JP7546962B2 - Product sales data processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 applies ・Posting address: https://www.teraokaseiko.com/jp/news/press-release/2017/20171013101648/ Posting date: October 17, 2017 ・Press conference name and location: Press demonstration briefing Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd. Osaki Building Tokyo Showroom Main Conference Room (2-3-13 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) Press conference date: October 31, 2017 ・Exhibition name and location: 52nd Supermarket Trade Show 2018 Makuhari Messe (2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba) Publication date: February 14-16, 2018

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

For example, in supermarkets and convenience stores, POS devices have been proposed that allow both store clerks and customers to pay for products (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-102856 A

However, in supermarkets and convenience stores, store clerks may have to leave their cash registers depending on the situation. This causes the cash registers to operate slower, which makes it take longer to pay for items and keeps customers waiting.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and program that prevents customers from having to wait.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and is equipped with a switching means that can switch from a mode in which a customer registers products and settles the bill to another mode, the switching means comprising a first switching means that switches the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device, and a second switching means that switches the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from the device itself , the first switching means switching modes in response to registration data being transmitted from the other device, and the second switching means switching modes in response to a store clerk logging in .

This will prevent customers from having to wait.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means that can switch from a mode in which a customer registers products and makes a payment to another mode, the switching means including a first switching means that switches the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device, a second switching means that switches the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from the device itself,
The first switching means switches the mode when registration data is transmitted from another device, and the second switching means switches the mode when a store clerk logs in .

In this way, customers can be prevented from having to wait.

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installation of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit. 13 is an example of a display on the customer side display unit. 13 is an example of a display on the customer side display unit. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit. 13 is an example of a display on the customer side display unit. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when switching an operation mode. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when switching an operation mode according to a second embodiment; 13 is a display example on a store clerk side display unit in the second embodiment. 13 is a display example on a store clerk side display unit in the second embodiment. 13 is a display example on a store clerk side display unit in the second embodiment. 13 is a table summarizing switching patterns of operation modes in the modified example. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit in a modified example. 13 is a display example on a store clerk's display unit in a modified example.

[First embodiment]
Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals, a first POS terminal 20-1, a second POS terminal 20-2, and a third POS terminal 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the first POS terminal 20-1, the second POS terminal 20-2, and the third POS terminal 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

The POS system 1 can be installed in a variety of stores, but the following explanation uses an example in which the POS system 1 is installed in a convenience store.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers an item, but the customer may register the item using other methods. For example, if an order button for the item is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the item.

The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.). In this embodiment, the card payment unit 208 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient that the card payment unit 208 includes at least the card recognition unit.

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

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

The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers an item, but the clerk may register the item using other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to the item (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is located on the key operation unit 211, the clerk can operate (press) that key to register the item. Also, if a preset key corresponding to the item is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk can operate that preset key to register the item.

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

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

(Overview of each operation mode)
Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. For example, the POS terminal 20 has a normal mode, a full self-service mode, and a semi-self-service mode. The operation modes described below are operation modes during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and accounting processing), and do not include a counting mode in which sales and inventory are counted and inquired, a maintenance mode in which a store clerk or maintenance staff performs setting work and maintenance work, and a training mode in which a new employee is trained. The semi-self-service mode is an operation mode that is mainly used when transmitting and receiving data between a plurality of POS terminals 20. Here, an example in which registration processing and settlement processing are performed by one POS terminal will be described, and the normal mode and the full self-service mode will be described in detail below.

The CPU 201 in the POS terminal 20 functions as an operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The CPU 201 in the POS terminal 20 also functions as a switching instruction means for generating a mode switching instruction for switching the operation mode in another terminal (another POS terminal 20). Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 functions as an instruction receiving means for receiving a mode switching instruction from another POS terminal. In the POS terminal 20, the operation mode can be switched by the mode switching means by receiving a switching instruction by the instruction receiving means.

For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 is capable of switching its own operating mode. The first POS terminal 20-1 can also instruct the other POS terminals 20, the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3, to switch modes. The POS terminal 20 is also capable of transmitting switching instructions to the other POS terminals 20. For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 is capable of transmitting switching instructions to the other POS terminals 20, the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3. The transmission of data such as switching instructions from the POS terminal 20 to the other POS terminals 20 may be performed directly from the POS terminal 20 to the other POS terminals 20, or may be performed indirectly via the store controller 10 or the like.

5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal.
Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the normal mode. Fig. 5(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (item registration process, accounting process) and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) in the normal mode. Fig. 5(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode.
Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the full self-service mode. Fig. 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, accounting process) and the actions of a person (customer) in the full self-service mode. Fig. 6(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode.
Figure 7 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (product registration processing, accounting processing) and the actions of a person (customer) in semi-self-service mode, and Figures 7 (B) and 7 (C) are flowcharts showing the basic flow of operation of the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode.

In the following description, as a separate approach from the classification of the three operating modes mentioned above (normal mode, full self-service mode, semi-self-service mode), the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process may be referred to as the registration mode, and the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process as the accounting mode.

(Normal mode)
The normal mode is an operation mode in which the clerk executes the registration process and the customer executes the payment process, as shown in Fig. 5(A). That is, in the normal mode, the clerk is in the registration mode and the customer is in the payment mode, as shown in Fig. 5(B). In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and payment mode from the overall process from registration to payment.

In normal mode, the store clerk registers the items purchased by the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items through the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 5(A)).

When the store clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the store clerk display unit 210 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process based on the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 5(A)).

That is, in normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5(B), first, the clerk scans the product using, for example, the clerk scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or the subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) is pressed (step S30: YES), the customer settles the amount using, for example, the change dispenser 209 (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 called the subtotal button, registration completion key, registration completion button, bill key, or bill button.

The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is confirmed), but may also insert coins into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed, or may select a payment method, for example, payment via the card payment unit 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 allows deposits to be made as part of the settlement start process even before the registration process is completed, for example, before the registration process or during the pedaling process (top row of Figure 5 (A)).

After completing the registration of the purchased items, the store clerk may wait until the customer has completed payment (until the customer has received their change and receipt), but may also register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer during the payment process (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In addition, the store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying after the registration of the purchased items is complete.

When there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and change tag to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, and controls the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt after a sensor or other device detects that the customer has removed the change and change tag. The control to issue a receipt after the customer has removed the change and change tag is also performed in other operation modes. As described above, in normal mode, there may or may not be a store clerk in front of the customer who receives the change. For example, if a store clerk is present, the above control does not necessarily have to be performed (i.e., the dispense of the change and change tag and the issuance of a receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). In addition, the timing of the dispense of the change and change tag and the issuance of a receipt may be controlled depending on the current operation mode and the presence/absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence/absence of a store clerk is recognized by a sensor).

(Full selfie mode)
As shown in Fig. 6(A), the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the customer performs the registration process and the settlement process. That is, as shown in Fig. 6(B), in the full self-service mode, the customer is in both the registration mode and the accounting mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and accounting mode from the overall process from registration to settlement.

In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items through the customer's operation (scanning with the customer side scanner unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 6(A)).

When the registration process is complete, the customer checks the total price of the purchased items on the customer display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 6(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process based on the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 6(A)).

That is, in the full self-service mode, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the customer side scans the product using the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES) and registers the product (step S21). After pressing a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205) (step S40: YES), the customer side settles the bill using the change dispenser 209 (step S50) and the process is completed. The registration completion key in step S40 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be called a registration completion button, subtotal key, subtotal button, bill key, bill button, etc.

As mentioned above, in full self-service mode, both the customer side performs the registration process and the settlement process, but this does not mean that the store clerk side cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in full self-service mode, it is possible to scan the store clerk code using the store clerk side scanner unit 212, for example. The state (operation mode) in which the registration process is performed on both the store clerk side and the customer side is sometimes called double scan mode.

In addition, in the full self-service mode, the settlement start process, such as depositing money into the change dispenser 209, cannot be performed before the product registration process is started, but it may be possible to perform the settlement start process before the product registration process is started. In this case, in the full self-service mode, it may be possible to perform all the processes of the settlement start process, such as depositing money and selecting the payment method using various cards, or it may be possible to perform only part of the settlement start process, such as depositing money or selecting the payment method.

(Semi-selfie mode)
The semi-self-service mode is an operating mode for two or more POS terminals 20, in which, as shown in Fig. 8(A), the registration process is performed by the store clerk at at least one POS terminal 20 (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 7), and the settlement process is performed by the customer at another POS terminal 20 (one of the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 in the example of Fig. 7). That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more terminals (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 7, as shown in Fig. 7(B)) are in a registration-only mode, and the other one or more terminals (the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 in the example of Fig. 7, as shown in Fig. 7(C)) are in a settlement-only mode.

In the semi-self-service mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) of the first POS terminal 20-1 in the registration-only mode. In other words, the first POS terminal 20-1 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 7(A)).

