JP7157440B2 - Merchandise sales data processing device, merchandise sales data processing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device, a product sales data processing system, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art A semi-self-type cash register, in which a registration device for registering a product and a settlement device for adjusting the price of the product registered by the registration device are separate devices, is widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a semi-self system, registration and payment are performed by each device, so congestion at the register can be alleviated. Further, among the registration devices in the semi-self system, there are those that allow product registration and settlement, and those that allow payment during product registration.

JP 2017-224364 A

If registration and payment are performed on separate devices, it is possible to alleviate congestion at the register as described above, but some customers are confused by the payment operation on the payment device. If the payment operation is confusing and the time required for payment is prolonged, the advantage of the semi-self system is lost and the convenience is reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving convenience.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a product sales data processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes registration means capable of executing product registration processing, settlement means capable of executing settlement processing, and settlement processing by another device. and a declaring means for declaring execution of settlement processing in the own device, wherein the declaring means executes settlement processing in the self device. is declared, the transmission of the registration data by the transmission means is prohibited.

According to the above, convenience can be improved.

In the commodity sales data processing device, if the declaring means does not declare execution of settlement processing in the own device and the other device is not under settlement processing, the transmitting means is permitted to transmit registration data. good too.

According to the above, if there is no declaration, the transmission of registration data is permitted, so that a semi-self system can be operated.

The commodity sales data processing apparatus has a display section for salesclerks and a display section for customers, and when the declaring means declares execution of settlement processing in the self device, settlement processing can be executed in the self device. can be displayed at least on the customer display unit.

According to the above, since at least the customer display section displays that the settlement process can be executed by the own device, the customer can recognize that the settlement process can be executed by the own device, which is convenient for the customer. can be improved.

In the commodity sales data processing apparatus, a deposit/withdrawal means capable of depositing/withdrawing cash may be provided, and the declaring means may be disabled when the deposit/withdrawal means is in a predetermined state.

According to the above, whether or not to invalidate the declaring means can be determined depending on whether or not the deposit/withdrawal means is in a predetermined state.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a product sales data processing system, which is another aspect of the present invention, includes a registration/settlement device capable of executing a registration process for registering a product and an adjustment process; A merchandise sales data processing system comprising a settlement device for executing processing, wherein the registration and settlement device includes registration means capable of executing commodity registration processing, settlement means capable of executing settlement processing, and the settlement device. transmitting means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration process in order to execute the settlement process in the device; The transmission of the registration data by the transmission means is prohibited when the execution of the process is declared.

According to the above, convenience can be improved.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product sales data processing device, wherein the computer functions as registration means capable of executing product registration processing. , as settlement means capable of executing settlement processing, transmission means for transmitting registration data generated by registration processing in order to execute settlement processing in another device, and declaration means for declaring execution of settlement processing in the own device. functioning, and prohibiting transmission of registration data by the transmitting means when the declaring means declares execution of settlement processing in the own device.

According to the above, convenience can be improved.

As described above, it is possible to improve the convenience of the product sales data processing device.

1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the installation example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the external appearance example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining switching of operation modes of the POS terminal; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of operations in a normal mode; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations in a normal mode; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of operations in a normal mode; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations in a normal mode; It is a schematic diagram explaining the outline of operation|movement of full self mode. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operation in full-self mode; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operation in double scan mode; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations in a double scan mode; It is a display example of a POS terminal in full self mode. It is a display example of a POS terminal in full self mode. It is a figure which shows a layout. It is a display example of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. It is a display example of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. 10 is a flowchart showing self-terminal settlement permission processing; 10 is a flowchart showing self-terminal settlement permission processing; It is a display example of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. It is a display example of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. It is a display example of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. It is a display example of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode.

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in FIG. Connected for communication. Hereinafter, the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 are collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20 unless otherwise distinguished. The POS system 1 may further include a monitoring terminal (not shown) that displays the status of the POS terminal 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controls the POS terminal 20 .

The POS system 1 can be installed in various stores (convenience stores, supermarkets, etc.).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installation example of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as viewed from the customer side. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as seen from the store clerk's side. As shown in FIG. 2A, a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 viewed from the customer side. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the salesclerk side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts.

A configuration example of the POS terminal 20 shown in FIG. 4 will be described below with reference to FIG. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer-side display unit 205, a customer-side scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change machine 209, a store clerk-side display unit 210, A key operation unit 211 , a store clerk side scanner unit 212 , a printing unit 213 , an audio output unit 214 , and a communication unit 215 are provided. They can communicate with each other via a bus. In addition, the code|symbol 211a is mentioned later.

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

A RAM 203 is a read/write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (for example, a product master acquired from the store controller 10), information generated during processing (for example, registration information (registration data) generated in registration processing for registering products, (settlement information, etc. generated in settlement processing for settlement (settlement) of products).

The hard disk 204 stores various information. The hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202, for example. Also, instead of the RAM 203, information obtained from the outside or information generated during processing may be stored.

The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to the customer and receives various inputs from the customer.
A customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads various kinds of information.
For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically scans barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on accounting tickets (registered trademark). read. In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 scans codes (bar codes, 2 dimension code, etc.) may be read.

The customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when the customer registers the product, but the customer may register the product by another method. For example, when a preset key corresponding to a product (a button for ordering a product) is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer may operate (press) the preset key to register the product.

The card settlement unit 208 is a settlement mechanism using various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card settlement unit 208 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), display unit, and operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information on various cards. The read information is used for settlement (settlement) of purchased products. In addition, when using the recognized information for the payment (settlement) of the purchased product this time (that is, in the case of credit payment by credit card, in the case of prepaid card payment by prepaid card, the card recognition part will use (consumption), etc.), in addition to cases where the recognized information is not used for the payment (settlement) of the purchased product (for example, in the case of awarding benefits by presenting a credit card, in the case of awarding points to a point card) etc.) may also recognize various cards. Note that the card settlement unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but the card settlement unit 208 may include at least a card recognition unit. Further, the card recognition unit of this embodiment corresponds to a contact type card (IC card, magnetic card). may correspond to

The change dispenser 209 (cash settlement unit) is a settlement mechanism using cash, and has an insertion port for banknotes and coins and a discharge port for banknotes and coins. The amount of change, which is the difference, is calculated, and the change is discharged from the discharge port. The change dispenser 209 is directed toward the customer and is operated by the customer. Note that when banknotes or coins are inserted into the slot, they are detected by a sensor (detection of insertion, detection of the number of coins by denomination, etc.). The card payment unit 208 and the change machine 209 form a settlement unit.

The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for the clerk, and displays various information to the clerk and receives various inputs from the clerk.
The key operation unit 211 is composed of various keys (hardware keys, buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk.
The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for the clerk, and optically reads various kinds of information. For example, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 optically reads a bar code attached to a product or a clerk code attached to a clerk's name tag. In addition to the above, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 may read codes printed on checkout tickets, coupons, and codes printed on various cards.

Note that the clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers products, but the clerk may register the products by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (for example, a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged in the key operation unit 211, the clerk can operate (press) the key to register the product. good. Further, when a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk may operate the preset key to register the product.

The printing unit 213 prints and issues various media (receipts, accounting coupons, etc.). The printing unit 213 can be rotatably changed from the clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the clerk side (the direction of the medium issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or may be automatically changed (mechanically controlled, etc.) based on, for example, switching of operation modes (details will be described later). Note that whether the orientation of the printing unit 213 is correct or incorrect may be detected by a sensor or the like. Note that the switching of the operation mode is also referred to as the operation mode transition.

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

(Outline of each operation mode)
Next, operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has multiple operating modes. This operation mode is an operation mode during normal work (operation mode related to registration processing and settlement processing), which is an aggregation mode for totalizing and inquiring sales, balance, etc., and a mode for setting work and maintenance work by store clerks and maintenance personnel. It does not include the maintenance mode when doing training, the training mode when newcomers do training, etc.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The POS terminal 20 has, for example, three types of operation modes (normal mode (standard mode), full-self mode, and semi-self mode (accounting mode)) shown in FIG. 5A. Also, the POS terminal 20 may have a normal mode (restricted mode) in FIG. 5(B) in place of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) in FIG. 5(A). Also, the POS terminal 20 may have a semi-self mode (registration-only mode) in FIG. 5(B) instead of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) in FIG. 5(A). Also, the POS terminal 20 may have a semi-self mode (registration-only mode) in FIG. 5(B) in place of or in addition to the semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) in FIG. 5(A).

In FIG. 5A, columns indicate operation modes, and rows indicate functions (“product registration (clerk side)”, “product registration (customer side)”, “insert money”, . "Read accounting ticket"). The same applies to FIG. 5B (however, illustration of each function is omitted in FIG. 5B).

In FIG. 5(A) (similar to FIG. 5(B)), "O" in the column specified by the column and row indicates that the function of the row is valid in the operation mode of the column. . For example, "○" in the column specified by the column "Normal mode (standard mode)" and the row "Product registration (clerk side)" means that product registration (clerk side) is valid in normal mode (standard mode). It indicates the purpose. Also, "-" in the column specified by the column and row indicates that the function of the row is disabled in the operation mode of the column. For example, "-" in the column identified by the column "normal mode" and the row "product registration (customer side)" indicates that product registration (customer side) is disabled in the normal mode.

(Description of each function)
An outline of each function shown in FIG. 5A will be described below.

