, the transaction control unit 503 registers the equipment as shown on the registration screen 650 in Figure 6B(5), provided that the employee number is acquired. In addition, in an equipment transaction, the transaction control unit 503 performs settlement as shown on the settlement type selection screen 660 in Figure 6B(6) and the payment screen 670 in Figure 6B(7), provided that the employee number is acquired.

[0062] (Regarding cases where equipment registration is not performed) In this embodiment, the transaction control unit 503 refrains from registering equipment if an employee number is not obtained in an equipment transaction. However, the transaction control unit 503 may also allow equipment registration and prevent settlement if an employee number is not obtained in an equipment transaction. In other words, the transaction control unit 503 should prevent settlement in an equipment transaction if an employee number is not obtained, regardless of whether the equipment is registered or not.

[0063] (Regarding employees who are permitted to receive supplies and those who are not) Furthermore, in this embodiment, even among employees of a business establishment, there are employees who are permitted to receive equipment and employees who are not. The transaction control unit 503 obtains a determination result indicating whether or not the employee number obtained by the acquisition unit 501 contains specific information that has been registered in advance. The specific information is, for example, a specific employee number. However, the specific information may also be a department code indicating a specific department. This determination may be performed by the POS terminal device 20, or by an external device such as the equipment management server 1 or the store controller 10.

[0064] The transaction control unit 503 enables the equipment transaction if the determination result is positive, that is, if the employee number obtained by the acquisition unit 501 contains specific information. On the other hand, the transaction control unit 503 makes the equipment transaction impossible if the determination result is negative, that is, if the employee number obtained by the acquisition unit 501 does not contain specific information. When making the equipment transaction impossible, the transaction control unit 503 notifies an error to that effect and performs a screen transition from the employee ID prompt screen 620 in Figure 6A(2) to the waiting screen 410 in Figure 6A(1).

[0065] (Regarding regular commodity transactions) The transaction control unit 503 will execute the transaction if the goods being traded do not include equipment, i.e., if it is a regular goods transaction, regardless of whether the employee number is obtained by the acquisition unit 501. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, when conducting a regular goods transaction, the transaction will be executed without requiring the acquisition of the employee number. However, even in the case of a regular goods transaction, the transaction control unit 503 may be configured to execute the transaction on the condition that the employee number is obtained.

[0066] (Regarding the equipment that each employee can trade) However, even if an employee is authorized to trade in equipment, they are not guaranteed to be provided with all the equipment used at the workplace. In other words, the equipment provided will differ for each employee. The following explains the relationship between employees authorized to receive equipment and the equipment they receive, using Equipment DB2 as an example.

[0067] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of equipment management information stored in the equipment DB2. In Figure 7, the equipment management information 700 is information that associates the equipment information 701 with the recipient information 702. The equipment information 701 includes the fields "equipment code" and "equipment name". The "equipment code" is identification information used to identify equipment. "Equipment Name" indicates the name of the equipment.

[0068] The recipient information 702 includes the following items: "Department Code," "Department Name," "Employee Number," "Name," and "Transaction History." A "department code" is identification information that identifies a department within a business establishment, and is represented by, for example, two-digit numbers, letters, or symbols. "Department name" refers to the name of the department. An "employee number" is identification information that identifies an employee. For example, the first two digits of an employee number correspond to the department code. "Name" refers to the employee's name. "Transaction history" indicates whether or not each piece of equipment was provided to the employee in question during a specified period (for example, the past six months) ("provided" or "not provided").

[0069] When information is entered into each item, the equipment management information 700 is stored as a record. For example, equipment management information 700a indicates that "Taro XX," who is assigned to the "First Manufacturing Department," is eligible to be issued "work trousers," and that there is no record of transactions with him. Furthermore, equipment is assigned to each department. For example, it indicates that "uniform skirts" are not issued to people in the "First Manufacturing Department," and "work trousers" are not issued to people in the "General Affairs Department." Since equipment is assigned to each department, the equipment management information only needs to associate equipment information with department codes.

[0070] Furthermore, the equipment database 2 is not limited to being located on the equipment management server 1. For example, the equipment database 2 may be located on the store controller 10 or on the POS terminal device 20.

[0071] (Regarding inquiries about whether the equipment in question can be provided to employees) The transaction control unit 503 queries whether the equipment selected by the customer (employee) is available to that employee. The query is directed to the equipment management server 1. However, if the equipment DB2 is located in the store controller 10, the query should be directed to the store controller 10. Also, if the equipment DB2 is located in the device itself (POS terminal device 20), the query should be directed to the discrimination unit within the device that makes the determination in response to the query.

[0072] To explain the inquiry in detail, the transaction control unit 503 sends inquiry information to the equipment management server 1 that associates equipment information indicating the equipment selected by the customer with the employee number of the employee in question. The timing for sending the inquiry information is when one of the following buttons is pressed. (1) Equipment selection button 632 on the equipment selection screen 630 in Figure 6A(3). (2) The OK button 642 on the quantity selection screen 640 in Figure 6A(4). (3) The payment start button 431 on the registration screen 650 in Figure 6B(5). (4) Payment type selection button 441d on the payment type selection screen 660 in Figure 6B(6). In this embodiment, the timing is as described in (2) above.

[0073] When the equipment management server 1 receives inquiry information, it refers to the equipment DB2 and determines, based on the inquiry information, whether the equipment in question is available to the employee. The equipment management server 1 then transmits the determination result to the POS terminal device 20. If the determination result is positive, the transaction control unit 503 registers and settles the equipment. On the other hand, if the determination result is negative, the transaction control unit 503 notifies that the equipment cannot be registered (provided). In addition, if there is a transaction history, the determination may be that the equipment is not available to the employee.