When the store clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the second POS terminal 20-2 in the payment-only mode, checks the total price of the purchased items on the store clerk display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the second POS terminal 20-2 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operations (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7(A)).

When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. 7), the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the accounting-only mode (the second POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 7), and the information (registration information, etc.) required for the settlement process of the POS terminal 20 (first POS terminal 20-1) that performed the registration process is provided to the destination POS terminal 20 (the second POS terminal 20-2).

Methods for supplying information required for settlement processing from a POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode (first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. 7) to a POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode (second POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 7) include sending the information required for settlement processing from the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode (this may be sent via the store controller 10; similar below), or issuing a medium (medium on which a barcode or the like for obtaining information required for settlement processing is printed) on the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode.

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

That is, in the semi-self mode, initially, the clerk of the POS terminal 20 (first POS terminal 20-1) in the registration-only mode registers the product. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the clerk scanner unit 212 scans the product (step S10: YES) to register the product (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or the subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, a POS terminal 20 in the accounting-only mode (second POS terminal 20-2) is designated (step S31: YES), and the registration information is sent to the designated POS terminal 20 (step S32), completing the process.

In the example of FIG. 7(B), when product registration is completed, the subtotal key is first pressed, and then (after pressing the subtotal key), the POS terminal 20 is specified. However, when product registration is completed, the POS terminal 20 may be specified directly (without pressing the subtotal key). In the latter case, the subtotal key does not need to be displayed on the screen.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the POS terminal 20 (second POS terminal 20-2) specified by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode (second POS terminal 20-2) receives the registration information (step S49: YES), and then the customer uses, for example, the change dispenser 209 to settle the bill (step S50), completing the process.

After sending the registration information (or issuing the medium), the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). Also, after sending the registration information, the store clerk may not be present (lower part of FIG. 7(A)).

In the example of FIG. 7, the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode performs the settlement process using the registration information of the product registered in the first POS terminal 20-1 in the registration-only mode. In other words, the registration information used by the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode for the settlement process is the registration information of the product registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the registration-only mode. However, if it is possible to transmit registration information to the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode (or if it is possible to issue a bill (registered trademark; the same applies below)), the registration information used by the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode for the settlement process does not necessarily have to be the registration information of the product registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the registration-only mode.

As an example, the registration information used by the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode for the settlement process may be the registration information of the product registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the normal mode. In other words, the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode may execute the settlement process using the registration information of the product registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the normal mode.

If the customer has already started the payment operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or operating the card payment section 208) when the clerk at the first POS terminal 20-1 has finished the registration process (when the registration information is about to be sent or a receipt is about to be issued), the sending of the registration information or the issuance of the receipt may be prohibited, or the payment operation may be canceled.

In the example of FIG. 7, the second POS terminal 20-2 receives the registration information (or reads the receipt) and executes the settlement process while operating in the settlement-only mode. However, if the settlement process can be executed after receiving the registration information (or after reading the receipt), the operating mode when the second POS terminal 20-2 receives the registration information (or reads the receipt) does not necessarily have to be the settlement-only mode.

As an example, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is operating in full self-service mode, it may receive registration information from another terminal (e.g., the first POS terminal 20-1) and execute the settlement process using the registration information received from the other terminal. Also, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is operating in full self-service mode, it may read a receipt issued by another terminal (e.g., the first POS terminal 20-1) and execute the settlement process using the registration information obtained from the receipt read from the other terminal.

The second POS terminal 20-2 transitions from the full self-service mode to the accounting-only mode before executing the settlement process using the registration information received from the other terminal (it processes the registration information received from the other terminal as the settlement process in the accounting-only mode). The second POS terminal 20-2 also transitions from the full self-service mode to the accounting-only mode before executing the settlement process using the accounting ticket issued at the other terminal (it processes the registration information based on the accounting ticket issued at the other terminal as the settlement process in the accounting-only mode).

The second POS terminal 20-2 does not have to switch from the full self-service mode to the accounting-only mode before executing the settlement process using the registration information received from the other terminal (it may process the registration information received from the other terminal as the settlement process in the full self-service mode). The second POS terminal 20-2 does not have to switch from the full self-service mode to the accounting-only mode before executing the settlement process using a receipt issued at the other terminal (it may process the registration information based on the receipt issued at the other terminal as the settlement process in the full self-service mode). In these cases, data may be sent and received between multiple POS terminals 20, and registration and settlement processes may be performed between the multiple POS terminals.

(Operation mode notification)
The POS terminal 20 notifies the current operation mode. For example, the current operation mode may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210. Specifically, a screen having an operation mode display field may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the current operation mode may be displayed in the operation mode display field on the screen. Also, a screen on which images (e.g., button-like images) corresponding to each operation mode are arranged may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the image corresponding to the current operation mode on the screen may be displayed in a different display mode (e.g., a display mode that is more noticeable than the display mode of other images) from the images that do not correspond to the current operation mode. The customer display unit 205 may also display the operation mode in a similar manner. The POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a PATLITE (registered trademark) or a display board (or a PATLITE or a display board may be connected to the POS terminal 20), and the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be notified by the PATLITE or the display board. The POS system 1 may also be equipped with a warning light, a display board, etc. (or the warning light, the display board, etc. may be connected to the LAN 11) to notify the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 in the store by the warning light, the display board, etc. By using the warning light, the display board, etc., the operation mode can be visually confirmed even from a distance (apart from the store clerk display unit 210).

The POS terminal 20 may also notify information according to the current operation mode. For example, a message according to the current operation mode may be displayed on the customer display unit 205. Specifically, if the current operation mode is the full self-service mode, for example while in standby mode, a message may be displayed (e.g., a scrolling display in large letters) on the customer display unit 205 to the effect that the customer himself/herself will register the product (a message such as "We are asking the customer to scan").

(Display in normal mode)
Next, the display during the normal mode will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. Figs. 8 to 10 are examples of displays on the clerk display unit 210 during the normal mode. Fig. 8 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and is an example of a display before a product is purchased. In the screen shown in the figure, a subtotal button BT10, a pause button BT11, and a mode switching button BT50 are displayed at the bottom right of the screen. The subtotal button BT10 is a button (registration completion key) for instructing the end of product registration. The clerk presses (touches) the subtotal button BT10 after product registration is completed. The pause button BT11 is a button for pausing the POS terminal 20. The clerk operates the pause button BT11 when leaving the POS terminal 20 (for example, when going to look for a product, when not using the POS terminal 20 for a while, etc.). The mode switching button BT50 is a button for switching the operation mode of the other POS terminals 20 (the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 when the POS terminal 20 is the first POS terminal 20-1). When switching the operation mode of the other POS terminals 20, the store clerk operates the mode switching button BT50.

In FIG. 8, image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of register 20-2 (second POS terminal 20-2). Image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of register 20-3 (third POS terminal 20-3).

Figure 9 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and is an example of the display while a product is being registered. Specifically, Figure 9 is a screen showing the display contents of the registration screen when a first product (canned beer) and a second product (asparagus) have been registered. In the screen shown in Figure 9, the product name of the currently registered product (asparagus) is displayed in the upper left of the screen, and below that the product names of the products that have already been registered (canned beer, asparagus) are displayed along with their respective prices. In addition, the points and total price of the registered products are displayed in the upper right of the screen. The mode switching button BT50 is also displayed on this screen. The function of the mode switching button BT50 is the same as that of the mode switching button BT50 shown in Figure 8.

In FIG. 9, the current total button BT20 is a button for instructing input of the deposit amount. When performing settlement processing at the store clerk's own terminal (first POS terminal 20-1), after receiving a deposit from a customer that is equal to or greater than the total amount (after inputting a deposit amount equal to or greater than the total amount), the store clerk operates the current total button BT20.

The 20-2 register button BT21 is a button for specifying the 20-2 register (second POS terminal 20-2). When a store clerk specifies the second POS terminal 20-2 as the terminal for performing the settlement process, the clerk operates the 20-2 register button BT21. Note that the "(FULL)" displayed on the 20-2 register button BT21 indicates that the operating mode of the terminal corresponding to the 20-2 register button BT21 (second POS terminal 20-2) is the full self-service mode.

When operation of the 20-2 register button BT21 is accepted, the first POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information to the 20-2 register (second POS terminal 20-2).

The 20-3 register button BT22 is a button for specifying the 20-3 register (third POS terminal 20-3). When a store clerk specifies the third POS terminal 20-3 as the terminal for performing the settlement process, the clerk operates the 20-3 register button BT22. Note that "(Out of service)" displayed on the 20-3 register button BT22 indicates that the terminal corresponding to the 20-3 register button BT22 (third POS terminal 20-3) is out of service. Also, the dashed line on the 20-3 register button BT22 indicates that the button (20-3 register button BT22) is displayed in a manner (e.g., grayed out) that indicates that operation of the button is invalid.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the operation of the 20-3 register button BT22 is not valid. However, if the operation of the 20-3 register button BT22 is valid and the operation of the 20-3 register button BT22 is accepted, the first POS terminal 20-1 will send registration information to the 20-3 register (third POS terminal 20-3).