(Product registration (clerk side))
"Commodity registration (clerk side)" is a function for registering purchased commodities on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, it is a function of executing the registration process of the purchased product by the operation of the store clerk (scanning by the store clerk side scanner unit 212, touch on the store clerk side display unit 210, operation of the key operation unit 211).

(Product registration (customer side))
"Commodity registration (customer side)" is a function of registering a purchased commodity on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). In other words, it is a function of executing the registration processing of the purchased product by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205).

(insertion of money)
"Insert money" is a function of receiving money (banknotes, coins). In other words, it is a function of accepting an operation for settlement with cash (insertion of money into the change machine 209).

(Transmission of registration information to other terminals)
"Send registration information to other terminal" is to send the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (other terminal capable of executing the settlement process, for example, another POS terminal 20) (directly to the other terminal). It is a function of transmitting, or indirectly transmitting to other terminals via the store controller 10, a monitoring terminal, etc. (same hereafter).

(Issuing accounting coupons)
"Issuance of accounting coupon" is a function of encoding the registration information generated in the registration process and issuing a printed medium (accounting coupon).

(Receipt of registration information from other terminals)
"Receiving registration information from other terminals" refers to receiving registration information generated in the registration process of other terminals (directly from other terminals, or indirectly via store controller 10, monitoring terminals, etc.). It is a function to receive from other terminals (same hereafter). A terminal that receives registration information from another terminal executes settlement processing based on the registration information.

(Reading the accounting ticket)
"Read accounting ticket" is a function to read an accounting ticket (specifically, a code printed on the accounting ticket or coded information). A terminal that has read an accounting ticket issued by another terminal executes settlement processing based on registration information acquired by reading the accounting ticket.

(Description of each operation mode)
Next, an outline of each operation mode shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B will be described.

(Normal mode (standard mode))
The normal mode (standard mode), as shown in FIG. 5A, is an operation mode in which product registration (store clerk side) is enabled "O" and product registration (customer side) is disabled "-". In other words, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which the store clerk executes the registration process without executing the registration process on the customer side.

In normal mode (standard mode), as shown in Fig. 5(A), the insertion of money, the transmission of registration information to other terminals, and the issuance of accounting coupons are all valid. Operation mode. In other words, in the normal mode (standard mode), it is possible to execute the settlement processing after the registration processing on the store clerk's side either at the own terminal (own device) or at another terminal. Specifically, in the normal mode (standard mode), the self-terminal executes the settlement processing by accepting the insertion of money into the change machine 209, and by transmitting the registration information to the other terminal (or by receiving the accounting ticket) (by issuing it) causes the other terminal to execute the settlement process.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which both reception of registration information from other terminals and reading of checkouts are valid "O". That is, in the normal mode (standard mode), settlement processing can be executed based on the registration information generated by the other terminal. Note that the settlement process after receiving the registration information (or after reading the accounting ticket) may be executed in the semi-self mode of FIG. 5(A). In other words, when the registration information is received (or the accounting ticket is read) while in the normal mode (standard mode), the normal mode (standard mode) is automatically switched to the semi-self mode (accounting mode). You may ask for permission by ), and you may execute settlement processing in semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode). In addition, if you shift to semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) and execute settlement processing, it will automatically switch from semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) to normal mode (standard mode) (you may ask for permission from the clerk). It may be transferred (returned) or left in the semi-self mode (accounting mode).

In the normal mode (standard mode), at least one of reception of registration information from other terminals and reading of accounting coupons may be disabled (-).

(Full self mode)
As shown in FIG. 5A, the full-self mode is an operation mode in which product registration (customer side) is set to valid "O". In other words, the full self mode is an operation mode premised on registration processing on the customer side. However, in the full-self mode, product registration (on the store clerk's side) is also enabled with "O". In other words, the full-self mode is an operation mode that allows registration processing on the salesclerk side as well as registration processing on the customer side. A state in which registration processing is being performed on both the customer side and the store clerk side may be referred to as a double scan mode.

In the example shown in FIG. 5(A), product registration (clerk side) is set to valid "○" in full self mode, but product registration (clerk side) is set to invalid "-" in full self mode. good too.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, the full-self mode is an operation mode in which the insertion of money is enabled "O" and the transmission of registration information to other terminals and the issuance of accounting coupons are disabled "-". is. That is, the full-self mode is an operation mode that assumes settlement processing at the terminal.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 5(A), in the full self mode, as in the normal mode (standard mode), both the reception of registration information from other terminals and the reading of accounting tickets are valid. This is an operating mode that That is, in the full-self mode, as in the normal mode (standard mode), it is possible to execute settlement processing based on registration information generated in other terminals. Note that the settlement process after receiving the registration information (or after reading the accounting ticket) may be executed in the semi-self mode of FIG. 5(A). In other words, when registration information is received (or an accounting ticket is read) while in full-self mode, the system automatically switches from full-self mode to semi-self mode (accounting-only mode). The settlement process may be executed as a dedicated mode). In addition, if you shift to semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) and execute settlement processing, you may automatically shift (return) from semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) to full self mode, or semi-self mode ( Accounting only mode) may be left as is.

(Semi-self mode (accounting mode))
In the semi-self mode (accounting only mode), as shown in Fig. 5(A), reception of registration information from other terminals, reading of accounting coupons, and insertion of money are enabled, and product registration (clerk side) is performed. and product registration (customer side) are disabled "-". In other words, the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) is an operation mode in which the own terminal does not execute the registration process, but exclusively executes the settlement process based on the registration information generated in the other terminal. In addition, since the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) is an operation mode that does not execute registration processing (because registration information is not generated), as shown in FIG. The issuance of accounting coupons is also invalidated as "-".

(Normal mode (restricted mode))
In normal mode (restricted mode), as shown in Fig. 5(B), transmission of registration information to other terminals and issue of accounting coupons, which were marked as valid in normal mode (standard mode) in Fig. 5(A) and are invalid "-". In other words, the normal mode (restricted mode) is an operation mode that restricts the function of allowing other terminals to execute settlement processing, which is permitted in the normal mode (standard mode).

(Semi-self mode (registration only mode))
In the semi-self mode (registration-only mode), as shown in Fig. 5(B), product registration (clerk side), transmission of registration information to other terminals, and issuance of accounting coupons are enabled with "○", and product registration ( (customer side), inserting money, receiving registration information from other terminals, and reading checkouts are disabled (-). In other words, the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) is an operation mode in which the own terminal exclusively executes the registration process and the other terminal executes the settlement process. In the semi-self mode (registration-only mode), since it is assumed that the registration operation is performed by a store clerk, product registration (customer side) is disabled "-".

(Regarding enabling/disabling functions)
In the above description, the POS terminal 20 has various functions (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side) in FIG. 5A, insertion of money, …, reading of the accounting ticket), it is different whether it is valid "〇" or invalid "-". In other words, in the above description, the POS terminal 20 originally performs all functions (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side), insertion of money, ..., reading of accounting coupons in FIG. 5A). and some of the functions are disabled according to the operation mode (for example, as shown in FIG. Registration (customer side) is disabled "-", and when in full self mode, transmission of registration information to other terminals and issuance of accounting coupons are disabled "-").

However, the POS terminal 20 only needs to have different functions that can be executed depending on the operation mode, and the POS terminal 20 does not necessarily have all the functions originally, and disables some of the functions according to the operation mode. It is not necessary to have such a configuration. For example, the POS terminal 20 does not have all the functions (programs for realizing the functions) from the beginning, but depending on the operation mode (for example, when switching the operation mode), it is necessary in the operation mode. Acquire and execute a program for realizing a function (function corresponding to the function marked as valid “O” in FIG. 5) from outside (for example, store controller 10, monitoring terminal, server outside the store (cloud, etc.), etc.) In addition, if there is a program for realizing an unnecessary function in the operation mode (function corresponding to the disabled "-" function in FIG. 5) (if it is retained), the program It may be put in an unexecutable state (for example, it may be erased). It should be noted that after disabling the program for realizing the unnecessary function, the program for realizing the necessary function may be acquired and made executable. In addition, for example, when switching the operation mode, the POS terminal 20 temporarily makes all programs unexecutable regardless of the operation mode of the transition destination, and then implements functions required in the operation mode. The program may be acquired from the outside and made executable.
In other words, the configuration of the POS terminal 20 may be such that some of the various originally provided functions are disabled according to the operation mode. It may be such that only the functions are appropriately provided.

The normal mode (standard mode), full-self mode, semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) in FIG. 5(A), normal mode (restricted mode), and semi-self mode (registration-only mode) in FIG. 5(B) have been described above. However, the following description will focus on the normal mode (standard mode), full-self mode, and semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) shown in FIG. 5(A). Note that, in the following description, the normal mode (standard mode) may be simply referred to as the normal mode. Also, the semi-self mode (accounting only mode) may be simply referred to as the semi-self mode.

(Operation mode switching (transition))
Next, switching (transition) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 basically switches the operation mode according to an explicit mode switching operation (also referred to as a mode switching operation; details will be described later) for switching the operation mode by the clerk. Also, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to another operation (for example, reading a store clerk code, etc.) different from the mode switching operation.