[0074] The transaction control unit 503 may also send the department code, which is the first two digits of the employee number, as inquiry information to the equipment management server 1 instead of the employee number. In this case, the equipment management server 1 only needs to determine whether the equipment being traded is available to the department to which the employee is assigned and send the determination result to the POS terminal device 20. In this case, the acquisition unit 501 may acquire not only the employee number but also the department code as customer identification information. For this reason, the employee ID card may store the department code instead of the employee number. Alternatively, the transaction control unit 503 may include the employee number in the inquiry information and send it, and the equipment management server 1 may use the department code, which is the first two digits of the employee number, to determine whether the equipment is available to the employee.

[0075] (Regarding the update of the equipment database after the completion of equipment transactions) When an equipment transaction is completed, the memory control unit 504 stores the transaction record of the equipment, associated with the employee number, in a predetermined memory unit. The predetermined memory unit is the equipment DB2. The memory control unit 504 sends an instruction to the equipment management server 1 to change the "transaction record" corresponding to the employee number in the equipment DB2 from "pending" to "completed". As a result, the equipment management server 1 changes the "transaction record" corresponding to the employee number in the equipment DB2 from "pending" to "completed". Note that the predetermined memory unit may be provided in other devices besides the equipment management server 1, such as the store controller 10 or the POS terminal device 20.

[0076] The equipment manager periodically uses the equipment management terminal device 30 to view the contents based on the equipment management information 700 (see Figure 7) in order to verify the supplied equipment. This allows the equipment manager to verify the equipment without requiring store staff to perform the equipment-related procedures in equipment transactions. The equipment management server 1 may also be configured to send a notification to the equipment management terminal device 30 when the "transaction history" in the equipment DB2 is updated. This makes it easier for the equipment manager to check the equipment.

[0077] (Regarding the zero display of equipment prices) In this embodiment, equipment includes supplies provided free of charge by the business establishment to employees. When the goods being traded include supplies, the transaction control unit 503 sets the amount of the supplies to be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 (an example of a display unit) to zero and proceeds with the transaction. An example of a display with the amount of supplies set to zero is listed below. • Price display 641 on the quantity selection screen 640 in Figure 6A(4). • Product information field 423a and total field 423c in registration screen 650 of Figure 6B(5). • The total amount field 661 in the payment type selection screen 660 in Figure 6B(6). • The total amount field 671 in the payment screen 670 of Figure 6B(7).

[0078] (Regarding the controls displayed in equipment transactions) The transaction control unit 503 includes a transaction reception unit 505. The transaction reception unit 505 displays the total amount of the goods being traded on the customer-side display unit 205 and enables operation of the settlement controls. Examples of the controls are shown below. • The payment start button 431 on the registration screen 650 in Figure 6B(5). • Payment type selection button 441d in the payment type selection screen 660 in Figure 6B(6). • The exit button 461 on the payment screen 670 in Figure 6B(7). Furthermore, the control element is not limited to a soft key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, but may also be a hard key.

[0079] (Regarding the display of zero in the total amount) In particular, if the goods being traded consist only of supplied goods, the transaction reception unit 505 displays a total amount of zero on the customer-side display unit 205, enabling operation of the control panel. Examples of displays showing a total amount of zero are listed below. • In the registration screen 650 of Figure 6B(5), the total column 423c. • The total amount field 661 in the payment type selection screen 660 in Figure 6B(6). • The total amount field 671 in the payment screen 670 of Figure 6B(7).

[0080] (Product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 1) Figures 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing an example of product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 8, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether a transaction has started or not when the equipment transaction start button 412a or the normal transaction start button 412b is pressed on the standby screen 410 in Figure 4A(1) (step S801). The POS terminal device 20 waits until a transaction starts (step S801: NO), and when a transaction starts (step S801: YES), it determines whether the equipment transaction has started due to the equipment transaction start button 412a being pressed (step S802).

[0081] If it is not the start of an equipment transaction (step S802: NO), that is, if it is the start of a normal product transaction by pressing the normal transaction start button 412b, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether or not the product has been scanned (step S803). If the product has not been scanned (step S803: NO), the POS terminal device 20 proceeds to step S805. On the other hand, if the product has been scanned (step S803: YES), the POS terminal device 20 registers the product (step S804).

[0082] The POS terminal 20 then determines whether or not payment has started based on whether the payment start button 431 shown on the registration screen 430 in Figure 4A(3) has been pressed (step S805). If payment has not started (step S805: NO), the POS terminal 20 returns to step S803. On the other hand, if payment has started (step S805: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays the payment type selection screen 440 in Figure 4A(4) and accepts the selection of the payment type (step S806). The POS terminal 20 then performs the payment processing according to the selected payment type (step S807), issues a regular receipt 910 (see Figure 9A) (step S808), and ends the series of processes.

[0083] In step S802, if it is the start of an equipment transaction (step S802: YES), the POS terminal 20 scans the employee ID card in response to the customer's operation (step S811). The POS terminal 20 then determines whether the customer is an employee authorized to conduct equipment transactions (step S812). If the customer is not an employee authorized to conduct equipment transactions (step S812: NO), the POS terminal 20 reports an error (step S813) and terminates the series of processes.

[0084] On the other hand, if the customer is an employee authorized to conduct equipment transactions (step S812: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays employee information 631 (step S814). The POS terminal 20 then accepts the selection of equipment on the equipment selection screen 630 in Figure 6A(3), and further accepts the selection of the quantity of equipment on the quantity selection screen 640 in Figure 6A(4), thereby determining whether equipment and quantity have been selected (step S815).

[0085] If no equipment and quantity are selected (step S815: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S821. On the other hand, if equipment and quantity are selected (step S815: YES), the POS terminal 20 sends inquiry information to the equipment management server 1 associating the equipment information with the employee number of the employee in question (step S816). The POS terminal 20 then receives a determination result corresponding to the inquiry from the equipment management server 1 (step S817).