The receipt button BT25 is a button for issuing a receipt using the printing unit 213. The store clerk operates the receipt button BT25 when he or she wants the POS terminal 20 that reads the receipt to execute the settlement process.

The information required to execute the settlement process is coded and printed on the receipt. For example, the registration information used in the settlement process itself may be printed as a QR code (registered trademark) on the receipt, or information for identifying the registration information used in the settlement process (e.g., transaction identification information, etc.) may be printed as a barcode.

In addition, in the aspect of issuing a receipt with the QR code printed on it, the POS terminal 20 that reads the receipt (QR code) executes the settlement process, for example, using the registration information obtained from the QR code. In the aspect of issuing a receipt with a barcode printed on it, the POS terminal 20 that reads the receipt (barcode) sends a registration information acquisition request, which includes information for identifying the registration information obtained from the barcode (transaction identification information, etc.), to the terminal that issued the receipt (first POS terminal 20-1) or a terminal that obtained the registration information from the terminal that issued the receipt (for example, the store controller 10), thereby receiving the registration information from the terminal that sent the registration information acquisition request and executing the settlement process. In other words, in the case of issuing a receipt with the barcode printed on it, when the terminal that issued the receipt (first POS terminal 20-1) or the terminal that obtained the registration information from the terminal that issued the receipt (store controller 10, etc.) receives a registration information acquisition request sent from the POS terminal 20 that read the receipt, it transmits the registration information specified by the registration information acquisition request to the sender of the registration information acquisition request (the requester of the registration information).

The issued bill is handed over to the customer by the store clerk. The customer then moves to a POS terminal 20 (the second POS terminal 20-2 or the third POS terminal 20-3), and the POS terminal 20 (customer side scanner unit 206) reads the code on the bill, and the settlement process is carried out at that POS terminal 20.

The registration screen button BT26 is a button for returning the screen from the sub-plan screen to the registration screen. For example, the store clerk operates the registration screen button BT26 when changing (adding or canceling) a purchased item.

As mentioned above, the current total button BT20 is a button that is operated after a deposit amount equal to or greater than the total amount is entered, and FIG. 9 does not show a situation in which a deposit amount equal to or greater than the total amount is entered. Therefore, in FIG. 9, like the 20-3 register button BT22, the current total button BT20 may be displayed in a manner that indicates that the operation is invalid.

Figure 10 is an example of the settlement screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and is an example of the display while settlement is being made. Specifically, Figure 10 is a screen in which the total amount is displayed as "Total" and the amount deposited into the change machine 209 is displayed as "Amount deposited into change machine" on top of the screen in the state in which the product was last registered when the registration screen is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 10, "383 yen" is displayed as the total amount, "503 yen" is displayed as the amount deposited into the change machine (amount deposited), and "120 yen" is displayed as change. The scene in FIG. 11 is a scene after inputting the deposit amount "¥503" which is more than the total amount "¥383", that is, a case where the settlement process is to be performed at the own terminal (first POS terminal 20-1), so the buttons (20-2 register button BT21, bill button BT25) for causing the other terminal, the second POS terminal 20-2, to perform the settlement process are displayed in a display mode indicating that the operation is invalid. In the scene in FIG. 10, when the current amount button BT20 is operated, change "¥120" is discharged from the change dispenser 209, and a receipt or the like is issued by the printing unit 213. Note that, when a customer makes a deposit while the registration screen is displayed or between the time the settlement screen is displayed and settlement is performed, when the customer requests the clerk to cancel the deposit, a deposit cancellation button may be provided for the clerk to cancel the deposit. The deposit cancellation button is displayed on the clerk side display unit 210, but is not displayed on the customer side display unit 205. For this reason, if a customer is unable to cancel the deposit and wishes to return the deposited currency, they must ask a store clerk to do so. The deposit cancellation button BT18 may be displayed not only on the store clerk display unit 210 but also on the customer display unit 205, or may be displayed only on the customer display unit 205.

(Displayed in Full Selfie mode)
Next, the display in the full self-service mode will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. Figs. 12 and 31 are examples of displays on the customer display unit 205 in the full self-service mode. Fig. 11(A) is an example of a registration start screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 before product registration begins. In the screen shown in Fig. 11(A), a registration start button BT30 is displayed on the right side of the screen, and display language switch buttons BT35 to BT37 are displayed in the lower left of the screen. The registration start button BT30 is a button for instructing the start of product registration. The customer operates the registration start button BT30 before starting product registration.

Figure 11 (B) is an example of the registration screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 before product registration has begun. Specifically, Figure 11 (B) shows the display contents of the registration screen when two products (tea and daifuku mochi) have been registered. Note that when the registration start button BT30 is operated on the registration start screen shown in Figure 11 (B), a registration screen on which no products have yet been registered (initial registration screen) is displayed, but for ease of explanation, Figure 11 (B) shows the registration screen after products have already been registered.

In FIG. 11(B), image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of register 20-2 (second POS terminal 20-2). Image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of register 20-3 (third POS terminal 20-3).

As shown in FIG. 11(B), the message "Please register the product" is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen, and below that is the message "Please hold the product's barcode close to the scanner to register it." Further below that is the message "If there is no barcode, please select an item from below," and below that is the "Vegetables" button BT38.

The Checkout button BT32 is displayed at the bottom right of the screen, and to the left of that is the Call Store Staff button BT33. The Checkout button BT32 is a button for instructing the user to finish registering products. After completing product registration, the customer operates the Checkout button BT32. The Call Store Staff button BT33 is a button for calling a store staff member, as described above.

Display language switching buttons BT35 to BT37 are displayed at the bottom left of the screen. As described above, buttons BT35 to BT37 are buttons for switching the display language between English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively. Furthermore, the "Vegetables" button BT38 is a button for displaying each preset key for vegetables. By pressing the "Vegetables" button BT38, preset keys corresponding to vegetable products (e.g., carrots, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, onions, etc.) are displayed.

Figure 12 is an example of the settlement screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 in full self-service mode. Figure 12 (A) is the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) displayed when settlement processing is started. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the payment method selection screen shown in Figure 12 (A) when the checkout button BT32 is operated on the registration screen (see Figure 11 (B)). Figure 12 (B) is the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the deposit screen shown in Figure 12 (B) when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see Figure 12 (A)). Figure 12 (C) is the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the deposit screen shown in Figure 12 (C) when cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted.

Figure 12 (D) is the settlement screen (change screen) displayed when the change is dispensed. For example, when the END (receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (Figure 12 (C)), the POS terminal 20 displays the change screen as shown in Figure 12 (D). Figure 12 (E) is the settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when the change is removed. For example, when the change is removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal displays the receipt screen as shown in Figure 12 (E). The POS terminal 20 may install a sensor such as a photosensor near the outlet and determine that the change has been removed when the sensor recognizes an object (presumably a customer's hand).

Figure 12 (F) shows the pause screen displayed when in pause mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 is in pause mode (pause state), and when in pause mode, the pause screen shown in Figure 12 (F) is displayed.

After displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 12(E)), the POS terminal 20 displays the registration start screen (FIG. 11(A)). For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the registration start screen after the receipt is removed from the issuing port of the printing unit 213. The POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a sensor that can recognize that the receipt has been removed from the issuing port.

Also, if no change is due, the change screen (Figure 12(D)) may not be displayed, and the screen may transition from the deposit screen (Figure 12(C)) to the receipt screen (Figure 12(E)).

(Semi-selfie mode display)
Next, the display of the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13 and 14 are examples of displays on the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode. In the explanation of Figures 13 and 14, it is assumed that the first POS terminal 20-1 is in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) and the second POS terminal 20-2 is in the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode).

Figure 13 is an example of the registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 in semi-self mode (registration-only mode). Specifically, Figure 13 shows the display contents of the registration screen when the first product item (eggs (M)) is registered.

In FIG. 13, image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of register 20-2 (second POS terminal 20-2). Image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of register 20-3 (third POS terminal 20-3).

The pause button BT11 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for pausing the user's terminal (the first POS terminal 20-1). The store clerk operates the pause button BT11 when leaving the user's terminal (for example, when going to look for a product, or when not using the terminal for a while, etc.).

The 20-3 register button BT22 is a button for specifying the 20-3 register (third POS terminal 20-3). Note that "(Accounting M)" displayed on the 20-3 register button BT22 indicates that the terminal corresponding to the 20-3 register button BT22 (third POS terminal 20-3) is in semi-self mode (accounting-only mode).