In addition, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode without being operated by the store clerk. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to a mode switching instruction (mode switching instruction) from another terminal (POS terminal 20, monitoring terminal, mobile terminal, etc.). In addition, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to time conditions (for example, the elapsed time since the last operation, the fixed time according to the schedule, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode at the start of processing (for example, at the start of settlement processing based on received registration information, at the start of settlement processing based on an accounting ticket, etc.). Also, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode at the end of the process (for example, at the end of the settlement process based on the received registration information, at the end of the settlement process based on the accounting ticket).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating switching of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The left side of FIG. 6 shows a combination of operation modes before and after switching (operation mode before switching→operation mode after switching), and the right side shows conditions (an example) for switching operation modes. For example, row a indicates, as an example of conditions for switching the operating mode from the normal mode to the full self mode, a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, and the elapse of a predetermined time (non-use). In other words, when the operation mode is the normal mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, or the passage of a predetermined time (not used), the operation mode will switch from the normal mode to the full self mode. showing. Details of the mode switching operation will be described later.

(Normal mode → full self mode)
As shown in a, in the normal mode, for example, a mode switching operation, a mode switching instruction (such as a mode switching instruction in which the full self mode is specified as the operation mode to be shifted to), elapse of a predetermined period of time (after a predetermined period of time non-use), etc., the operation mode is switched from the normal mode to the full self mode.

(Normal mode → semi-self mode (accounting mode))
As shown in b, when in the normal mode, for example, there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching instruction (such as a mode switching instruction in which the semi-self mode (accounting mode) is specified as the destination operation mode). In this case, the operation mode is switched from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (accounting mode). Also, when in the normal mode, for example, when registration information is received from another terminal or when an accounting ticket is read, the operation mode may be switched from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode). .

(Full self mode → normal mode)
As shown in c, when in the full self mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching instruction (such as a mode switching instruction specifying the normal mode as the destination operation mode), The operation mode is switched from full self mode to normal mode. Also, when an operation is received on the customer side during standby in the full self mode (when the registration start button BT30 is operated, when the customer-side display section 205 is touched, or when a product is registered by the customer-side scanner section 206) ), the full self mode is continued, and when an operation is accepted by the clerk (product registration is performed on the clerk's side, a touch operation on the clerk's display unit 210 is accepted, or an operation by the clerk declaring use ( For example, when login is accepted), the mode may be automatically switched to the normal mode. If the timing at which the customer's operation is accepted and the timing at which the store clerk accepts the operation are the same timing, it is necessary to set in advance which operation mode, the full self mode or the normal mode, should be given priority. Alternatively, at least one of the screens may be displayed to confirm the switching of the operation mode, or an operation prompting the switching of the operation mode may be notified.

(Full self-mode → semi-self mode (accounting mode))
As shown in d, when in the full self mode, for example, there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching instruction (a mode switching instruction specifying the semi-self mode (accounting mode) as the destination operation mode, etc.). In this case, the operation mode is switched from full-self mode to semi-self mode (accounting-only mode). Also, when in full self mode, for example, when registration information is received from another terminal or when an accounting ticket is read, the operation mode is switched from full self mode to semi self mode (accounting mode). good too.

(Full Self Mode → Double Scan Mode)
As shown in e, when the clerk code is read in the full self mode, the operation mode is switched from the full self mode to the double scan mode. The double scan mode is a mode of the full self mode (a state in which the product registration (store clerk side) function is used in addition to the product registration (customer side) function; see FIG. 5A).

If the clerk code is read while in full self mode, the operation mode may always switch to double scan mode regardless of the product registration status. It may be switched to a different operation mode accordingly. For example, if the clerk code is read when the product has not been registered yet (that is, when the customer has not registered the product), the full self mode will switch to normal mode, and the If the clerk code is read while the product is being registered (in other words, if the product is being registered by the customer), even if it switches from full self mode to double scan mode. good.

(Semi-self mode (accounting mode) → normal mode)
As shown in f, when in the semi-self mode (accounting mode), for example, there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching instruction (a mode switching instruction specifying the normal mode as the destination operation mode, etc.). In this case, the operation mode is switched from the semi-self mode (accounting mode) to the normal mode. Also, when in semi-self mode (accounting only mode), for example, when settlement processing (for example, settlement processing based on received registration information, settlement processing based on an accounting ticket) is completed, semi-self mode (accounting only mode) ) to the normal mode.

(Semi-self mode (accounting mode) → Full self mode)
As shown in g, when in the semi-self mode (accounting mode), for example, there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching instruction (a mode switching instruction specifying the full self mode as the destination operation mode, etc.). In this case, the operation mode is switched from the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) to the full self mode. Also, when in semi-self mode (accounting only mode), for example, when settlement processing (for example, settlement processing based on received registration information, settlement processing based on an accounting ticket) is completed, semi-self mode (accounting only mode) ) to the full self mode.

Note that the mode switching operation may be any operation as long as the destination operation mode is specified according to the operation. For example, when each button for each transition destination is provided (or displayed), the operation mode may be switched to each transition destination according to the mode switching operation of pressing each button. In addition, in the case of providing (or in the case of displaying) one button that switches the transition destination each time the button is pressed, the operation mode may be switched for each mode switching operation of pressing the button.

A button for selecting the destination operation mode and a button for determining the transition to the selected operation mode may be separately provided (or displayed).

(Transition of operation mode by mode switching operation)
Next, operation mode transition by mode switching operation will be described. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is switched according to an explicit mode switching operation by the store clerk (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the operation mode is switched according to the operation of the mode switching button 211a (see FIG. 3B) arranged at the topmost and rightmost end of the key operation unit 211. FIG.

Since the mode switching button 211a is arranged at the corner of the key operation unit 211, it is possible to reduce operation errors when switching the operation mode and to easily switch the operation mode. In other words, when the mode switching button 211a exists at the corner of the key operating unit 211, for example, compared to the case where the mode switching button 211a exists near the center of the key operating unit 211, for example, the mode switching button 211a to be operated Since the number of adjacent buttons is small, it is difficult to make an operation error such as hastily operating another button, and since the position of the mode switching button 211a to be operated can be specified instantly, the mode switching operation can be performed without stress. It can be performed.

Furthermore, since the mode switching button 211a is arranged at the corner of the upper right end (uppermost and rightmost end) of the key operation unit 211, the mode switching operation can be performed not only when the store clerk is on the store clerk's side but also when the customer is on the customer's side. be able to In other words, a store clerk on the customer's side usually cannot see each button of the key operation unit 211, but as for the mode switching button 211a existing at the upper right end of the key operation unit 211, the customer reaches out and gropes. Since the mode switching button 211a to be operated can be easily recognized only by (hand feel), the clerk on the customer side can perform the mode switching operation without moving to the clerk side.

In the present embodiment, the mode switching button 211a is arranged at the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211. However, if the mode switching button 211a is located at a position that can be recognized only by fumbling (a position that can be recognized relatively easily), the mode switching button 211a can be changed. The switching button 211 a may be arranged at a position other than the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211 . Instead of or in addition to arranging the mode switching button 211a at a position that can be recognized only by fumbling (for example, the upper right corner), the mode switching button 211a can be distinguished from other buttons even from the customer's side. , the mode switching button 211a may be formed. For example, the size of the mode switching button 211a may be made different from the size of the other buttons, or the shape of the mode switching button 211a may be made different from the shape of the other buttons to the extent that they can be distinguished by feeling. Alternatively, the height of the mode switching button 211a may be different from the height of the other buttons (for example, the mode switching button 211a may protrude more than the other buttons, or ), the feel of all or part of the surface of the mode switching button 211a (the surface touched by the hand) may be different from that of the other buttons (for example, only the surface of the mode switching button 211a may be rough or rough). A touch may be used, or projections or depressions may be provided only on the surface of the mode switching button 211a).

In the present embodiment, the mode switching button 211a is arranged in the key operating section 211 in consideration of various advantages as described above. Alternatively, in addition, a mode switching button (not shown) may be arranged on the screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 .

(Operation of each operation mode)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operation in the normal mode. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the actions of people (clerk, customer) in the case of executing settlement processing on its own terminal in the normal mode. FIG. 8 is a flowchart outlining the operation in the normal mode. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation when executing the settlement process in the own terminal in the normal mode.

In the normal mode (both when executing settlement processing on the own terminal and when executing settlement processing on another terminal), the clerk displays the purchased product of the customer on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, It is registered by the key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 7). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes registration processing of purchased products according to the operation of the store clerk (scanning by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, touch on the store clerk-side display unit 210, operation of the key operation unit 211) (the upper part of FIG. 7). ).

When the store clerk completes the registration process, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased commodities on the store clerk side display unit 210, inserts money (cash) into the change dispenser 209, or operates the card payment unit 208 to make a payment. (bottom of FIG. 7). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing according to customer's operation (insertion of cash into the change dispenser 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7).

That is, when executing the settlement process at the own terminal in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 8, the store clerk first scans the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211, etc.) (step S30: YES), for example, the change dispenser 209 is performed (step S50), and the process is completed. The subtotal key in step S30 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be referred to as a subtotal button, registration completion key, registration completion button, checkout key, checkout button, or the like.

The customer may wait until the store clerk completes the registration process (until the total amount is determined), but may insert cash into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept payment during the registration process (upper part of FIG. 7).

Also, the customer may select a payment method (also referred to as payment type, settlement method, or settlement type) before completing the registration process. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept the selection of the payment method during the registration process.