[0086] Next, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether the determination result is positive, indicating that the equipment can be provided to the employee (step S818). If the determination result is positive (step S818: YES), the POS terminal device 20 registers the equipment (step S819) and proceeds to step S821. On the other hand, if the determination result is negative (step S818: NO), the POS terminal device 20 notifies that the equipment cannot be registered (step S820).

[0087] Then, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not settlement has started based on whether the settlement start button 431 shown on the registration screen 650 in Figure 6B(5) has been pressed (step S821). If settlement has not started (step S821: NO), the POS terminal 20 returns to step S815 and accepts the selection of other equipment. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register multiple pieces of equipment in a single transaction.

[0088] On the other hand, if settlement has begun (step S821: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays the payment type selection screen 660 shown in Figure 6B(6) and accepts the selection of the payment type (step S822). The POS terminal 20 then sends the transaction record associated with the employee number to the equipment management server 1 (step S823). As a result, the equipment management server 1 changes the transaction record corresponding to the employee number in the equipment DB2 from "Not yet" to "Completed". After this, the POS terminal 20 issues an equipment receipt 920 (see Figure 9B) (step S824) and completes the series of processes.

[0089] In the case of equipment transactions, i.e., when the equipment transaction start button 412a (see Figure 4(1)) is pressed, the POS terminal 20 does not register regular products. The POS terminal 20 may report an error if it accepts registration of a regular product in an equipment transaction (when a preset key is pressed or a product is scanned). In addition, in equipment transactions, the POS terminal 20 may hide the preset keys corresponding to regular products, or if such preset keys are displayed, they may be made unselectable.

[0090] Similarly, in the case of a normal product transaction, that is, when the normal transaction start button 412b (see Figure 4(1)) is pressed, the POS terminal 20 does not register the equipment. The POS terminal 20 may report an error if it accepts equipment registration in a normal product transaction (when a preset key is pressed or a product is scanned). In addition, in a normal product transaction, the POS terminal 20 may hide the preset key corresponding to the equipment, or if the preset key is displayed, it may be made unselectable.

[0091] (Example of a receipt from Embodiment 1) Figures 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of receipts issued by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9A shows a regular receipt 910 for a regular merchandise transaction. Figure 9B shows a receipt 920 for an equipment transaction. First, let's explain the regular receipt 910. The printing (display) format of the regular receipt 910 described below is based on compliance with the preservation method (invoice system) and relates to qualified invoices required when a trading partner claims input tax credit in a transaction. Qualified invoices include, for example, invoices, delivery notes, receipts, etc., regardless of the name of the document.

[0092] The requirements for a qualified invoice are (1) to (6) below, and an invoice lacking any of these elements will not be considered a qualified invoice. (1) The name or designation and business registration number of the qualified invoice issuer. (2) Date of transaction. (3) Details of the transaction (including whether the item is subject to the reduced tax rate). (4) The total amount of consideration (excluding or including tax) and the applicable tax rate, broken down by tax rate. (5) Consumption tax amount etc., broken down by tax rate. (6) The name of the business operator that accepts the issuance of the documents. However, (6) may be omitted.

[0093] The standard receipt 910 shown in Figure 9A includes a business area 510, a general items area 520, and a details area 530. The business area 510 is the area where information about the issuing business of the standard receipt 910 (invoice) is displayed. Specifically, the business area 510 includes an issuing business field 511, a registration number field 512, and a store logo field 513. The issuing business field 511 usually indicates the business that issues receipts 910, specifically showing the store name and telephone number. The registration number field 512 indicates the registration number of the invoice issuer (hereinafter referred to as the "business registration number") issued by a designated agency such as the National Tax Agency. The business registration number is represented using half-width characters with a predetermined number of letters and numbers (for example, 14 digits). Specifically, for example, in the case of a corporation, the business registration number is "the letter T + 13 digits of the corporate number," and in the case of an individual business owner other than a corporation, it is "the letter T + 13 digits of a unique number." The store logo section 513 is where each store's logo and a message to the customer are printed. The customer message might be something like, "Thank you for your patronage."

[0094] The general items area 520 includes the transaction identification information field 521, the recipient field 522, and the document name field 523. The transaction identification information field 521 includes the date and time the transaction took place, the register number, mode information, and the receipt number. In the illustration, the date and time the transaction took place is, for example, May 30, 2022 (Monday) 12:00. The register number is the identification number of the POS terminal device 20, for example, if it is number 1, it is "#000001". The mode information indicates the operating mode of the POS terminal device 20, which is "self-checkout". If a store employee is involved, the employee information (store staff identification number and name) will be displayed in the mode information field. The receipt number is, for example, "0017" if it is the 17th transaction.

[0095] The recipient field 522 usually indicates the name or title of the person (customer or business) who receives the receipt 910. The name or title to be entered in the recipient field 522 may be entered by hand, or the POS terminal device 20 may be configured to accept the name or title input and print the received information.

[0096] The document name field 523 is typically used to indicate the document name of a receipt 910. In the illustration, the document name in the document name field 523 is shown as "Receipt," but it is not limited to this; other document names such as "Receipt" are also possible. The document name field 523 may also be omitted.

[0097] The details area 530 is an area for displaying details of registered products. The details area 530 includes a transaction details column 531, a subtotal column 532, a total amount column 533, a total amount by tax rate column 534, and a barcode column 535.

[0098] The transaction details column 531 shows the name and amount of the products purchased by the customer. For products subject to a reduced tax rate (hereinafter referred to as "reduced tax rate products"), this fact is indicated in the transaction details column 531. In the illustration, a "※" mark is attached to the reduced tax rate products. On the other hand, for products to which the normal tax rate is applied (hereinafter referred to as "normal tax rate products"), the "※" mark is not displayed. Also, for the amount displayed in the transaction details column 531, the word "excluding tax" is attached to the tax-exclusive products (tax-excluded display). On the other hand, for the tax-inclusive products (tax-included display), the word "excluding tax" is not attached. Whether to display the tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive amount is determined based on, for example, the product information stored in the product master.