The receipt button BT25 is a button for issuing a receipt in the printing unit 213. The issued receipt is handed over by the store clerk to the customer. The customer then moves to the third POS terminal 20-3, and the third POS terminal 20-3 (customer side scanner unit 206) reads the code on the receipt, and the settlement process is carried out at the third POS terminal 20-3.

20-3 A mode switching button BT50 is displayed to the right of the register button BT22. The function of the mode switching button BT50 is the same as that of the mode switching button BT50 shown in FIG. 8.

Figure 14 shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the second POS terminal 20-2 in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode). Figure 14 (A) shows the settlement screen (standby screen) that is displayed before the settlement process begins. For example, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is in standby mode (standby state), it displays the standby screen as shown in Figure 14 (A).

Figure 14 (B) is the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) displayed when settlement processing is started. For example, when the second POS terminal 20-2 receives registration information, it displays the payment method selection screen as shown in Figure 14 (B). Figure 14 (C) is the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see Figure 14 (B)), the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the deposit screen as shown in Figure 14 (C). Figure 14 (D) is the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. For example, when cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the deposit screen as shown in Figure 14 (D).

Figure 14 (E) is the settlement screen (change screen) displayed when change is dispensed. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the change screen as shown in Figure 14 (E) when the Finish (Receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (Figure 14 (D)). Figure 14 (F) is the settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when change has been removed. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the receipt screen as shown in Figure 14 (F) when change has been removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 209.

Although not shown in the figure, the second POS terminal 20-2 may display a pause screen when in a paused state.

After displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 14(F)) (for example, after the receipt is removed from the issuing port of the printing unit 213), the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the standby screen (FIG. 14(A)) or the payment method selection screen (see FIG. 14(B)). If no change is to be made, the second POS terminal 20-2 may transition from the deposit screen (FIG. 14(D)) to the receipt screen (FIG. 14(F)) without displaying the change screen (FIG. 14(E)).

As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the settlement screens (payment method selection screen, deposit screen, change screen, receipt screen) displayed when the POS terminal 20 is in full self-service mode are the same as the settlement screens (payment method selection screen, deposit screen, change screen, receipt screen) displayed when the POS terminal 20 is in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode).

(Operation mode transition)
The POS terminal 20 changes operation modes in response to an explicit mode change operation by a store clerk (e.g., input on the screen, selection operation, etc.) or an operation other than an explicit mode change operation by a store clerk (e.g., reading a store clerk code, etc.).The POS terminal 20 also changes operation modes based on predetermined conditions that are not dependent on a store clerk's operation (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to sending and receiving information to and from other terminals, etc.).

The manner in which the operation mode of another POS terminal is changed by an explicit mode change operation by a store clerk includes a manner in which the operation mode is changed in association with an operation on the other POS terminal, and a manner in which the operation mode is changed by an operation to switch the operation mode of the other POS terminal. For example, an example of a manner in which the operation mode is changed in association with an operation on another POS terminal is a manner in which the other POS terminal (e.g., the second POS terminal 20-2) changes from full self-service mode to accounting-only mode in association with an operation to send registration information from a POS terminal 20 (e.g., the first POS terminal 20-1) to another POS terminal 20 (e.g., the second POS terminal 20-2) operating in full self-service mode. An example of a manner in which the operation mode is changed by an operation to switch the operation mode of another POS terminal is a manner in which the operation mode of the POS terminal itself 20 is switched and changed based on a switching instruction sent from the other POS terminal 20. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 switches and transitions its operating mode based on a switching instruction from the first POS terminal 20-1.

In a mode in which the operation mode is changed by an operation to switch the operation mode of another POS terminal, when the POS terminal (second POS terminal 20-2) that is the target of the operation mode change is in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) and data for settling registered products, for example unsettled registered data, is not stored, switching to full-self-service mode is permitted and switching is possible. When switching of the operation mode is not permitted, switching of the operation mode is prohibited. Below, switching of the operation mode in a mode in which the operation mode is changed by an operation to switch the operation mode of another POS terminal is described.

Figure 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation when switching operation modes. In explaining switching operation modes, an example will be described in which the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched by a switching operation of the first POS terminal 20-1. In the following explanation, the first POS terminal 20-1 may be referred to as "No. 1 register", the second POS terminal as "No. 2 register", and the third POS terminal 20-3 as "No. 3 register".

Step S111: The mode switching button BT50 is pressed. When the mode switching button BT50 is pressed, the No. 1 register sends a switching instruction to the No. 2 and No. 3 registers. When the store clerk presses the mode switching button BT50 shown in Figures 8 to 10 and 13, preparations for switching the operating mode begin. Subsequent processing switches the operating mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 when switching is possible.

Step S112: Determine whether the 20-2 register (No. 2 register, second POS terminal 20-2) is prohibited from switching. When the No. 2 register receives a switching instruction from the No. 1 register, if switching is prohibited, it returns switching prohibition information to the No. 1 register that sent the command. The No. 1 register determines whether switching is prohibited for the No. 2 register based on the returned switching prohibition information. Switching is prohibited for the No. 2 register when it is not in the accounting-only mode, when it is in the accounting-only mode but unsettled data is stored, or when a predetermined time has passed since the last settlement process was completed. When it is not in the accounting-only mode, this includes when a clerk is logged in or when the register is being used in normal mode or registration-only mode. Also, when it is in the line-only mode but unsettled data is stored, it is when settlement processing is in progress. The predetermined time may be determined as appropriate and may be, for example, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. If the No. 2 register is not prohibited from switching, proceed to step S113. If the No. 2 register is prohibited from switching, skip step S113 and proceed to step S114.

Step S113: Prepare to display the 20-2 register button. Here, to notify that the operation mode of the No. 2 register can be switched, preparations are made to display the 20-2 register button BT102 on the store clerk display unit 210 of the No. 1 register (first POS terminal 20-1) shown in FIG. 16(A).

Step S114: Determine whether register 20-3 (register No. 3, third POS terminal 20-3) is prohibited from switching. When register No. 3 receives a switching instruction from register No. 1, if switching is prohibited, it replies to register No. 1, the sender, with switching prohibition information indicating that switching is prohibited. Register No. 1 determines whether register No. 3 is prohibited from switching based on the returned switching prohibition information. When register No. 3 is prohibited from switching, it is the same as when register No. 2 is prohibited from switching. If register No. 3 is not prohibited from switching, proceed to step S115. If register No. 3 is prohibited from switching, skip step S115 and proceed to step S116.

Step S115: Prepare to display the 20-3 register button. Here, to notify that the operation mode of the No. 3 register can be switched, preparations are made to display the 20-3 register button BT103 on the store clerk display unit 210 of the No. 1 register (first POS terminal 20-1) shown in FIG. 16(A).

Step S116: Determine whether or not the buttons are ready to be displayed. Here, in steps S113 and S115, it is determined whether or not the 20-2 registration button BT102 and the 20-3 registration button BT103 are ready to be displayed, and if one or both of the 20-2 registration button BT102 and the 20-3 registration button BT103 are ready to be displayed, proceed to step S117. If these buttons are not ready to be displayed, proceed to step S123.

Step S117: The register button to be switched to is displayed as active. Here, in step S113, if the 20-2 register button BT102 is prepared for display, the 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed as active, as shown in FIG. 16 (A), and if the 20-3 register button BT103 is prepared for display, the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed as active. Note that active display here refers to a display in which the operation of the button is valid when the button is displayed. Also, if one register button is prepared for display and the other is not, the register button that is not prepared for display is displayed in a grayed-out state. For example, when the 20-2 register button BT102 is prepared for display and the 20-3 register button BT103 is not prepared for display, the 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed and the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed in a grayed-out state. At this time, the switch cancel button BT101 is displayed along with the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103. Note that it is sufficient to display the registers that can be switched and those that cannot be switched. For example, register buttons that are not prepared for display may be displayed in a grayed-out state, or may not be displayed at all. Also, the word "switchable" may be added to register buttons that are prepared for display, and the word "not switchable" may be added to register buttons that are not prepared for display.

Step S118: Determine whether the destination button has been pressed. Determine whether the register button displayed as active has been operated as the destination button. For example, when the 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed as active and the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed as grayed out, determine whether the 20-2 register button BT102 has been pressed; when the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 are displayed as active, determine whether either the 20-2 register button BT102 or the 20-3 register button BT103 has been pressed. If it is determined that the destination button has been pressed, proceed to step S119. If it is determined that the destination button has not been pressed, proceed to step S121.

Step S119: A switching instruction is sent to the register to which the switch is to be made. For example, when the 20-3 register button BT103, which is displayed as active, is pressed, a switching instruction is sent to the No. 3 register (third POS terminal 20-3). The No. 3 register to which the switching instruction was sent then accepts the transmitted switching instruction. The No. 3 register that accepted the switching instruction switches its operating mode from semi-self-service mode to full-self-service mode.