In addition, the salesclerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer obtains change or a receipt), or may register the next customer's purchased product. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased product of the next customer during the checkout process (lower part of FIG. 7). Also, the clerk may be absent during the payment by the customer (lower part of FIG. 7). In other words, the reception of the customer may be finished during the payment of the customer.

In addition, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispensation of change or bills by the change machine 209 in order to prevent forgetting to take the change, and a sensor or the like detects that the customer has removed the change or bills. issuance of the receipt by the printing unit 213 may be controlled after recognizing the above. The same applies to other operation modes.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operation in the normal mode. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the actions of people (clerk, customer) in the normal mode (standard mode) when another terminal is caused to execute settlement processing. FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the outline of the operation in the normal mode. Specifically, FIG. 10(A) is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation in the normal mode (standard mode) when the other terminal is caused to execute the settlement process. FIG. 10(B) is a flow chart showing the basic flow of operations in the other terminal (other device) in FIG. 10(A).

In the normal mode (both when executing settlement processing on the own terminal and when executing settlement processing on another terminal), the clerk displays the purchased product of the customer on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, It is registered by the key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 9). That is, the POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. 9) performs registration processing of the purchased product by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk side scanner unit 212, the store clerk side display unit 210, the key operation unit 211, etc.). is executed (upper part of FIG. 9).

When the registration process by the clerk is completed, the customer moves to another POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 9), confirms the total amount of purchased commodities on the clerk-side display section 210, and uses the change machine. 209, or operate the card settlement unit 208 to settle the account (lower part of FIG. 9). In other words, the other POS terminals 20 execute settlement processing according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change dispenser 209, operation of the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 9).

The other POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-2) is supplied with information (registration information generated by the POS terminal 20-1, etc.) necessary for settlement processing.

The store clerk designates the POS terminal 20 (either the POS terminal 20-2 or the POS terminal 20-3 in the example of FIG. 9) to execute the settlement process at the POS terminal 20-1. Alternatively, the clerk causes the POS terminal 20-1 to issue a medium (accounting coupon) that can be read by the POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20-2 or the POS terminal 20-3 in the example of FIG. 9) that executes the settlement process. may

That is, in the normal mode, when another terminal is caused to execute the settlement process, as shown in FIG. ). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211, etc.) (step S30: YES), for example, settlement processing is executed. POS terminal 20 is specified (step S31: YES), the registration information is transmitted to the specified POS terminal 20 (step S32), and the processing on the registration side is completed.

After specifying another terminal, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchased product (lower part of FIG. 9). Also, the clerk may be absent after specifying another terminal (lower part of FIG. 9).

In the example shown in FIG. 10A, another POS terminal 20 is specified after pressing the subtotal key, but the other POS terminal 20 may be specified without pressing the subtotal key. . For example, a subtotal key and a key for specifying another POS terminal 20 are arranged on the registration screen (a key for issuing an accounting ticket may also be arranged), and the POS terminal 20 is specified. key is pressed, the registration information may be transmitted. In the mode in which another POS terminal 20 is specified without pressing the subtotal key, it is unnecessary to press the subtotal key after pressing the key for specifying the other POS terminal 20 .

Although omitted in the example shown in FIG. 10A, it is also possible to issue an accounting ticket to be read by another POS terminal 20 and cause the other POS terminal 20 to execute the settlement process.
The key for issuing the accounting ticket may be pressed after the subtotal key is pressed, or may be pressed before the subtotal key is pressed. In the mode in which the key for issuing the accounting coupon is pressed before pressing the subtotal key, it is unnecessary to press the subtotal key after pressing the key for issuing the accounting coupon.

The other POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 9) that has received the registration information enters the semi-self mode after receiving the registration information (step S40: YES), as shown in FIG. 10B. If it is not (accounting only mode), it shifts (switches) to semi-self mode (accounting only mode). That is, if the current operating mode (at the time of receiving the registration information) is the full self mode (step S41: YES), the full self mode is shifted to the semi self mode (accounting mode) (step S42), and the current operating mode is the normal mode (step S43: YES), the normal mode is shifted to the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) (step S42). Then, on the customer side, payment is made by, for example, the change machine 209 (step S50), and the processing on the payment side is completed.

In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the other POS terminal 20 that has received the registration information shifts to the semi-self mode (accounting only mode) if it is not in the semi-self mode (accounting only mode) after receiving the registration information. However, it is not necessary to switch to semi-self mode (accounting mode). In other words, since the settlement process is possible even in the normal mode or the full self mode (see FIG. 5), the settlement process may be executed in the normal mode or the full self mode.

In the normal mode (standard mode), as described above, after the store clerk executes the registration process, the customer side of the own terminal executes the settlement process using the registration information generated in the registration process (see FIG. 7). , FIG. 8), and a function of transmitting the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (another terminal capable of executing the settlement process, such as another POS terminal 20) to cause the other terminal to execute the settlement process. (See Figs. 9 and 10) and the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for obtaining the registration information) are coded (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) and printed out. and a function of causing the other terminal to execute settlement processing.

On the other hand, in the normal mode (restricted mode), among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above, as shown in FIG. A function that causes the terminal to execute the settlement process, and the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for obtaining the registration information) is coded and printed to issue an accounting coupon to perform the settlement process on the other terminal. This mode limits the functions that can be executed.

In addition, among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above, the function of transmitting the registration information generated in the registration process to the other terminal and causing the other terminal to execute the settlement process, and the function of the registration information generated in the registration process ( or information for obtaining the registration information) is coded and printed, and the function of causing the other terminal to execute the settlement process is also a function of the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). In other words, the semi-self mode can be classified into a registration-only mode and an accounting-only mode. In the semi-self mode (registration-only mode), as shown in FIG. A function to send to the terminal and execute the settlement process on the other terminal, and issue an accounting ticket printed by encoding the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for acquiring the registration information) and a function of causing the other terminal to execute settlement processing. In other words, in the semi-self mode (registration-only mode), among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above, after executing the registration processing on the store clerk side, using the registration information generated in the registration processing, In this mode, the function of executing the settlement process on the customer side is restricted. That is, the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) is an operation mode exclusively for performing registration processing.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, the semi-self mode (accounting only mode) has a function of receiving registration information generated in the registration process on another terminal and executing the settlement process, and It also includes a function to read accounting tickets and execute settlement processing. In other words, the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) is an operation mode exclusively for executing settlement processing.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operation in full-self mode. FIG. 12 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the full-self mode.

In the full-self mode, the customer registers his/her purchased product on the customer side (customer side scanner section 206, customer side display section 205) (upper part of FIG. 11). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes registration processing of the purchased product according to the customer's operation (scanning by the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 11).

When the registration process is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased products on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts cash into the change machine 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to settle the account (lower part of FIG. 11). ). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing according to customer's operation (insertion of cash into the change machine 209, operation of the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 11).

That is, in the case of the full self mode, as shown in FIG. 12, the customer scans the product (step S20: YES) and registers the product (step S21). After the registration completion key (for example, the registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205) is pressed (step S40: YES), the customer's account is settled by, for example, the change machine 209 (step S50), and processing is performed. is completed. The registration completion key related to step S40 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be called a registration completion button, subtotal key, subtotal button, checkout key, checkout button, or the like.

In the full-self mode, as shown in FIG. 11, the customer side executes both the registration process and the settlement process, but it does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self mode, for example, the clerk can scan the product (double scan mode), or the clerk can display various information. It is possible.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operation in the double scan mode. FIG. 14 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the double scan mode. Note that the double scan mode is one mode of the full self mode, but for the sake of convenience, both operation modes will be described separately in FIGS.

In the full-self mode, the customer registers his/her purchased product on the customer side (upper part of FIG. 11, upper part of FIG. 13). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration processing of the purchased product by the customer's operation (upper part of FIG. 11, (upper part of FIG. 13)).

During the registration process by the customer, the salesclerk registers the purchased product of the customer on the salesclerk side (the middle part of FIG. 13). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process operated by the customer and the registration process operated by the store clerk (the middle part of FIG. 13).

When the registration process is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased products on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts cash into the change dispenser 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to settle the account (lower part of FIG. 13). ). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing according to the customer's operation (insertion of cash into the change machine 209, operation of the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 13).

That is, when the store clerk code is read by the store clerk side scanner unit 212 as shown in FIG. 14A (step S110: YES) while executing the registration process in the full self mode (see FIG. 12). , the operation mode shifts from the full self mode to the double scan mode (step S111).

After shifting to the double scan mode, as shown in FIG. By scanning or the like (step S20: YES), the product is registered (step S21). A subtotal key (for example, a subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or a subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) or a registration completion key (for example, a registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205) After the completion key, etc.) is pressed (step S41: YES), on the customer side, the payment is made by, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

In the double scan mode, the store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer obtains change or a receipt), or may register the next customer's purchased product. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased product of the next customer during the checkout process (lower part of FIG. 13). Also, the clerk may be absent during the payment by the customer (lower part of FIG. 13). In other words, the reception of the customer may be finished during the payment of the customer.

As shown in FIG. 14A, when the clerk code is read in the full self mode, the operation mode shifts from the full self mode to the double scan mode. Reading the clerk code is one of the login operations. can be one. Further, when another operation (for example, a log-in operation other than reading the store clerk code) is performed in the full-self mode, the operation mode may shift from the full-self mode to the double scan mode. Further, when the clerk stops performing any operation in the double scan mode (for example, when a predetermined time has passed since the last operation), the operation mode may shift from the double scan mode to the full self mode.