[0099] Regarding the illustrated example, "○○ Chocolate" indicates that it is a reduced tax rate product and a tax-inclusive product. "○○ Milk" indicates that it is a reduced tax rate product and a tax-exclusive product. "○○ Hair Styling Agent" indicates that it is a normal tax rate product and a tax-exclusive product.

[0100] The subtotal column 532 is a column for separately displaying the total payment amount of tax-inclusive products and the total payment amount of tax-exclusive products for reduced tax rate products and normal tax rate products. For the reduced tax rate products, the payment amount for the tax-exclusive product (○○ Milk) and the payment amount for the tax-inclusive product (○○ Chocolate) are separately displayed. In the illustration, the payment amount for the tax-exclusive product (○○ Milk) shows the tax-excluded price of ¥200 and the consumption tax amount of ¥16 at 8%. The payment amount for the tax-inclusive product (○○ Chocolate) shows the tax-included price of ¥300. Also, for the normal tax rate products, no tax-inclusive products are registered, and only the payment amount for the tax-exclusive product (○○ Hair Styling Agent) is displayed. Specifically, the payment amount for the tax-exclusive product (○○ Hair Styling Agent) shows the tax-excluded price of ¥1000 and the consumption tax amount of ¥100 at 10%.

[0101] The Total Amount column 533 displays the total payment amount, which is the sum of the total payment amounts for items with and without tax. Specifically, it displays the total payment amount, which is the sum of the payment amounts shown in the Subtotal column 532. The Total Amount column 533 also includes an indication of the payment method used for settlement (cash, credit card, gift certificate, transportation IC card, QR code® payment, etc.). In particular, in the case of cash payment, as shown in the diagram, the amount received from the customer (deposited by the customer) is printed along with the "Amount Received" column, and the amount obtained by subtracting the total payment amount from the amount received is printed along with the "Change" column. It is also possible to mix multiple payment methods, in which case settlement information for each payment method will be printed.

[0102] Next, I will explain column 534, which shows the total amount by tax rate. The total column 534 by tax rate includes the total payment amount column 534a, the applicable tax rate column 534b, and the total tax amount column 534c. As shown in the diagram, the total payment amount column 534a is divided separately for reduced tax rate items and regular tax rate items, and the total payment amount for each is displayed. The total payment amount column 534a shows the inclusive tax (tax-inclusive) display for reduced tax rate items and regular tax rate items. The applicable tax rate column 534b shows the tax rate (either 8% or 10%) applied to reduced-tax rate goods and standard-tax rate goods, respectively. The total tax amount column 534c shows the sum of the consumption tax amounts for reduced-tax rate items and regular-tax rate items. Regarding the arrangement of the total amount column 533 and the total amount by tax rate column 534, Figure 9A shows the total amount column 534 placed below the total amount column 533, but it is also acceptable to place the total amount column 534 above the total amount column 533.

[0103] The barcode field 535 indicates a barcode for retrieving transaction information in the POS terminal device 20. This barcode includes the information shown in the transaction identification information field 521. This barcode is associated with the transaction information shown in the details area 530 and stored in a predetermined storage unit such as the store controller 10 or the POS terminal device 20. The barcode field 535 is read by the POS terminal device 20 when a return is made or when the printed content is corrected. As a result, the POS terminal device 20 can identify the transaction information based on the information read, thereby improving the efficiency of customer service operations.

[0104] Here, we will give two other examples of regular receipt 910, (1) and (2) below. (1) The recipient field 522 is not limited to being displayed; it may be omitted. In this case, the details area 530 can be moved upwards to compensate for the omission of the recipient field 522. (2) The applicable tax rate column 534b and the total tax amount column 534c do not necessarily have to be displayed together; at least one of them may be displayed. In other words, either the applicable tax rate column 534b or the total tax amount column 534c may be omitted.

[0105] The printing method can be switched depending on the settings, either to the standard receipt 910 described above or to one of the two patterns (1) or (2) described above. This setting can be done, for example, in the store controller 10 or the POS terminal device 20.

[0106] To elaborate further, regarding (1) above, whether or not the recipient field 522 is filled in may be switchable depending on the store clerk's operation. With respect to (2) above, both the applicable tax rate column 534b and the total tax amount column 534c may be displayed, or if one of them is displayed, it may be possible to switch between the two depending on the operation of the store staff.

[0107] In a typical receipt (910), the transaction details column (531) includes items subject to external tax ("○○ Milk" and "○○ Hair Styling Product"). Therefore, simply adding up the prices of each item shown in the transaction details column (531) will not result in the total payment amount shown in the total amount column (533). If a subtotal column (532) were not provided, it would be unclear that the total payment amount shown in the total amount column (533) is derived from the prices shown in the transaction details column (531). For this reason, a subtotal column (532) is provided in a typical receipt (910) to separate items into those subject to reduced tax rates and those subject to normal tax rates. The total amount of items subject to internal tax, the total amount of items subject to external tax, and the tax amount on the total amount of items subject to external tax are displayed for each tax rate, clearly indicating that the total payment amount shown in the total amount column (533) is obtained by adding these amounts together.

[0108] As shown in the standard receipt 910, including a subtotal column 532 allows the customer to see how the total payment amount was derived. This reduces customer inquiries about how the total payment amount was calculated.

[0109] It is also possible to omit the subtotal column 532. For example, if only tax-inclusive items are registered (excluding tax-exclusive items), simply adding up the prices of each item shown in the transaction details column 531 will result in the total payment amount shown in the total amount column 533. In other words, it is possible to clearly show that the total payment amount shown in the total amount column 533 can be obtained simply by adding up the prices of each item shown in the transaction details column 531, without having to display separate subtotals for reduced tax rate items and regular tax rate items. For this reason, the subtotal column 532 may be omitted. This reduces the amount of paper used for the regular receipt 910.