Step S120: Display a switch execution notification. When the switch execution notification is displayed, a message is displayed indicating that the operation mode of the register to be switched has been switched. When the No. 1 register transmits a switch instruction, the switch execution notification shown in FIG. 16B is displayed. When the switch execution notification is displayed, the turn-off button BT111 is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S122 when the turn-off button BT111 is pressed. Instead of pressing the turn-off button BT111, the display of the switch execution notification may be terminated and the process proceeds to step S122 when a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds, has elapsed. Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S112 when either the turn-off button BT111 is pressed or the predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, when the No. 2 register switches the operation mode receiving the switch instruction from the No. 1 register, the No. 2 register may transmit a switch completion signal to the No. 1 register, and when the No. 1 register receives the switch completion signal, the switch execution notification may be displayed.

Step S121: Determine whether the switch stop button has been pressed. Here, if the switch stop button BT101 shown in FIG. 16(A) has been pressed, proceed to step S122. If the switch stop button BT101 has not been pressed, return to step S118. Thus, when the switch destination button is actively displayed in step S117, the switch destination button will remain actively displayed until the switch destination button or the stop button is pressed.

Step S122: Return to the original screen. The original screen is the screen before the mode switching button BT50 was pressed in step S111. As shown in Figures 8 to 10 and 13, the mode switching button BT50 is displayed on the registration screen, sub-screen screen, and settlement screen of the clerk display unit 210 in normal mode, and the registration screen of the clerk display unit 210 in semi-self mode, so in step S111, the screen returns to one of these screens before the mode switching button BT50 was pressed.

Step S123: A screen is displayed to inform the user that mode switching is not possible for the other cash registers. In this case, for example, the display shown in FIG. 17 is displayed to indicate that switching is not possible. When displaying the display that switching is not possible, the back button BT121 and the grayed-down 20-2 register button BT102 and 20-3 register button BT103 are displayed.

Step S124: After the back button BT121 is pressed, the display indicating that switching is not possible for the other registers is cleared. Then, proceed to step S122.

(Screen transition of the registration side display device when the mode switching operation of another cash register is performed)
The mode switching operation of the other cash registers is performed by pressing the mode switching button BT50 displayed on the screens when the registration screen, the sub-screen display, the settlement screen, the registration screen on the clerk display unit 210 in the normal mode of the No. 1 cash register shown in Figures 8 to 10, and the registration screen on the clerk display unit 210 in the semi-self mode shown in Figure 13 are displayed. Note that the screen transitions shown below are the screen transitions on the clerk display unit 210 of the No. 1 cash register.

For example, when the mode switching button BT50 is pressed while the registration screen is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 in normal mode as shown in FIG. 8, if one or both of the No. 2 and No. 3 registers are switchable (when the mode is for accounting only and there is no unsettled data to store), the store clerk display unit 210 will display a switching explanation image GA10 over the registration screen shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 16 (A).

In this example, both the No. 2 and No. 3 registers can switch their operating mode to full self-service mode, and the switching explanation image GA10 displays a switching explanation message asking, "Which register would you like to switch?". Also displayed in the switching explanation image GA10 are a switching cancel button BT101, a 20-2 register button BT102, and a 20-3 register button BT103.

The switch cancel button BT101 is displayed to the right of the switch explanation. The 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed below the switch explanation, and the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed to the right of the 20-2 register button BT102. In the screen shown in FIG. 16(A), the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 are both displayed as active, and both register buttons can be pressed. The 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 also display the operation mode of the No. 2 and No. 3 registers, respectively, and whether there is any unsettled data to store when the operation mode is the full self-service mode or the accounting-only mode.

When either the 20-2 register button BT102 or the 20-3 register button BT103 cannot be pressed, it is displayed in a grayed-out state. Even in this case, the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 display the operation mode, etc. The display of the switching explanation image GA10 notifies the user that the operation mode of other registers, such as the No. 2 register and the No. 3 register, can be switched. Note that it is not necessary to display these operation modes or the presence or absence of stored unsettled data, and they may be displayed only when they are displayed as active or when they are displayed in a grayed-out state. For example, when the No. 2 register can switch operation modes but the No. 3 register cannot, the switching explanation may be, for example, "Do you want to switch the No. 2 register?", and the switching explanation may be changed depending on the register whose operation mode can be switched.

For example, when a store clerk presses the 20-3 register button BT103 on the screen shown in FIG. 16(A), a switching completion explanation image GA11 is displayed over the registration screen shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 16(B). The switching completion explanation image GA11 displays a switching completion explanation saying, "Cash register 20-3 has been switched to full self-service mode." Also, a delete button BT111 is displayed within the switching completion explanation image GA11. The delete button BT111 is displayed at the bottom right of the switching completion explanation. The display of the switching completion explanation image GA11 notifies the user that the operating mode of cash register No. 3 (third POS terminal 20-3) has been switched to full self-service mode.

On the clerk-side display unit 210, when a clerk or the like presses the switch cancel button BT101 on the screen shown in FIG. 16 (A), the switch explanation image GA10 is erased and the original registration screen (the registration screen shown in FIG. 8) is displayed. Similarly, when a clerk or the like presses the erase button BT111 on the screen shown in FIG. 16 (B), the switch completion explanation image GA11 is erased on the clerk-side display unit 210 and the original registration screen (the registration screen shown in FIG. 8) is displayed.

In addition, when the mode switching button BT50 is pressed while the registration screen is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 in normal mode as shown in FIG. 8, if both the No. 2 and No. 3 registers are unable to be switched (if they are not in the accounting-only mode, or if they are in the accounting-only mode but there is no unsettled data to store), the store clerk display unit 210 will display an unswitchable explanation image GA12, as shown in FIG. 17, overlaying the registration screen shown in FIG. 8.

The inability to switch explanation image GA12 displays the inability to switch explanation text, "You cannot switch between registers." The inability to switch explanation image GA12 also displays a back button BT121, as well as the 20-2 register button BT122 and the 20-3 register button BT123, which are displayed in a grayed-out state. The 20-2 register button BT122 and the 20-3 register button BT123 also display the operating modes of the No. 2 and No. 3 registers, etc.

When the back button BT121 is pressed, the unswitchable explanation image GA12 is erased and the original registration screen (the registration screen shown in FIG. 8) is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. The 20-2 register button BT122 and the 20-3 register button BT123 are both displayed in a grayed-out state and are inoperable, so that in the unswitchable explanation image GA12, only the back button BT121 can be pressed. Note that the 20-2 register button BT122 and the 20-3 register button BT123 may be displayed in a grayed-out state or may not be displayed at all.

As explained above, the POS terminal 20 in the POS system 1 of this embodiment issues a switching instruction to switch the operation mode of the other POS terminals 20 in the POS system 1, and the other POS terminals 20 accept the switching instruction and switch their operation modes. This allows the other POS terminals 20 to switch the operation mode of the POS terminals. For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 can switch the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2. This allows the multiple POS terminals 20 in the POS system 1 to operate efficiently and prevents customers from having to wait.

For example, suppose the first POS terminal 20-1 is operating in normal mode, the second POS terminal 20-2 in full self-service mode, and the third POS terminal 20-3 in checkout-only mode, and a store clerk is operating the first POS terminal 20-1. In this case, even if many customers are lined up at the first POS terminal 20-1 and the second POS terminal 20-2, in order to switch the operation mode of the third POS terminal 20-3, the store clerk operating the first POS terminal 20-1 needs to move to the third POS terminal 20-3, which means that the operation mode cannot be switched smoothly, and there is a concern that the third POS terminal 20-3 cannot be used effectively. In this regard, the operation mode of the third POS terminal 20-3 can be switched by operating the first POS terminal 20-1, so the operation mode of the third POS terminal 20-3 can be switched without the store clerk moving near the third POS terminal 20-3. This allows multiple POS terminals 20 to be operated efficiently, preventing customers from having to wait.

When the POS terminal 20 is operating in the accounting-only mode, the customer processes the payment themselves, so there is often no store clerk near the POS terminal 20. When in the accounting-only mode, the POS terminal 20 switches the operating mode based on a switching command from another POS terminal 20, so the POS terminal 20 can be operated efficiently and customers can be prevented from having to wait.

Even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the accounting-only mode, switching the operating mode while there is unsettled data remaining in the POS terminal 20 can cause confusion when switching operating modes. Even in full self-service mode, a similar problem can occur if the operating mode is switched immediately after the previous customer's payment. In this regard, the above-mentioned POS terminal 20 prohibits switching the operating mode while operating in the accounting-only mode and while there is unsettled data stored. Also, switching the operating mode is prohibited until a specified time has passed after the completion of the final payment process. This prevents confusion when switching operating modes, allows the POS terminal 20 to operate efficiently, and prevents customers from having to wait.