(Notification of operation mode)
Each POS terminal 20 may report its current operating mode. For example, each POS terminal 20 may display the current operation mode of its own terminal on the salesclerk side display section 210 .
Specifically, each POS terminal 20 displays a screen having an operation mode display field of its own terminal on the clerk side display section 210, and displays the current operation mode of its own terminal in the operation mode display field on the screen. may In addition, each POS terminal 20 displays a screen on which an image corresponding to each operation mode (for example, a button-like image) is arranged on the clerk-side display unit 210, and the current operation mode of the own terminal is displayed on the screen. The image to be displayed may be displayed in a display manner different from that of the image that does not correspond to the current operation mode (for example, a display manner that is more conspicuous than the display manner of other images). For example, when operating in two operating modes, the normal mode and the full self mode, the normal mode image and the full self mode image are always displayed, and when the current operation mode of the own terminal is the normal mode, the normal mode image is displayed. The full self mode image may be displayed in a more conspicuous display mode than the full self mode image, and when the current operation mode of the own terminal is the full self mode image, the full self mode image may be displayed in a more conspicuous display mode than the normal mode image. . Each POS terminal 20 may similarly display the current operation mode of its own terminal on the customer side display section 205 as well.

Also, each POS terminal 20 may notify the current operation mode of another terminal instead of or in addition to the current operation mode of its own terminal. In other words, each POS terminal 20 may mutually recognize the current operation mode of the other terminal and notify the current operation mode of the other terminal. An example of a method in which each POS terminal 20 mutually recognizes the current operation mode of another terminal is that each POS terminal 20 notifies the other terminal of the operation mode after transition (latest operation mode) after the transition of the operation mode. directly to the other terminal via the store controller 10 or to the other terminal via the monitoring terminal). Also, each POS terminal 20 may report the current processing status of the other terminal as well as the current operation mode of the other terminal.

Further, each POS terminal 20 may report information according to its own current operation mode (operation mode, processing status, etc.). For example, each POS terminal 20 may display various kinds of information on the customer-side display section 205 when its current operation mode is the full self mode, for example, when it is on standby. Also, the POS terminal 20 may report information according to the current operation mode of the other terminal in place of or in addition to the information according to the current operation mode of its own terminal.

Even if the operation mode is switched by an operation by the store clerk (mode switching operation, reading of the store clerk code, etc.), if the operation mode is switched without the operation of the store clerk (mode switching command, predetermined time Even if it depends on the progress etc.), the operation mode of the own terminal and other terminals is notified.

(storage of information about operation mode)
Each POS terminal 20 may store in which operation mode the transaction (process) was made as information on the operation mode. For example, when the POS terminal 20-1 operating in normal mode (standard mode) executes registration processing and settlement processing for a certain transaction, the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration processing and settlement processing information (e.g. settlement information) (or in association with the information related to the transaction) to the effect that the registration processing and settlement processing related to the transaction were performed in the normal mode (standard mode) (e.g., identifying the operation mode available information, etc.) may be stored.

It should be noted that each POS terminal 20 may also store in which terminal the transaction (process) was made. In the above example, the POS terminal 20-1 may store information indicating that the registration process and the settlement process have been executed at its own terminal (the POS terminal 20-1) as the transaction information.
More specifically, the POS terminal 20-1 stores its own terminal identification information as the identification information (terminal identification information) of the terminal that executed the registration process, and stores its own terminal identification information as the terminal identification information of the terminal that executed the settlement process. Terminal identification information of the terminal may be stored. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal as the terminal identification information of the terminal that executed the entire processing (registration processing, settlement processing).

Also, for example, first, the POS terminal 20-1 operating in the normal mode (standard mode) executes registration processing for a certain transaction, and then the POS terminal 20-2 operating in the semi-self mode (accounting mode). However, when the settlement process is executed for the transaction based on the registration information obtained by the above registration process, the POS terminal 20-2 that executed the settlement process uses the information (for example, settlement information) regarding the transaction (or (associated with transaction information), stores information indicating that the registration process for the transaction was performed in the normal mode (standard mode), and stored information indicating that the settlement process for the transaction was performed in the semi-self mode (accounting-only mode). Information may be stored. In addition to the above, the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration process may also store information indicating that the registration process for the transaction was performed in the normal mode (standard mode).

In the above example, the POS terminal 20-2 that has executed the settlement process stores information indicating that the registration process has been executed in the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1) as information related to the transaction. The terminal 20-2) may store information indicating that the settlement process has been executed.
More specifically, the POS terminal 20-2 stores the terminal identification information of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1) as information (terminal identification information) of the terminal that executed the registration process, and also stores the terminal identification information of the terminal that executed the settlement process. terminal identification information of its own terminal (POS terminal 20-2) may be stored as the terminal identification information. In the above example, on the side of the POS terminal 20-2 that executes the settlement process, the terminal identification information and the operation mode (specifically, the normal mode (standard mode)) of the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration process are It suffices if the identifying information can be obtained. For example, from the POS terminal 20-1 side to the POS terminal 20-2 side, terminal identification information and information identifying the operation mode of the POS terminal 20-1 are supplied (for example, transmission/reception as registration information, and receipt of accounting coupons). (supplied via).

Further, each POS terminal 20 may store the transition (switching) of the operation mode as information on the operation mode. For example, when the operation mode of the POS terminal 20-1 shifts from a certain operation mode to another operation mode, the POS terminal 20-1 changes to which operation mode along with the operation mode transition time. information (for example, information that can identify the operation mode after transition) may be stored. The POS terminal 20-1 also provides information on which operation mode to which operation mode the POS terminal 20-1 has transitioned (for example, information that can identify the operation mode before transition, information that can identify the operation mode after transition, and information on which operation mode has transitioned to which operation mode). , etc.) may be stored.

Even when the operation mode is switched by the clerk's operation (mode switching operation, reading of the clerk's code, etc.), each POS terminal 20 can switch the operation mode without being operated by the clerk ( (in the case of a mode switching command, elapse of a predetermined time, etc.), the information regarding the transition of the operation mode may be stored. In the above case, each POS terminal 20 receives information on the basis of which the operation mode has changed (for example, information indicating that the operation mode has changed due to the operation by the store clerk with the store clerk code "XXX", the terminal identification information "XXX", etc.). x", that the operation mode has changed due to a mode switching command from the POS terminal 20, etc.) may be stored.

Instead of or in addition to the POS terminal 20, the store controller 10, monitoring terminal, or the like may store the information about the operation mode.

Further, the information on the operation mode stored as described above may be output (displayed, transmitted, printed, etc.) as necessary. For example, the POS terminal 20 may include information indicating that processing (registration processing, settlement processing) has been performed in the full-self mode on a receipt output in the full-self mode. information in a form that can also be recognized by Receipts output in other operating modes may be printed as well. Also, for example, the POS terminal 20 (or monitoring terminal) may display the operation mode during processing. As an example, when the POS terminal 20 (or monitoring terminal) inputs a transaction number (information that can identify a transaction) on a predetermined search screen or the like, For at least one of them, the terminal (terminal identification information, etc.) on which the process was performed and the operation mode (information that can identify the operation mode) may be displayed.

In the following description, it is assumed that the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-2 are in normal mode (specifically, normal mode (standard mode)). It is also assumed that the POS terminal 20-3 is in full self mode.

(Display example of POS terminal 20 in full self mode)
15 and 16 are display examples of the POS terminal 20 in full self mode. Specifically, FIGS. 15(A), 15(B), and FIGS. 16(A) to 16(F) show the display on the customer-side display section 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self mode. This is an example.

FIG. 15A shows the display contents of the registration start screen before starting the registration process. In FIG. 15A, a registration start button BT30 on the right side of the screen is a button for instructing the start of product registration. The customer operates the registration start button BT30 when starting product registration. Buttons BT35 to BT37 at the lower left of the screen are buttons for switching the display language to English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively.

FIG. 15(B) shows the display contents of the registration screen in a state where two products (daifuku mochi) have been registered. Note that when the registration start button BT30 is operated on the registration start screen shown in FIG. 15A, the POS terminal 20-3 displays the registration screen in which no products have been registered yet. For the sake of convenience, FIG. 15B shows the registration screen after the products (tea, daifuku mochi) have already been registered.

In FIG. 15B, an image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1) (specifically, normal mode). An image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-2) (specifically, normal mode). A checkout button BT32 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for instructing the end of product registration. The customer operates the checkout button BT32 after completing product registration. The clerk call button BT33 is a button for calling a clerk. The customer operates the clerk call button BT33 when calling a clerk (for example, when the clerk's support is required).

Buttons BT35 to BT37 are buttons for switching the display language to English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively, as described above. The "vegetables" button BT38 is a button for displaying preset keys for vegetables.

FIG. 16A shows the display contents of the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) displayed when the settlement process is started. For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays a payment method selection screen as shown in FIG. 16(A) when the checkout button BT32 is operated on the registration screen (see FIG. 15(B)).

FIG. 16B shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting payment in cash. For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays a deposit screen as shown in FIG. 16(B) when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see FIG. 16(A)).

FIG. 16C shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays a deposit screen as shown in FIG. 16(C) when cash (deposit) exceeding the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted.

FIG. 16D shows the display contents of the settlement screen (change screen) displayed when the change is released. For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays a change screen as shown in FIG. 16(D) when the end (receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (FIG. 16(C)).