[0110] Next, we will explain the equipment receipt 920 shown in Figure 9B. In the equipment receipt 920, the transaction details column 531 is printed with "Work Pants ¥0", indicating a free item of equipment. The subtotal column 532 includes the subtotal amount "¥0", the number of items purchased "1", and the consumption tax amount "¥0". The total amount column 533 includes the total amount "¥0" and the payment type "Employee ID". In particular, the equipment receipt 920 includes employee information 536. The employee information 536 includes the employee number and the employee's name.

[0111] Thus, in equipment transactions, even though no payment is made, we issue equipment receipts 920. These receipts allow customers to confirm that the equipment has been supplied. Furthermore, even in cases where exchanges are necessary due to incorrect sizing or product defects, the receipt facilitates the exchange process.

[0112] Furthermore, the equipment receipt 920 may also display a total column 534 for each tax rate. In this case, the total payment amount column 534a and the total tax amount column 534c for each tax rate will both display ¥0. Also, the equipment receipt 920 does not have to be printed in a manner that conforms to the storage method (invoice system); in other words, it may be a receipt with a normal printing manner. Specifically, for example, it may be a printing manner that does not include any of the above (1) to (6).

[0113] As described above, the POS terminal device 20 according to this embodiment performs transactions (registration and settlement) for equipment transactions on the condition that identification information is obtained. This allows equipment transactions to be performed using the POS terminal device 20 in full self-service mode without requiring procedures by store staff. Furthermore, equipment transactions can be performed even in unmanned stores where store staff are not permanently stationed. For this reason, even when an equipment management system St is introduced in a store of a business establishment, the equipment management system St can be operated efficiently. Thus, the operational efficiency of the equipment management system St can be improved.

[0114] Furthermore, the POS terminal device 20 according to this embodiment conducts transactions in normal merchandise transactions regardless of whether an employee number is obtained. Therefore, in normal merchandise transactions, customers can conduct transactions without presenting their employee ID.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the POS terminal device 20 stores the transaction record, associated with the employee number, in the equipment DB2 when an equipment transaction is completed. As a result, the equipment management terminal device 30 can display the transaction record by querying the equipment management server 1. Therefore, the equipment manager can verify the equipment without the store staff having to perform any procedures related to the equipment in the equipment transaction.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the POS terminal device 20 performs the transaction by displaying a price of zero for supplied items that are provided to employees free of charge by the business establishment when the items being traded are included in the transaction. This allows customers to be aware that the supplied items are priced at ¥0, and enables the provision of supplies after following the same self-service procedures as in normal product transactions.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the POS terminal device 20 displays a total amount of zero on the customer-side display unit 205 when the goods being traded are only supplied items, and enables operation of the control panel. This allows equipment transactions to be conducted using the same self-operation procedures as in normal product transactions. Therefore, it is possible to reduce customer confusion during equipment transactions and support smooth transactions.

[0118] Furthermore, the POS terminal device 20 according to this embodiment enables equipment transactions when the scanned employee number contains specific information (e.g., a specific employee number), while making equipment transactions impossible when the scanned employee number does not contain specific information. This makes it possible to avoid providing equipment to customers who are not specific employees.

[0119] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 2, explanations of the contents described in Embodiment 1 above will be omitted as appropriate. Embodiment 1 described above described an example in which ordinary commodity transactions and equipment transactions are conducted separately. Embodiment 2 describes an example in which ordinary commodity transactions and equipment transactions are conducted in a single transaction.

[0120] (Equipment DB2 related to Embodiment 2) First, we will explain the equipment DB2 according to Embodiment 2 using Figure 10. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of equipment management information stored in the equipment DB2 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 10, the equipment management information 1000 is information that associates equipment information 1001 with the recipient information 1002. The equipment information 1001 includes the items "transaction limit" and "discount rate". "Transaction limit" indicates the maximum number of transactions that can be paid or the maximum number of employee discounts that can be applied. The "Discount Rate" indicates the discount applied when employees purchase supplies. In the "Discount" column, for example, "100%" indicates that the item is provided, and "20%" indicates that it is traded at a 20% discount.

[0121] For example, the diagram shows that the "transaction limit" for work trousers is "3". It also shows that the "transaction limit" for a mouse is "1" and that there is a "discount" of 20% off. Note that in the diagram, the "transaction limit" may differ for each department. For example, if the wear and tear on work clothes is greater in the second manufacturing department than in the first manufacturing department, it is possible to set a higher "transaction limit" for the second manufacturing department than for the first manufacturing department.

[0122] Recipient information 1002 includes the fields "Size" and "Number of Transactions". "Size" indicates the clothing size for each employee. If the equipment includes shoes, hats, or belts, the sizes for those items should also be included. "Size" is registered in advance based on employee declarations, etc. "Number of transactions" indicates the number of each item of equipment already provided to the employee within a specified period (for example, the past six months).

[0123] For example, equipment management information 1000a indicates that "Taro XX"'s "size" is "L" and that the "number of transactions" for work trousers is "1". Similarly, equipment management information 1000b indicates that "Saburo XX" belongs to the 1st Sales Department, that there is no "size" registered because work trousers or similar items are not provided, and that transactions for office supplies are possible.

[0124] (An example of screen transitions according to Embodiment 2) Figures 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of screen transitions according to Embodiment 2. Figure 11A(1) shows the standby screen 1110. The standby screen 1110 includes a guidance notification 1111 and a transaction start button 1112. The guidance notification 1111 is a notification indicating that a transaction will be started by pressing the transaction start button 1112 or by scanning the product. When a product is scanned on the standby screen 1110, the system transitions to the registration screen 1120 shown in Figure 11A(2).