In addition, if the operation mode is switched while the POS terminal 20 is operating in normal mode, it will interfere with other customers who are registering products or processing payments in normal mode. In this regard, the POS terminal 20 described above prohibits switching of the operation mode while operating in normal mode. This makes it possible to avoid interfering with the payment processing of other customers.

Furthermore, when the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment receives a switching instruction from another POS terminal 20 that is to be the target of switching the operating mode, if switching is prohibited, specifically, if it is not in the accounting-only mode, or if it is in the accounting-only mode but unsettled data is stored, it replies to the sending POS terminal 20 with switching prohibition information indicating that switching is prohibited. This allows the sending POS terminal 20 to easily recognize the switching prohibition state of the POS terminal that is to be the target of switching the operating mode. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary switching of the operating mode, and therefore to prevent customers from having to wait.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the processing performed when the button display preparation is not performed. The configuration of the product sales data processing system is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14. The following describes this embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

(Operation mode transition)
As in the first embodiment, the POS terminal 20 switches and transitions its own operation mode based on an explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk (e.g., input on the screen, selection operation, etc.), other operations other than the explicit mode transition operation by the store clerk (e.g., reading a store clerk code, etc.), and predetermined conditions not dependent on the operation of the store clerk (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to sending and receiving information between other terminals, etc.), as well as a switching instruction sent from another terminal. Furthermore, in the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment, when switching of the operation mode is prohibited in the POS terminal 20 that is the target of the operation mode switching, forced switching can be performed to forcibly switch the operation mode. Forced switching of the operation mode is described below.

Figure 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation when switching the operation mode in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, the processing when it is determined in step S116 that the button display is not ready differs from that in the first embodiment. Note that the processing from step S111 to step S122 is the same as in the first embodiment shown in Figure 15, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

Step S151: Display that switching to other registers is not possible and display the forced switch button. In the first embodiment described above, if the button display preparation is not available, a screen is displayed informing the user that mode switching to other registers is not possible. In this embodiment, however, as shown in FIG. 19(A), the 20-2 register button BT302 and the 20-3 register button BT303 are displayed in a grayed-out state, and the forced switch button BT301 and back button BT304 are displayed.

Step S152: Determine whether the forced switch button has been pressed. If the forced switch button has been pressed, proceed to step S153. If the forced switch button has not been pressed, proceed to step S161.

Step S153: A forced switch destination designation button is displayed. When the forced switch button is pressed, the operation mode of other POS terminals for which switching of operation modes is prohibited is forcibly switched. Here, in order to determine the POS terminal for which the operation mode will be forcibly switched, the 20-2 register button BT311 and the 20-3 register button BT312 shown in FIG. 19 (B) are displayed as active. At this time, a forced switch stop button BT313 is also displayed. When the operation mode is forcibly switched, the operation mode to be switched to is predetermined. Here, if the operation mode before the forced switch was normal mode or semi-self-service mode, it is forcibly switched to full self-service mode, and if it was full self-service mode, it is switched to normal mode.

Step S154: Determine whether the forced switch destination designation button has been pressed. If the forced switch destination designation button has been pressed, in this case, if either the 20-2 register button BT311 or the 20-3 register button BT312 shown in FIG. 19(B) has been pressed, proceed to step S156. If neither the 20-2 register button BT311 nor the 20-3 register button BT312 has been pressed, proceed to step S155.

Step S155: Determine whether the cancel button has been pressed. Here, determine whether the forced switching cancel button BT313 shown in FIG. 19(B) has been pressed. If the cancel button BT131 has been pressed, proceed to step S122. If the forced switching cancel button BT313 has not been pressed, return to step S154. Therefore, when the screen shown in FIG. 19(B) is displayed, this screen will continue to be displayed until any of the 20-2 register button BT311, 20-3 register button BT312, and forced switching cancel button BT313 is pressed. Note that if the 20-2 register button BT311, 20-3 register button BT312, and forced switching cancel button BT313 are not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the same processing as when the forced switching cancel button BT313 is pressed may be performed.

Step S156: Display the forced switch execution button and the abort button. Here, as shown in FIG. 20, the forced switch execution button BT321 and the forced switch abort button BT322 are displayed.

Step S157: Determine whether the forced switch execution button has been pressed. If the forced switch execution button has been pressed, proceed to step S158. If the forced switch execution button has not been pressed, proceed to step S158.

Step S158: Determine whether the cancel button has been pressed. Here, determine whether the forced switching cancel button BT322 shown in FIG. 20 has been pressed. If the forced switching cancel button BT322 has been pressed, proceed to step S122. If the forced switching cancel button BT322 has not been pressed, return to step S157. Therefore, when the screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, this screen will continue to be displayed until either the forced switching execution button BT321 or the forced switching cancel button BT322 is pressed. Note that if the forced switching execution button BT321 or the forced switching cancel button BT322 is not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the same processing as when the forced switching cancel button BT322 is pressed may be performed.

Step S159: A forced switch instruction is sent to the register to which the switch is to be made. For example, when the forced switch execution button BT321 in FIG. 20 is pressed, a forced switch instruction is sent to register No. 3 (third POS terminal 20-3). Register No. 3 to which the forced switch instruction was sent accepts the forced switch instruction. Register No. 3 that accepted the switch instruction is in transaction-only mode and switching is prohibited, but the forced switch instruction forcibly switches it to full self-service mode.

Step S160: Display a forced switch execution notification. When the forced switch execution notification is displayed, a message is displayed indicating that the operation mode of the cash register to be switched to has been forcibly switched. When the No. 1 cash register transmits a switching instruction, the forced switch execution notification shown in FIG. 20B is displayed. When the No. 1 cash register transmits a switching instruction, the forced switch execution notification is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S122 when the No. 1 cash register is pressed. Instead of pressing the No. 1 cash register, the display of the switching execution notification may be terminated by the passage of a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds, and the process proceeds to step S122. Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S112 when the No. 2 cash register transmits a switching completion signal to the No. 1 cash register when it switches the operation mode in response to a switching instruction received from the No. 1 cash register, and the No. 1 cash register displays the switching execution notification when it receives the switching completion signal.

Step S161: Determine whether the back button has been pressed. Here, if the back button BT304 shown in FIG. 19(A) has been pressed, proceed to step S122. If the back button BT304 has not been pressed, return to step S160. Thus, in step S161, the display indicating that switching to another register is not possible and the display of the forced switching button continue until either the forced switching button BT301 or the back button BT304 is pressed.

(Screen transition of the registration side display device when the mode switching operation of another cash register is performed)
The mode switching operation of the other cash registers is performed by pressing the mode switching button BT50 displayed on the screens when the registration screen, the sub-screen display, the settlement screen, the registration screen on the clerk display unit 210 in the normal mode of the No. 1 cash register shown in Figures 8 to 10, and the registration screen on the clerk display unit 210 in the semi-self mode shown in Figure 13 are displayed. Note that the screen transitions shown below are screen transitions on the clerk display unit 210 of the No. 1 cash register. This is the same as in the first embodiment.

For example, when the registration screen is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 in normal mode as shown in FIG. 8, the process in the case where the No. 2 register and the No. 3 register are switchable when the mode switching button BT50 is pressed is the same as in the first embodiment. In the case where the No. 2 register and the No. 3 register are not switchable when the mode switching button BT50 is pressed, the switchable explanation image GA12 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed in the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the forced switchable image GA30 shown in FIG. 19 (A) is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 19(A), the forced switching compatible image GA30 is displayed so as to overlap the registration screen shown in FIG. 8. The forced switching compatible image GA30 displays a switching impossible explanation message saying, "You cannot switch which register." The forced switching compatible image GA30 also displays a back button BT304, as well as the 20-2 register button BT302 and 20-3 register button BT303, which include information such as the operating mode and are displayed in a grayed-down state. This is the same as the switching impossible explanation image GA12 shown in FIG. 17. The forced switching compatible image GA30 also displays a forced switching button BT301. This differs from the first embodiment.

When the forced switch button BT301 is pressed, the forced switch register selection image GA31 shown in FIG. 19 (B) is displayed. The forced switch register selection image GA31 is displayed so as to overlay the registration screen shown in FIG. 8. The forced switch register selection image GA31 displays a forced switch register explanation such as "Which register would you like to forcibly switch?". Additionally, the forced switch register selection image GA31 displays the 20-2 register button BT311 and 20-3 register button BT312 displayed as active, and further displays a forced switch stop button BT313.