FIG. 16(E) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when the change is removed. For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays a receipt screen as shown in FIG. Note that the POS terminal 20 may be provided with a sensor such as a photo sensor near the outlet, and may determine that the change has been removed when the sensor recognizes an object (assuming the customer's hand). FIG. 16F is an example of the standby screen. Advertisements (product advertisements, event advertisements, etc.) may be displayed on the standby screen.

The POS terminal 20-3 displays a registration start screen (FIG. 15A) after displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 16E). For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays the registration start screen after the receipt is removed from the issuing port of the printing unit 213. FIG. The POS terminal 20 may have a sensor capable of recognizing that the receipt has been removed from the issuing port. If no change is generated, the deposit screen (FIG. 16(C)) may be transitioned to the receipt screen (FIG. 16(E)) without displaying the change screen (FIG. 16(D)). .

Next, when the execution of the settlement process on the own terminal is declared, regardless of whether or not the other terminal is in the process of settlement processing, a process for permitting the execution of the settlement process (hereinafter referred to as "own terminal settlement permission process") ) will be explained. To explain this process, the layout shown in FIG. 17 is used as an example. The layout shown in FIG. 17 is a layout in which the POS terminal 20A is provided on the upstream side and the POS terminal 20C is provided on the downstream side. The POS terminal 20A operates in a normal mode (standard mode), and the POS terminal 20C operates in a semi-self mode (accounting mode). Since the POS terminal 20A operates in the normal mode (standard mode), it is possible to control the execution of settlement processing on its own terminal and the execution of settlement processing on other terminals. The POS terminal 20A is one of the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3 shown in FIG. 1, and the POS terminal 20C is one of the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3. This terminal is different from our POS terminal 20A.

In the layout shown in FIG. 17, the customer first goes to the POS terminal 20A on the upstream side, and the merchandise is registered by the clerk at the POS terminal 20A. In this embodiment, as a general rule, depositing money into the change dispenser 209 is prohibited, and settlement processing is executed at the POS terminal 20C on the downstream side. If the execution of the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A is declared, or if the POS terminal 20C cannot execute the settlement process, the POS terminal 20A executes the settlement process exceptionally. Therefore, in the POS terminal 20A, settlement at the POS terminal 20C is set as default for any customer. The clerk declares that the POS terminal 20A will execute the settlement process. The store clerk declares that the POS terminal 20A is to be used for settlement processing for a customer (for example, a child, an elderly person, etc.) who is considered unfamiliar with the operation of the POS terminal 20C. When execution of settlement processing at the POS terminal 20A is declared, execution of settlement processing is permitted regardless of whether or not the POS terminal 20C is in the process of settlement processing. In the following description, a customer who is permitted to pay at the POS terminal 20A may be referred to as a target customer.

For example, the period during which the POS terminal 20A can declare the execution of the settlement process is during the handling of the previous customer (registration of the product of the previous customer of the target customer, transmission of registration data), and from the registration of the product of the target customer. Until the end of the period. For example, in FIG. 17, customer 1 is a customer accustomed to paying with the POS terminal 20C, and customer 2 is a customer (target customer) who is not accustomed to paying with the POS terminal 20C. First, as shown in FIG. 17(A), product registration processing for customer 1 is being performed, and then, as shown in FIG. 17(B), customer 2 is lined up at the POS terminal 20A.

At this time, the store clerk determines that the customer 2 is the target customer, and declares that the next customer 2, who is the next customer, will execute the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A during the product registration of the customer 1.例文帳に追加The registration of the product of the customer 1 is completed, the customer 1 settles the account at the POS terminal 20C, the product of the customer 2 is registered at the POS terminal 20A, and the customer 2 can settle the account at the POS terminal 20A. As described above, the POS terminal 20 can accept payment during the registration process, so the customer 2 can make payment during the registration process. To improve the convenience of a customer and improve the productivity of a POS terminal 20 because a store clerk can immediately assist a customer 2 even if the customer 2 is puzzled about the payment, so that settlement processing can be smoothly performed. can be done.

Next, examples of screens displayed on the customer-side display section 205 and the salesclerk-side display section 210 will be described. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a registration screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 when execution of the settlement process is permitted.

The registration screen shown in FIG. 18A includes an own terminal checkout button 301, an other terminal checkout button 302, a next customer checkout reservation button 303, a register C designation button 304, a permission display field 305, and a deposit display field HR01. Is displayed. Of these, the own terminal checkout button 301, the other terminal checkout button 302, the next customer checkout reservation button 303, and the register C designation button 304 change the button display mode (in the figure, white (white display), shaded (referred to as shaded display) and oblique lines (referred to as oblique display). A button displayed in white (for example, the next customer payment reservation button 303 in FIG. 18A) indicates that it can be pressed by the store clerk. Buttons that are shaded (for example, self-terminal checkout button 301 in FIG. 18A) indicate that they have been pressed by the clerk or automatically selected by the POS terminal 20 . A hatched button (for example, the other terminal checkout button 302 in FIG. 18A) indicates that it cannot be pressed by the store clerk.

Therefore, in the case of FIG. 18, the self-terminal checkout button 301 indicates that it has been pressed by the store clerk or automatically selected by the POS terminal 20 . The other terminal checkout button 302 and the register C designation button 304 indicate that they cannot be operated by the store clerk. The next customer checkout reservation button 303 indicates that it can be pressed by the store clerk.

In the present embodiment, the POS terminal 20C is the only POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode (accounting mode), so only the register C designation button 304 for designating payment at the POS terminal 20C is displayed. However, buttons similar to the register C designation button 304 are provided for the number of POS terminals 20 operating in the semi-self mode (accounting mode) that can be designated by the POS terminal 20A.

The own terminal settlement button 301 and the next customer settlement reservation button 303 are buttons for declaring execution of settlement processing at the own terminal (the POS terminal 20A in this embodiment). The difference between these buttons is whether the target customer is the current customer or the next customer. Specifically, the own terminal checkout button 301 is a button for the customer currently serving to make a declaration to execute the checkout process at the POS terminal 20A. The next customer settlement reservation button 303 is a button for declaring that the next customer (corresponding to customer 2 in FIG. 17) of the customer currently being dealt with will execute settlement processing at the POS terminal 20A.

In the example in FIG. 17, there was a customer 1 in front of the target customer, but there is not necessarily a customer in front of the target customer. Therefore, when there is no customer in front of the target customer, the clerk uses the own terminal checkout button 301 to declare that the customer (target customer) who is currently serving (target customer) executes the checkout process at the POS terminal 20A. On the other hand, if the next customer is the target customer, the clerk presses the next customer payment reservation button 303 . As a result, by default, all customers are set to pay on other terminals, but by exceptionally allowing the next customer to pay on their own terminal, the next customer's product registration In the registration screen of FIG. 18A displayed when is possible, since the settlement at the own terminal is confirmed, the self-terminal settlement button 301 is shaded, and the other terminal settlement button 302 and A registration C designation button 304 is displayed with oblique lines. The register C designation button 304 displays the state of the POS terminal 20C. In the case of FIG. 18A, "processing" is displayed to indicate that the payment is being processed. Other displayed statuses are "Offline" indicating that it is operating offline, "Fault" indicating that a failure has occurred, "Change replenishment" indicating that change is being replenished, Statuses such as "examining" indicating that the POS terminal 20C is being examined and "out of paper" indicating that there are no more receipts are displayed. When the POS terminal 20C cannot be used, such as "processing", "offline", "failure", "replenishment of change", "examining", and "out of paper", the register C designation button 304 is shaded. be. When the change dispenser 209 (cash deposit/withdrawal unit) of the device is in a predetermined state (detects an error such as failure, near full, or near end), the self terminal checkout button 301 and the next customer checkout reservation button 303 are turned off. It may be displayed in a hanging manner to be invalid. However, this does not apply when a payment method other than cash is selected.

The permission display field 305 is a field for displaying whether or not the customer currently being dealt with is permitted to deposit money at his/her own terminal. In such a case, the message “Deposit not permitted” will be displayed. The deposit display column HR01 is a column for displaying the deposit amount from the customer when the deposit can be made at the own terminal.

FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a customer-side screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 when execution of the settlement process is permitted. A notification column 310 and a small screen 311 are displayed on the customer side screen. The notification column 310 displays a message for prompting settlement at the own terminal and a message indicating that the money can be deposited into the change machine 209 . In the case of FIG. 18(B), a message is displayed in the notification column 310 saying "Please pay at this cash register. You can put money in." In this way, information (notification column 310) can be displayed on at least the customer-side display section 205. FIG. As a result, the customer can respond according to the control result (perform the payment on his/her own terminal), thereby improving convenience for the customer.

A small screen 311 allows the customer to select a payment method. The customer selects cash, credit or electronic money as the payment method on the small screen 311 . If the customer wishes to use cash as the payment method, the customer may insert cash (deposit) before selecting cash as the payment method on the small screen 311 . The POS terminal 20A clears the small screen 311 when any payment method is selected on the small screen 311 . Also, if cash is inserted before the payment method is selected on the small screen 311, the POS terminal 20A processes it as if cash was selected as the payment method, and clears the small screen 311. FIG.