[0125] Figure 11A(2) shows the registration screen 1120. On the registration screen 1120, the product information field 423a indicates that "○○ chocolate (¥300), ○○ milk (¥200 extra), ○○ hair styling product (¥1000 extra)" has been registered. When the payment start button 431 is pressed on the registration screen 1120, the process proceeds to the payment type selection screen 440 in Figure 4A(4), and the payment process is carried out. To add to the functional configuration of the POS terminal device 20, the transaction control unit 503 shown in Figure 5 performs transactions for regular products without requiring the acquisition of employee numbers by the acquisition unit 501 if the products being traded do not include equipment.

[0126] The registration screen 1120 includes a preset key 651 for accepting registration of "work clothes". When the preset key 1121 is pressed on the registration screen 1120, the user transitions to the employee ID card reminder screen 1130 shown in Figure 11A(3).

[0127] Figure 11A(3) shows the employee ID card reminder screen 1130. When the customer has the customer-side scanner unit 206 read their employee ID card on the employee ID card reminder screen 1130, the system transitions to the equipment selection screen 630 shown in Figure 11A(3).

[0128] Figure 11A(4) shows the equipment selection screen 1140. On the equipment selection screen 1140, equipment selection buttons 632 for equipment that cannot be traded (work jackets, skirts) are grayed out and not accepted, indicating that they cannot be traded. For example, for work jackets, the maximum supply quantity has already been reached, and the remaining quantity is "0," making them untradable. Similarly, skirts are not supplied at all, making them untradable. In the illustration, the equipment selection button 632 indicates that the only available equipment is work trousers, and that the remaining available quantity of work trousers is "2." Alternatively, on the equipment selection screen 1140, all equipment selection buttons 632 could be made available (registerable), and if a selected piece of equipment is untradable, the system could notify the user of this before the settlement process begins.

[0129] Furthermore, in the illustration, the equipment selection button 632 indicating work trousers shows that there are 2 pairs remaining that can be supplied. When the equipment selection button 632 corresponding to "work trousers" is selected on the equipment selection screen 1140, the system transitions to the quantity selection screen 1150 shown in Figure 11B(5).

[0130] Figure 11B(5) shows the quantity selection screen 1150. The quantity selection screen 1150 includes the available quantity 1151. The available quantity 1151 indicates the quantity of work trousers that can be provided. Even if a number exceeding the available quantity is selected on the quantity selection screen 1150, it will not be registered. Also, on the quantity selection screen 1150, the price display 641 indicates the price to be paid for the equipment, specifically, it shows "¥0". If a quantity less than or equal to the available quantity is selected on the quantity selection screen 1150 and the confirm button 642 is pressed, the system will transition to the registration screen 1160 shown in Figure 11B(6).

[0131] Figure 11B(6) shows the registration screen 1160. On the registration screen 1160, the product information field 423a indicates that "Work Pants (¥0)" has been registered in addition to "○○ Chocolate (¥300)," etc.

[0132] To elaborate on the functional configuration, the transaction reception unit 505 in Figure 5, when the goods being traded include supplied goods, sets the amount of the supplied goods displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 (an example of a display unit) to zero and proceeds with the transaction. Specifically, the display with the amount of supplied goods set to zero is shown in the price display 641 on the quantity selection screen 640 in Figure 11B(5) and in the product information field 423a on the registration screen 1160 in Figure 11B(6).

[0133] When the payment start button 431 is pressed on the registration screen 1160, the user transitions to the payment type selection screen 1170 shown in Figure 11B(7).

[0134] Figure 11B(7) shows the payment type selection screen 1170. On the payment type selection screen 1170, the payment type selection button 441d, which accepts the selection of an employee ID, is grayed out and cannot be selected. This is because the employee number has already been obtained for this transaction.

[0135] In addition, the payment type selection button 441d corresponding to the employee ID card may be hidden on the payment type selection screen 1170. On the payment type selection screen 1170, for example, if the payment type selection button 441a that accepts cash is selected, and then 1,700 yen in cash is inserted, the system will transition to the payment screen 1180 shown in Figure 11B(8).

[0136] Figure 11B(8) shows the payment screen 1180. When the exit button 461 is pressed on the payment screen 1180, the change is dispensed and a common receipt (see Figure 13) is issued. Then, the system returns to the waiting screen 1110 shown in Figure 11A(1).

[0137] (Product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2) Figures 12A and 12B are flowcharts illustrating an example of product information processing performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 12A, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether a transaction has started or not when the transaction start button 1112 is pressed on the standby screen 1110 in Figure 11A(1) (step S1201). The POS terminal device 20 waits until a transaction has started (step S1201: NO), and once a transaction has started (step S1201: YES), it determines whether or not a product has been scanned (step S1202).

[0138] If the product is not scanned (step S1202: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S1221 in Figure 12B. On the other hand, if the product is scanned (step S1202: YES), the POS terminal 20 registers the product (step S1203). Then, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S1221 in Figure 12B. On the registration screen 1120 (Figure 11A(2)) or the registration screen 1160 (Figure 11A(6)), pressing the preset key 651 determines whether or not to register the equipment (step S1204).

[0139] If the equipment is not registered (step S1204: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S1221 in Figure 12B. On the other hand, if the equipment is registered (step S1204: YES), the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not an employee number has already been obtained for this transaction (step S1205). If an employee number has already been obtained (step S1205: YES), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S1211. On the other hand, if an employee number has not yet been obtained (step S1205: NO), the POS terminal 20 scans the employee ID card in response to the customer's operation (step S1206) and obtains the employee number.

[0140] The POS terminal 20 then determines whether the customer is an employee authorized to conduct equipment transactions (step S1207). If the customer is not an employee authorized to conduct equipment transactions (step S1207: NO), the POS terminal 20 reports an error (step S1208) and terminates the series of processes.

[0141] On the other hand, if the customer is an employee authorized to conduct equipment transactions (step S1207: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays employee information 631 (step S1209). The POS terminal 20 then sends inquiry information linking the equipment information with the employee's employee number to the equipment management server 1 (step S1210).