Here, for example, when the 20-3 register button BT312 is pressed, a forced switch confirmation image GA32 is displayed as shown in FIG. 20(A). The forced switch confirmation image GA32 displays a forced switch confirmation message saying, "Do you want to force switch the 20-3 register?" The forced switch confirmation image GA32 also displays a forced switch execution button BT321 and a forced switch cancellation button BT322. Furthermore, the No. 3 register that is the target of the forced switch is in the accounting-only mode. In the accounting-only mode, products are registered, and customers may deposit money into the change machine 209 for accounting (settlement). In this case, the amount deposited into the change machine 209 and the total amount of the products may affect the handling of change, so the forced switch confirmation image GA32 displays the amount deposited into the No. 3 register and the total amount of the registered products. In the example shown in FIG. 20(A), an example is shown in which the amount deposited into the change machine 209 in the No. 3 register is 0 yen because no deposit was made into the change machine 209.

When the 20-2 register button BT311 is pressed, the forced switch confirmation image GA32 displays a forced switch confirmation message asking, "Do you want to force switch the 20-2 register?" The No. 2 register to be switched to is in full self-service mode, but the deposit amount and total amount are displayed in the same way as when it is in accounting-only mode. When the forced switch cancel button BT313 is pressed, the forced switch is canceled and the registration screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

Returning to FIG. 20(A), when the forced switch execution button BT321 in the forced switch confirmation image GA32 is pressed, a forced switch completion image GA33 is displayed as shown in FIG. 20(B). The forced switch completion image GA33 is displayed so as to overlay it on the registration screen shown in FIG. 8. The forced switch completion image GA33 displays a forced switch completion explanation that reads, "Cash register 20-3 has been switched to full self-service mode." Also, a delete button BT331 is displayed in the forced switch confirmation image GA32. When this delete button BT331 is pressed, the forced switch completion image GA33 is deleted, and the registration screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

When the 20-3 register button BT312 in the forced switch register selection image GA31 shown in FIG. 19(B) is pressed and a deposit is made into the change dispenser 209 at the No. 3 register to be switched to, the amount of the deposit is displayed in the forced switch confirmation image GA40 displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, as shown in FIG. 21(A). In the example shown in FIG. 21(A), the amount of the deposit is 2,000 yen, which is more than the total amount of the registered items, 1,928 yen.

Next, when the forced switch execution button BT401 on the forced switch confirmation image GA40 is pressed, the change dispensing confirmation image GA41 shown in FIG. 21 (B) is displayed. The change dispensing confirmation image GA41 displays a small forced switch completion explanation saying, "Cash register 20-3 has been switched to full self-service mode," along with a change dispensing confirmation message saying, "Do you want to dispense your change?" Also displayed in the change dispensing confirmation image GA41 are an accept button BT411 and a dispense button BT412.

Here, when the accept button BT411 is pressed, the settlement at register No. 3 is completed without dispensing any change. When the payout button BT412 is pressed, the change is dispensed and the settlement at register No. 3 is completed. For this reason, for example, if there is no customer near register No. 3, the accept button BT411 can be pressed to complete the settlement without dispensing the change, preventing the change from being left behind or stolen. When there is a customer near register No. 3, the payout button BT412 can be pressed to dispense the change, making it more convenient for the customer to receive the change. When the change is dispensed, a receipt may also be issued.

As explained above, the POS system 1 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 in the POS system 1 of this embodiment is capable of forcibly switching the operation mode of a POS terminal 20 for which switching of the operation mode is prohibited. For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 can switch the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2, and when switching of the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is prohibited, the second POS terminal 20-2 can be forcibly switched. For example, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is in normal mode, the first POS terminal 20-1 is prohibited from switching the operation mode, but forced switching is possible.

For example, when the POS terminal 20 operates in normal mode, it is assumed that a store clerk and a customer are present. For this reason, when the POS terminal 20 is in normal mode, switching of the operating mode in response to a switching command from another POS terminal 20 is prohibited so as not to interfere with the work of the store clerk and customers, from product registration to payment. However, even when the POS terminal 20 is in normal mode, there may be a situation where it is left without a store clerk or a customer present. If the POS terminal 20 is left in normal mode, it will cause problems in the efficient operation of the POS terminal 20.

In this regard, in the above-mentioned POS system 1, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 can be forcibly switched by issuing a forced switch command from another POS terminal 20. The forced switch command is issued by operating the clerk-side display unit 210, and the forced operation command is mainly issued by the clerk. Therefore, the forced switch can be performed after the clerk has checked the presence or absence of clerks and customers at the POS terminal 20 that is the target of the forced switch. Therefore, even for a POS terminal 20 that is prohibited from switching, such as a POS terminal that is not in a transaction-only mode, the operation mode can be switched at the discretion of the clerk operating the other POS terminal 20 depending on the situation, so that the POS terminal 20 can be operated efficiently and customers can be prevented from having to wait.

The following are some examples of situations in which the POS terminal 20 may be left unattended without a store clerk or customer present. For example, when the POS terminal 20 is operating in full self-service mode, a customer may register an item and then leave without completing the payment process. Alternatively, when the POS terminal 20 is operating in full self-service mode or in accounting-only mode, a customer may make a deposit and then leave while the payment process is in progress, or a customer may deposit more currency than the total amount (purchase amount) and then leave without completing the payment process.

In these circumstances, for example, if the operating mode after the settlement process is the accounting-only mode, the next registration information cannot be sent, and if the operating mode after the settlement process is the full self-service mode, the next customer cannot operate the POS terminal 20. In such cases, by performing a forced switch, the operating mode can be switched according to the situation, so that customers do not have to wait. If the operating mode is forced to switch in a situation where a customer leaves while the settlement process is in progress after depositing money, or in a situation where a customer deposits more money than the total amount (purchase amount) and leaves without completing the settlement process, it is preferable to save the amount data without refunding the deposited money. In this case, it is possible to prevent cash from being left at the POS terminal 20 when there are no customers or store staff present.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example of the present invention will be described.
In the above embodiment, the condition for prohibiting switching of the operation mode of a POS terminal is an operation mode other than the accounting-only mode, but other conditions may also be used for prohibiting switching, for example, the operation mode before switching of the POS terminal that is the target of switching the operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the "switching target POS terminal") may be normal mode, full self-service mode, or accounting-only mode. Note that in the following description, the POS terminal that outputs a switching instruction to the switching target POS terminal may be the first POS terminal 20-1, and the switching target POS terminal may be the second POS terminal 20-2.

In this case, the conditions for prohibiting switching may differ depending on the operating mode of the POS terminal to be switched before switching. Also, in the above embodiment, the operating mode after switching of the POS terminal to be switched is full self-service mode, but it may be a mode other than full self-service mode. Also, if it is a mode other than full self-service mode, it may be determined depending on the operating mode of the POS terminal to be switched before switching. Also, in the above embodiment, the operating mode after switching of the POS terminal to be switched is set to full self-service mode, but it may be possible to select from a plurality of operating modes.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the operating mode of the POS terminal to be switched may be normal mode, full self-service mode, or checkout-only mode (semi-self-service mode). When the operating mode of the POS terminal to be switched is normal mode, for example, a condition for prohibiting switching of the operating mode may be that another store clerk is logged in. For example, a condition for prohibiting switching of the second POS terminal 20-2 may be that a store clerk different from the store clerk logged in to the first POS terminal 20-1 is logged in to the second POS terminal 20-2. The POS terminal to be switched may be switchable from normal mode to full self-service mode, for example.

When the operating mode of the POS terminal to be switched is full self-service mode, the conditions for prohibiting switching the operating mode may be, for example, that unsettled data is stored as in the above embodiment, or that a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the previous customer (last customer) has paid, or that the next customer is detected. Alternatively, it may be that two or more (all) of these conditions are met. The POS terminal to be switched can be switched, for example, from full self-service mode to accounting-only mode (semi-self-service mode).

When the operating mode of the POS terminal to be switched is the accounting-only mode, the conditions for prohibiting switching the operating mode may be, for example, that unsettled data is stored as in the above embodiment, or that a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the previous customer (last customer) paid their bill. Or, it may be that two or more of these conditions (or all of them) are met. The POS terminal to be switched can be switched, for example, from the accounting-only mode (semi-self-service mode) to the full-self-service mode.

A situation in which a store clerk operates the first POS terminal 20-1 to switch the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 includes a situation in which there is no store clerk near the second POS terminal 20-2. When the second POS terminal 20-2 is in normal mode or registration-only mode (semi-self-service mode), a store clerk is required to perform registration work at the second POS terminal 20-2, so there is often a store clerk near the second POS terminal 20-2. Also, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is in full-self-service mode or settlement-only mode (semi-self-service mode), there is no need for a store clerk to perform registration work at the second POS terminal 20-2, so there is often no store clerk near the second POS terminal 20-2. Therefore, by switching the operating mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 between full self-service mode and payment-only mode (semi-self-service mode) using the first POS terminal 20-1, the second POS terminal 20-2 can be operated efficiently and customers can be prevented from having to wait.