In the screen example of FIG. 18 described above, the registered product has 0 points, but regardless of the score of the registered product, the own terminal checkout button 301, the other terminal checkout button 302, and the next customer checkout reservation button are pressed. 303 and the register C designation button 304 are displayed in the same manner, and the same message is displayed in the notification column 310 as well. Next, a description will be given of the screen displayed when execution of the settlement process is not permitted.

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing a registration screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 when execution of the settlement process is not permitted. The registration screen shown in FIG. 19A includes an own terminal checkout button 301, an other terminal checkout button 302, a next customer checkout reservation button 303, a register C designation button 304, a permission display field 305, and a deposit display field HR01. Is displayed. In the case of FIG. 19A, execution of the settlement process is not permitted, but the local terminal settlement button 301 is displayed in white. This is because, as described above, it is possible to permit payment on the own terminal even during the registration of the corresponding customer. In addition, the other terminal settlement button 302 is shaded because the settlement at the other terminal is set by default. In addition, the permission display field 305 displays “Deposit Not Permitted”. Since it is impossible to deposit money at the own terminal, the deposit amount "0" from the customer is displayed in the deposit display field HR01.

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing a customer-side screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 when execution of the settlement process is not permitted. A notification column 310 is displayed on the customer side screen. The notification column 310 displays a message for prompting settlement at another terminal and a message indicating that the money cannot be deposited into the change machine 209 . In the case of FIG. 19(B), a message is displayed in the notification field 310 saying "Sorry, please pay at the next register. You cannot put money in." In this way, the information (message displayed in the notification column 310) corresponding to the control result of controlling the execution of the settlement process on the own terminal and the execution of the settlement process on the other terminal is displayed at least on the customer-side display unit 205. It is displayable. As a result, the customer can respond according to the control result (perform the payment on the other terminal), thereby improving convenience for the customer.

In FIG. 19A, the status of the POS terminal 20C is "idle". Do not show. This is because there is a possibility that the status of the POS terminal 20C will not become "empty" even after the product registration is completed. in order not to confuse As described above, the POS terminal 20A in this embodiment permits the execution of the settlement process at its own terminal when the other terminal is in the process of settlement, and permits the transmission of registration data when the other terminal is not in the process of settlement. .

In the screen example of FIG. 19 described above, the registered product has 0 points, but regardless of the score of the registered product, the own terminal checkout button 301, the other terminal checkout button 302, and the next customer checkout reservation button are pressed. 303 and the register C designation button 304 are displayed in the same manner, and the same message is displayed in the notification column 310 as well.

Next, a description will be given of a flowchart showing the self-terminal settlement permission process described above. 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing self-terminal settlement permission processing in the POS terminal 20A. Further, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 show the processing from the time when the previous customer's transaction is completed (or when the start-up processing after the power is turned on) to the settlement or transmission of registration data.

The POS terminal 20 initializes the empty flag to OFF, initializes the permission flag to OFF, and initializes the display mode of each button (step S101). The empty flag is a flag indicating whether or not the other terminal to which the registration data is to be sent can perform the settlement process. The permission flag is a flag indicating whether or not to permit the settlement at the own terminal, and is turned on when the settlement at the own terminal is permitted, and turned off when not permitted. Further, the various buttons whose display modes are initialized in step S101 are the local terminal checkout button 301, the other terminal checkout button 302, and the register C designation button 304, which are displayed in white.

The POS terminal 20A determines whether or not the reservation flag is ON (step S102). The reservation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the next customer payment reservation button 303 has been pressed while the previous customer is being served. If the reservation flag is ON (step S102: YES), permission is displayed (step S103). The permission display means displaying "deposit permitted" in the permission display field 305, displaying the own terminal checkout button 301 with hatching, displaying the other terminal checkout button 302 and the register C designation button 304 with diagonal lines, and displaying " Please pay at this cash register. You can insert money."

The POS terminal 20A turns on the permission flag (step S104). Also, the reservation flag is turned off (step S105). At this time, the next customer checkout reservation button 303 is displayed in white. In step S102, when the reservation flag is off (step S102: NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

The POS terminal 20A determines whether or not the empty flag is off (step S106). That is, it is determined whether or not the POS terminal 20C is capable of settlement. If the empty flag is ON (step S106: NO), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. If the empty flag is off (step S106: YES), the POS terminal 20A inquires of the other terminal (the POS terminal 20C) whether or not it is possible to pay, and receives an answer.

As a result of the inquiry, the POS terminal 20A determines whether or not the other terminal can settle the account (step S108). If the settlement is not possible (step S108: NO), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. If the settlement is possible (step S108: YES), the POS terminal 20A turns on the empty flag (step S109), and updates the display mode of the register C specifying button 304 (step S110). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19A, the state displayed on the register C designation button 304 is updated to a display mode in which the state is set to "empty".

The POS terminal 20A determines whether or not the permission flag is off (step S111). If the permission flag is ON (step S111: NO), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. If the permission flag is off (step S111: YES), the POS terminal 20A displays a non-permission display (step S112). The disapproval display means that "deposit not permitted" is displayed in the permission display field 305, the other terminal settlement button 302 is shaded, and the notification field 310 is displayed as "Sorry, please pay at the next cash register. is not allowed."

In FIG. 21, the POS terminal 20A determines whether or not the barcode attached to the product has been scanned (step S201). If the barcode is scanned (step S201: YES), the POS terminal 20A registers the product, and displays the registered product on the customer-side display section 205 and the salesclerk-side display section 210 (step S202). ) and return to step S106. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S201: NO), the POS terminal 20A determines whether the next customer payment reservation button 303 has been pressed (step S203).

If the next customer payment reservation button 303 is pressed (step S203: YES), the POS terminal 20A turns on the reservation flag (step S204) and returns to step S106. At this time, the next customer checkout reservation button 303 is shaded. If the next customer checkout reservation button 303 has not been pressed (step S203: NO), the POS terminal 20A determines whether the own terminal checkout button 301 has been pressed and the permission flag is off (step S205). . In other words, it is determined whether or not the store clerk has permitted payment at the own terminal when payment at the own terminal is not permitted. As a result, even if there is no customer in front of the target customer, the clerk can use the self-terminal settlement button 301 to declare that the customer currently being served (target customer) will execute settlement processing at the POS terminal 20A. can be done.

If the self-terminal payment button 301 is pressed and the permission flag is off (step S205: YES), the POS terminal 20A displays the above-described permission (step S206) and turns on the permission flag (step S207). ) and return to step S106. In this way, when the self-terminal settlement button 301 is pressed to declare the execution of settlement processing on the self-terminal, the customer-side display unit 205 indicates that the self-terminal can execute settlement processing. indicate.

If the self-terminal settlement button 301 is not pressed or the permission flag is ON (step S205: NO), the POS terminal 20A determines whether the subtotal button is pressed and the permission flag is ON. (Step S208). In other words, it is determined whether or not the subtotal button has been pressed while settlement at the own terminal is permitted.

If the subtotal button is pressed and the permission flag is ON (step S208: YES), the POS terminal 20A displays the settlement screen (step S209), performs settlement processing (step S210), and ends the processing. do. If the subtotal button is not pressed or the permission flag is off (step S208: NO), the POS terminal 20A detects that the register C designation button 304 has been pressed, the empty flag is on, and the permission flag is off. It is determined whether or not (step S211). In other words, it is determined whether or not the register C designation button 304 has been pressed when the POS terminal 20C can be used for payment and the self-terminal is not permitted for payment.

When the register C designation button 304 is pressed, the empty flag is ON, and the permission flag is OFF (step S211: YES), the POS terminal 20A transmits registration data to the POS terminal 20C (step S212). , terminate the process. If the register C designation button 304 is not pressed, the empty flag is off, or the permission flag is on (step S211: NO), the process returns to step S106.

In step S211, the fact that the permission flag is ON indicates that execution of the settlement process at the own terminal has been declared. Therefore, as shown in step S211, when execution of the settlement process at the own terminal is declared, the process does not branch to the registration data transmission process of step S212. That is, transmission of registration data is prohibited. In addition, the fact that the permission flag is off indicates that the own terminal is not declaring execution of the settlement process. Also, the fact that the empty flag is on indicates that the other terminal is not in the process of settlement. If the registration C designation button 304 is pressed in this state, the process branches from step S211 to step S212, and registration data is transmitted. In other words, when the self-terminal is not declaring the execution of the settlement process and the other terminal is not under the settlement process, the transmission of the registration data is permitted.

Next, an example of screen transition from registration to payment when payment on the own terminal is permitted will be described. When the POS terminal 20A displays the registration screen of FIG. 18A on the clerk-side display unit 210, the 215-yen canned beer is registered, and the customer inserts 500 yen. At 210, a registration screen as shown in FIG. 22A is displayed. Also, since the product has been registered, a subtotal button BT10 is displayed.

When the POS terminal 20A displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. Displayed on the display unit 205 . Note that the small screen 311 is erased because the customer has inserted 500 yen.

The POS terminal 20A displays the registration screen of FIG. When another 500 yen is inserted by , a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. Since the customer has added 500 yen, 1000 is displayed in the deposit display field HR01 on the upper right of the screen in FIG. 23(A).

When the POS terminal 20A displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. Displayed on the display unit 205 .

In addition, in the registration screen of FIG. 23A, the status of the POS terminal 20C displayed on the register C designation button 304 is "empty", but the settlement at the own terminal is permitted, and the customer has already Since 1000 yen has been put in, the slanted line does not change.