[0142] Next, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether or not there are any registrable pieces of equipment based on the discrimination result received from the equipment management server 1 (step S1211). If there are no registrable pieces of equipment (step S1211: NO), the POS terminal device 20 notifies that the equipment cannot be registered (step S1212) and proceeds to the process in step S1221 in Figure 12B.

[0143] On the other hand, if there are registrable items (step S1211: YES), the POS terminal device 20 accepts the selection of an item on the item selection screen 1140 in Figure 11A(4), and then accepts the selection of the quantity of the item on the quantity selection screen 1150 in Figure 11B(5), thereby selecting the item and quantity (step S1213). The POS terminal device 20 then registers the item (step S1214).

[0144] The POS terminal device 20 then determines whether or not payment has started based on whether the payment start button 431 shown on the registration screen 1120 in Figure 11A(2) or the registration screen 1160 in Figure 11B(6) has been pressed (step S1221). If payment has not started (step S1221: NO), the POS terminal device 20 returns to step S1202 in Figure 12A.

[0145] On the other hand, if the transaction is to begin (step S1221: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays the payment type selection screen 1170 shown in Figure 11B(7) and accepts the selection of the payment type (step S1222). The POS terminal 20 then determines whether or not regular products are included in the products being traded (step S1223). If regular products are not included in the products being traded (step S1223: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S1225.

[0146] If the goods being traded include regular goods (step S1223: YES), the POS terminal 20 processes the payment according to the payment type selected on the payment type selection screen 1170 (step S1224). Next, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the goods being traded include equipment (step S1225). If the goods being traded do not include equipment (step S1225: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S1227.

[0147] If the goods being traded include equipment (step S1225: YES), the POS terminal 20 sends the transaction record associated with the employee number to the equipment management server 1 (step S1226). As a result, the equipment management server 1 changes the transaction record corresponding to the employee number in the equipment DB2 from "Not yet" to "Completed". After this, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt corresponding to the transaction (step S1227) and completes the series of processes. The receipt corresponding to the transaction is a common receipt 1300 (see Figure 13) if the transaction is a mix of regular merchandise transactions and equipment transactions, a regular receipt 910 if the transaction is only for regular merchandise transactions, and an equipment receipt 920 if the transaction is only for equipment transactions.

[0148] (An example of a common receipt 1300 in Embodiment 2) Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a common receipt 1300 issued by a POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2. In the common receipt 1300 of Figure 13, the transaction details column 531 includes information about regular goods and information about equipment. The subtotal column 532 shows the subtotal for regular goods and the subtotal for equipment (¥0). The total amount column 533 shows information about regular goods and information about equipment (displaying employee ID and ¥0). In addition to the employee number and employee name, the employee information column 536 indicates that there is only one pair of work trousers remaining that can be provided.

[0149] Thus, in Embodiment 2, a common receipt 1300 is issued that combines regular merchandise transactions and equipment transactions, thereby reducing the consumption of paper media. However, in Embodiment 2, separate receipts may be issued for transactions that include both regular merchandise transactions and equipment transactions.

[0150] As described above, the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 2 allows for the simultaneous handling of both regular merchandise transactions and equipment transactions in a single transaction. This enables equipment transactions to be conducted using the fully self-service POS terminal device 20 without requiring procedures from store staff. Therefore, even when an equipment management system St is introduced in a business store, the equipment management system St can be operated efficiently. Consequently, the operational efficiency of the equipment management system St can be improved.

[0151] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Title of Invention] Product Information Processing Device and Program [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a product information processing device and a program. [Background technology] Traditionally, factories, offices, and other business premises have shops for the use of employees and other customers. These shops may sell not only typical goods such as food and beverages, but also equipment used at the business premises. This equipment may include items provided free of charge or purchased at employee discount prices. Equipment traded at the shop is managed by a designated department, such as the general affairs department. Therefore, equipment transactions involve procedures such as shop staff filling out slips or forms listing the items and sending them to the designated department.

[0152] Furthermore, in recent years, self-checkout systems, where customers register and pay for their items themselves, have become widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Self-checkout systems are also becoming more common in storefronts at businesses. [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-205023 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, with conventional technology, even if self-service transactions were introduced at a store's shop, transactions involving supplies still required procedures handled by store staff. Therefore, transactions for supplies had to be conducted through store staff, meaning self-service transactions were not always possible. This presented a problem where, even with the introduction of self-service transactions, they could not be operated efficiently. This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can improve the efficiency of operations related to self-service trading. [Means for solving the problem]

[0153] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a product information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a product information processing device characterized by comprising: a product receiving means for receiving products to be traded by a customer; an acquisition means for acquiring the customer's identification information; and a transaction control means for conducting a transaction for equipment used at the business establishment where the customer works, provided that the acquisition means has acquired the identification information. With the above configuration, equipment transactions can be conducted using the fully self-service POS terminal 20 without requiring procedures from store staff. Therefore, even when the equipment management system St is introduced in the store of a business premises, the equipment management system St can be operated efficiently. Thus, the operational efficiency of the equipment management system St can be improved.

[0154] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the transaction control means may perform the transaction of the goods to be traded regardless of the acquisition of identification information by the acquisition means if the goods to be traded do not include the equipment. According to the above configuration, in typical commodity transactions, customers can conduct transactions without presenting their employee ID.

[0155] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, when the transaction of the equipment is completed, the configuration may include a storage control means that stores the transaction record of the equipment associated with the identification information in a predetermined storage unit. With the above configuration, the equipment management terminal device 30 can display transaction records by querying the equipment management server 1. Therefore, the equipment manager can verify the equipment without requiring store staff to perform procedures related to the equipment in equipment transactions.

[0156] (4) In any of the configurations described in (1) to (3) above, the equipment may include supplied items provided free of charge from the business establishment to the customer, and the transaction control means may, when the goods subject to the transaction include the supplied items, set the amount of the supplied items to be displayed on the display unit to zero and proceed with the transaction. According to the above configuration, customers can be made aware that the supplied items are priced at ¥0, and the equipment can be supplied after following the same self-service procedures as in normal product transactions.

[0157] (5) In the configuration of (4) above, the transaction control means includes a transaction acceptance means that displays the total amount of the goods to be traded on the display unit and enables the operation of the settlement operator, and if the goods to be traded are only the supplied goods, the transaction acceptance means may display a total amount of zero on the display unit and enable the operation of the operator. With the above configuration, equipment transactions can be conducted using the same self-service procedures as for regular commodity transactions. Therefore, it is possible to minimize customer confusion during equipment transactions and support smooth transactions.

[0158] (6) In any of the configurations described in (1) to (5) above, the transaction control means may enable the transaction of the equipment if the identification information obtained by the acquisition means includes specific information that has been registered in advance, and may make the transaction of the equipment impossible if the identification information obtained by the acquisition means does not include the specific information. According to the above configuration, if the customer being traded is not a specific employee, it is possible to refrain from providing equipment.

[0159] (7) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product information processing device, characterized in that the computer functions as a product receiving means for receiving products to be traded by customer operation, an acquisition means for acquiring customer identification information, and a transaction control means that, if the products to be traded include equipment used at the business establishment where the customer works, conducts a transaction for the equipment on the condition that the acquisition means acquires the identification information. With the above configuration, equipment transactions can be conducted using the fully self-service POS terminal 20 without requiring procedures from store staff. Therefore, even when the equipment management system St is introduced in the store of a business premises, the equipment management system St can be operated efficiently. Thus, the operational efficiency of the equipment management system St can be improved.

[0160] Furthermore, all or part of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment, etc.)) of the POS terminal device 20 described above may be implemented in a device other than the one described as the entity that executes those functions.

[0161] For example, instead of the POS terminal device 20, a store controller 10, an equipment management server 1, or a cloud server (not shown) may perform the control of equipment transactions on the condition that identification information is obtained. Specifically, for example, another device may perform the processing that the POS terminal device 20 would perform (see Figures 8A and 8B) instead of the POS terminal device 20.

[0162] Furthermore, while the above description described a configuration in which the POS terminal device 20 comprises an acquisition unit 501, a product receiving unit 502, a transaction control unit 503, and a storage control unit 504, all or part of these functional units may be provided in other computer devices. For example, all or part of these functional units may be provided in the store controller 10, in the cloud server, or in other computer devices. Also, the computer devices equipped with these functional units are not limited to multiple units, but may consist of just one unit. For example, all of these functional units may be provided in a single computer device.

[0163] In relation to the above, the POS terminal device 20 may function as a so-called thin client specializing in the input / output interface portion for controlling equipment transactions conditional on obtaining identification information. In other words, the POS terminal device 20 may receive various inputs (operation by the operator, detection by a device such as a scanner), send the input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to the cloud server, receive the processing results of the cloud server based on the input information (updated screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on the display unit, device control).

[0164] Furthermore, the program for implementing the equipment management system St and POS terminal device 20 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] St... Equipment management system, 1... Equipment management server, 10... Store controller, 11... Transaction status management device, 20... POS terminal device, 201... CPU, 202... ROM, 203... RAM, 204... Hard disk, 205... Customer-side display unit, 206... Customer-side scanner unit, 208... Card payment unit, 209... Change dispenser, 213... Printing unit, 214... Voice output unit, 215... Communication unit, 501... Acquisition unit, 502... Product reception unit, 503... Transaction control unit, 504... Memory control unit, 505... Transaction reception unit

Claims

1. A product acceptance mechanism that accepts the products to be traded based on customer operations, A means for obtaining the customer's identification information, Transaction control means for conducting the aforementioned transaction target, Equipped with, The transaction control means is A transaction for equipment used at the business premises where the aforementioned customer works is conducted on the condition that the aforementioned identification information is obtained by the aforementioned acquisition means. A normal transaction relating to a normal product different from the aforementioned equipment is conducted without requiring the acquisition of the identification information by the acquisition means. A product information processing device characterized by the following features.

2. The transaction control means displays on the display unit an equipment transaction start operator for accepting the start of the equipment transaction and a normal transaction start operator for accepting the start of the normal transaction. The product information processing device according to feature 1.

3. When the equipment transaction start operator is operated, the transaction control means causes the acquisition means to display a screen on the display unit that causes it to acquire the identification information. The product information processing device according to claim 2, comprising:

4. The transaction control means enables the selection of a settlement type that uses the identification information in the equipment transaction, and prevents the selection of a settlement type that does not use the identification information. Product information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The transaction control means makes it impossible to select a settlement type that uses the identification information in the normal transaction, and makes it possible to select a settlement type that does not use the identification information. Product information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. comprising notification means for notifying an error The transaction control means accepts the goods subject to the transaction in the equipment transaction or the regular transaction, The aforementioned notification means is, In the aforementioned equipment transaction, if the aforementioned regular goods are accepted as the subject of the transaction, an error will be reported. In the aforementioned normal transaction, if the equipment is accepted as the subject of the transaction, an error will be reported. Product information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A program that makes a computer function as a product information processing device, The aforementioned computer, A product acceptance mechanism that accepts the products to be traded based on customer operations. means for obtaining the customer's identification information, Transaction control means for conducting the transaction of the aforementioned transaction target, To make it function as, The transaction control means is A transaction for equipment used at the business premises where the aforementioned customer works is conducted on the condition that the aforementioned identification information is obtained by the aforementioned acquisition means. A normal transaction relating to a normal product different from the aforementioned equipment is conducted without requiring the acquisition of the identification information by the acquisition means. A program characterized by the following features.

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