When the clerk operates the subtotal button BT10 from the state in which the registration screen of FIG. As shown, the small screen 312 is superimposed on the registration screen and displayed, and the settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in FIG. The small screen 312 notifies the store clerk of information related to settlement (total amount of money, amount of equipment deposited (deposited amount)). Further, the next customer checkout reservation button 303 shown in FIG. 24A is shaded. This is because the store clerk has determined that the next customer is also a target customer, and has pressed the next customer payment reservation button 303 .

When the customer operates the end (receipt) button BT40 from the state in which the settlement screen (payment screen) of FIG. 25(A), the message screen 313 is superimposed on the registration screen and displayed, and the settlement screen (change screen) as shown in FIG. .

The message screen 313 notifies the clerk of the change. The POS terminal 20A erases the message screen 313 superimposed on the registration screen without depending on the operation of the store clerk (for example, automatically after a predetermined period of time has elapsed). Note that the POS terminal 20A may erase the message screen 313 displayed superimposed on the registration screen in response to the operation of the store clerk (such as a touch on the message screen 313).

In the example shown in FIG. 24, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20A displays a small screen 312 superimposed on the registration screen (FIG. 24A). Alternatively, when the subtotal key is operated, instead of (switching to) the registration screen, a sub-plan screen for displaying the information displayed on the small screen 312 may be displayed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in principle, the productivity of the POS terminal 20 is improved by allowing the other terminal to settle the account. On the other hand, for customers who are considered unfamiliar with the operation of the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode (accounting-only mode), it is possible to exceptionally allow them to use their own terminal to settle the account. The convenience can be improved, and the operation time for customers who are considered to be unfamiliar with the operation can be shortened. As a result, the productivity of the POS terminal 20 can be improved. Therefore, the self-terminal settlement permission process described in the present embodiment is a further improvement of the full-self system, and improves productivity and convenience.

In addition, customers who are unfamiliar with the operation can be allowed to settle their accounts on their own terminals, so it is possible to improve the customer satisfaction and customer loyalty of customers who are permitted to settle accounts on their own terminals. Since the effect can also be expected, the sales of the store can be improved.

In this embodiment, by displaying the control results in the notification column 310 shown in FIGS. Since it is possible to respond according to the control result, the customer's convenience can be improved.

Further, since the next customer can be input in advance as the target customer by the next customer payment reservation button 303, the next customer can be dealt with smoothly.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, as an example of the target customer, the customer who is considered to be unfamiliar with the operation was exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a customer who pays with a credit card or prepaid card (including electronic money) may be the target customer. Even in this case, the productivity of the POS terminal 20 is not impaired because settlement by credit card or prepaid card is completed in a short time. As an operation example, if the customer is asked to enter the payment type at the POS terminal 20A, or if the store clerk asks for the payment type and as a result it is found that the payment is made with a credit card or prepaid card, the payment is made at the own terminal. There is an operation of permitting.

Furthermore, when a customer pays with a prepaid card, it may be possible to check the balance of the prepaid card or charge the prepaid card. Specifically, the customer can check the balance by having the card settlement unit 208 read the prepaid card while the store clerk is registering the product, and can insert money into the change dispenser 209 . By doing so, the customer can prevent the balance shortage in advance.

Also, in the present embodiment, the target customer is determined by the store clerk, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the POS terminal 20 may determine whether a customer is a target customer according to age or other attributes by reading a membership card that can acquire attributes including the customer's age. Also, the POS terminal 20 may be provided with a key for inputting the customer's age group, and the POS terminal 20 may determine whether the customer is the target customer or not according to the age group input by the key.

In the embodiment described above, the registration data is directly transmitted from the POS terminal 20A to the POS terminal 20C, but the registration data may be transmitted via another terminal such as the store controller 10, for example. In addition, although "failure occurred" and the like have been mentioned as the status of the POS terminal 20C, other statuses such as "maintenance", "clerk call", "forgot to take change", "receipt jam", etc. may be displayed. . In addition, although "offline" is mentioned as the above-described state, in this case, the printing unit 213 may issue an accounting ticket, and the accounting ticket may be used for settlement. Furthermore, for example, information (for example, a URL for specifying registration data) is transmitted to the customer's mobile terminal for settlement, and the POS terminal 20 reads the information transmitted to the mobile terminal to enable settlement. good too.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the POS terminal 20C is set to be in a state in which it is possible to pay the bill, but if the POS terminal 20C presses, for example, the end button BT40 shown in FIG. If it is expected that the settlement will be completed in a short time, such as waiting for the operation of . This is effective, for example, when the conductor from the POS terminal 20A to the POS terminal 20C is relatively long. In this way, if it takes a long time for the customer to move, the time may be taken into account and the location may be set as "empty".

In addition to the "failure" status where registration data cannot be sent to the POS terminal 20C, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C shifts to a normal mode or a full self mode in which registration information is not received from other terminals. However, the registration data cannot be sent to the POS terminal 20C. The timing at which the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C is changed includes the timing at which the peak number of customers ends or is likely to end, and the timing at which the salesclerk's arrangement changes due to the shift of the salesclerk. In addition, there is a timing when the peak number of customers has ended and it is possible to handle customers sufficiently even if the payment is made on the terminal itself. In this way, when the timing at which the self-terminal can settle the account arrives, control may be performed so that the settlement at the self-terminal, which has been set as the default at the other terminal, is set as the default.

The operation mode of the POS terminal 20C can also be automatically changed by the store controller 10. FIG. When the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C is changed by the store controller 10, the store clerk is notified, for example, by displaying it on the clerk-side display section 210 of the POS terminal 20A. Further, for example, when the operation mode is switched before the customer's operation during operation in the full self mode, the switching of the operation mode may be displayed on the customer-side display section 205 . In this way, even when the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C is automatically changed by the store controller 10, the settlement at the own terminal is set as the default or at another terminal depending on the changed operation mode. It is also possible to control to either one by determining whether to set the settlement of the default.

In the above-described embodiment, the layout of two POS terminals 20 shown in FIG. 17 has been described as an example, but the number and layout of the POS terminals 20 are not limited to this. For example, there may be four POS terminals 20 operating in the normal mode (standard mode) and two POS terminals 20 operating in the semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) in a one-island layout.

In the embodiment described above, the POS terminal 20 waits in one of the normal mode, the semi-self mode, the full self mode, and the double scan mode even during standby. You can wait without belonging. In this case, it operates in one of the operation modes according to the content received during standby. Specifically, when the customer accepts an operation (when the registration start button BT30 is operated, when the customer-side display unit 205 is touched, or when a product is registered by the customer-side scanner unit 206), full Switch to self mode. In addition, when an operation is accepted on the clerk side (product registration is performed on the clerk side, a touch operation on the clerk side display unit 210 is accepted, an operation by the clerk declaring use (for example, login) is accepted. case), switch to normal mode. Furthermore, when the registration data is received, the mode shifts to the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode). By doing so, the operability of the POS terminal 20 can be improved. Note that mirror display may be performed when the device is on standby in a state not belonging to any operation mode. The mirror display is to display an operable screen that can be operated by the store clerk on the store clerk side display unit 210 . The operable screen is a screen showing all or part of the operation section displayed on the customer-side display section 205 of the POS terminal 20 .

A program for realizing the POS terminal 20 described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. It should be noted that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard discs incorporated in computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" means a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. , includes those that hold the program for a certain period of time. Further, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing this program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in a transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Further, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Further, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and designs and the like are included within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... POS system 10... Store controller 20... POS terminal 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 210 Clerk-side display unit 211 Key operation unit 212 Clerk-side scanner unit 213 Printing unit 214 Audio output unit 215 communication unit

Claims (5)

registration means capable of executing product registration processing;
settlement means capable of executing settlement processing;
a transmission means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration process in order to cause the other device to execute the settlement process;
declaring means for declaring execution of settlement processing in the own device;
a deposit/withdrawal means capable of depositing/withdrawing cash;
with
A commodity sales data processing apparatus , wherein the declaring means is invalidated when the depositing/withdrawing means is in a predetermined state . 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said transmitting means is permitted to transmit registration data when said declaring means has not declared execution of settlement processing in said device and said other device is not in the process of settlement processing. Product sales data processing device described. Equipped with a clerk display unit and a customer display unit,
wherein, when the declaring means declares execution of the settlement process in the own device, it is possible to display on at least the customer display section that the settlement process can be executed in the own device. 3. The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2. A merchandise sales data processing system comprising a registration and settlement device capable of executing registration processing for registering merchandise and settlement processing, and a settlement device executing settlement processing according to a customer's operation,
The registration and settlement device is
registration means capable of executing product registration processing;
settlement means capable of executing settlement processing;
a transmitting means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration process in order to cause the settlement apparatus to execute the settlement process;
declaring means for declaring execution of settlement processing in the own device;
a deposit/withdrawal means capable of depositing/withdrawing cash;
with
A merchandise sales data processing system , wherein the declaration means is invalidated when the deposit/withdrawal means is in a predetermined state . A program that causes a computer to function as a product sales data processing device,
said computer,
registration means capable of executing product registration processing;
settlement means capable of executing settlement processing;
a transmission means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration process in order to cause the other device to execute the settlement process;
Functioning as declaration means for declaring execution of settlement processing in the own device and deposit/withdrawal means capable of depositing/withdrawing cash ,
A program characterized by invalidating the declaration means when the deposit/withdrawal means is in a predetermined state .

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