Since there is often no store clerk near the second POS terminal 20-2 after switching, it is difficult to improve convenience even if the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to normal mode or registration-only mode. For this reason, it is preferable that the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 after switching is full self-service mode or checkout-only mode. The operation mode of the POS terminal to be switched after switching may be other operation modes, such as normal mode, registration-only mode (semi-self-service mode), or double scan mode. For example, when a store clerk performing registration work at the first POS terminal 20-1 sees another store clerk approaching the second POS terminal 20-2, which was in full self-service mode, convenience can be improved by setting the second POS terminal 20-2 to normal mode, registration-only mode, or double scan mode when the other store clerk reaches the second POS terminal 20-2.

Although the post-switching operating mode of the switching target POS terminal is determined according to the pre-switching operating mode, the post-switching operating mode may be selectable from among multiple operating modes. For example, when the operating mode of the switching target POS terminal is normal mode or registration-only mode, it may be switched to either full self-service mode or checkout-only mode. Below, the transition of the screen on the store clerk display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 when the operating mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to either full self-service mode or checkout-only mode will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

In this example, when the mode switching button BT50 included in the registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, a register switching explanation image GA20 is displayed as shown in FIG. 23(A). The register switching explanation image GA20 displays a register switching explanation saying, "Which register would you like to switch?". The register switching explanation image GA20 displays a cancel button BT201, a 20-2 register button BT202, and a 20-3 register button BT203. The 20-2 register button BT202 displays the words "Registration only mode," which is the current operating mode of the No. 2 register, and the 20-3 register button BT203 displays the words "Accounting only mode," which is the current operating mode of the No. 3 register.

Next, when the 20-2 register button BT202 is pressed, a switching mode explanation image GA21 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 23 (B). The switching mode explanation image GA21 displays a small switching explanation saying "Switching 20-2 register (currently: registration mode)" and a switching mode explanation saying "Which mode would you like to switch to?". A cancel button BT211, a full self mode button BT212, and a checkout only mode button BT213 are displayed in the switching mode explanation image GA21.

Next, when the full self-service mode button BT212 is pressed, the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to full self-service mode. When the accounting-only mode button BT213 is pressed, the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to accounting-only mode.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be changed or modified as appropriate.

(Regarding external mode switching of POS terminals)
In the above example, the POS terminal 20 issues an instruction to switch the operation mode of the other POS terminals 20, but an external device other than the POS terminal 20 may issue an instruction to switch the operation mode. For example, an instruction to switch the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be issued from a mobile terminal or a tablet terminal. For example, these mobile terminals and tablet terminals may be ones that are always carried by store clerks, or may be ones that are carried by people other than store clerks. Also, an instruction to switch the operation mode may be issued from the store controller 10 or the like. Also, the POS terminal 20 may not have a function to issue an instruction to switch the operation mode.

(Mode switching selection when switching instruction is given)
In the above example, the POS terminal 20 that receives the switching instruction cannot decide whether to accept the switching instruction, but it may be possible to decide whether to accept the switching instruction. For example, when a switching instruction is given while the operation mode is the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 24, an acceptance/rejection selection display image GA50 may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, and the customer may decide whether to accept the mode switching by operating the accept button BT501 or the reject button BT502 included in the acceptance/rejection selection display image GA50. In this case, for example, the mode switching may be rejected during registration or payment processing, and the mode switching may be accepted during standby. Therefore, the mode can be switched depending on the situation, which prevents customers from having to wait.

For example, if there is a store clerk operating the POS terminal 20 that received the switching instruction, the accept button BT501 or reject button BT502 included in the acceptance/rejection selection display image GA50 may be operated by that store clerk. Also, an upper limit may be set for the display time of the acceptance/rejection selection display image GA50, and the switching instruction may be accepted when the display time of the acceptance/rejection selection display image GA50 exceeds the upper limit. In this case, for example, even if the POS terminal 20 that received the switching instruction is in full self-service mode and there is no store clerk operating the POS terminal 20, the operating mode can be switched reliably.

(About operation mode)

The POS terminal 20 may also switch operating modes based on certain conditions that are not dependent on the operation of a store clerk (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a certain time (schedule), conditions related to sending and receiving information such as commands with other terminals, etc.). Specifically, for example, if the POS terminal 20 in normal mode continues to be unused until a purchased item is registered or a payment is made (after the settlement is completed if the process from registration to settlement has been performed previously), it may switch to full self-service mode.

When operating in full self mode, a screen on which buttons corresponding to each clerk are arranged may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and the clerk may be identified according to the button touched on the screen. In addition, buttons corresponding to each clerk may be arranged on the key operation unit 211, and the clerk may be identified according to the button operated on the key operation unit 211.

Also, the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode may be made to function as a semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode). That is, the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) and causes the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to execute the settlement process, but the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) may transmit registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode and cause the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode to execute the settlement process. Note that, when a customer is not operating the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode, the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) may be made to transmit registration information. It may be possible to prevent the transmission of registration information when a customer is operating, or to transmit registration information so that settlement is performed immediately after the customer finishes operating even if the customer is operating.

In addition, in relation to the transmission of registration information, a send button may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 that is the sender of the registration information. On the store clerk display unit 210, send buttons for all other POS terminals on the LAN 11 may be displayed in a manner that makes each POS terminal identifiable (for example, by displaying them with terminal numbers such as "register 1" and "register 2"), or send buttons for POS terminals that can be destinations (POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) and POS terminals 20 operating in full-self-service mode) may be displayed in a manner that makes each POS terminal identifiable. One or more POS terminals 20 that are permitted as destinations for sending registration information from the POS terminal 20 may be determined in advance (i.e., the coupling of the registration side and the settlement side may be determined in advance), and send buttons may be displayed based on this.

In addition, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently capable of transmitting registration information and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in different display modes. For example, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently capable of transmitting registration information may be displayed in a normal display mode, and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in a special display mode (e.g., grayed out, etc.). Buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be made inoperable or prohibited from being operated (e.g., they may be made inoperable by touch).

The status of each POS terminal 20 to which the registration information is sent (e.g., waiting, in use, near end, near full, offline, etc.) may be notified. For example, the status of each POS terminal 20 may be shared in the LAN 11 (e.g., sending and receiving information indicating the status, centralized management in the store controller 10 or a representative POS terminal 20, etc.), and information indicating the status of each POS terminal 20 (e.g., badge-like images indicating "waiting," "in use," "near end," etc.) may be displayed on the above-mentioned button (or associated with the button). Note that in the case of a POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode, it is in waiting mode when the customer is not operating it, and when the customer starts registration, it changes from waiting to in use, and when settlement is completed, it changes from in use to waiting again. The in-use state may be divided into registration and settlement before and after the operation of the registration completion key (subtotal key).

In addition, although it has been explained that the POS terminal 20 changes operating modes in response to an explicit mode change operation by a store clerk, even in the case of an explicit mode change operation, the operation may be restricted (prohibited) depending on the operating mode before the change (the current operating mode), the operating mode to which the mode is to be changed, the operating status, etc.

The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be scheduled according to the working status of the store clerk (work status, work schedule, work schedule). However, depending on the operating mode before the transition (current operating mode), the operating mode to which the transition is made, the operating status, etc., there may be cases where the operation mode is controlled according to the schedule or not.

(About switching operation modes)
When switching the operation mode, the POS terminal 20 may display a message indicating that the operation mode is being switched on at least one of the customer display unit 205 or the store clerk display unit 210. For example, when switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode), a message such as "Switching to accounting-only mode" may be displayed on the customer display unit 205 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., several seconds) when switching (or before switching). Note that after switching the operation mode, a message indicating that the operation mode has been switched may be displayed.

The POS terminal 20 may be configured to switch to double scan mode when a store clerk logs in while in full self-service mode when the store clerk is not logged in. Alternatively, when a store clerk logs in, the POS terminal 20 may determine whether to maintain full self-service mode, switch to normal mode, or switch to double scan mode depending on the operation of the store clerk (e.g., button operation).

In other words, when the POS terminal 20 is in full self-service mode and the clerk is not logged in, if the clerk logs in, the POS terminal 20 may display a button for maintaining the full self-service mode, a button for switching to normal mode, and a button for switching to double scan mode, and control the operation mode after login depending on which button is operated. For example, if a customer requests assistance with product registration to leave everything to the clerk from now on (if a clerk is called), the clerk operates a button for switching to normal mode after logging in, if a customer requests assistance with product registration to leave some of the product registration to the clerk from now on (if a clerk is called), the clerk operates a button for switching to double scan mode after logging in, and if the customer logs in for some reason (for example, to check the processing status, etc.) but wishes to register himself or does not need the assistance of the clerk (or if the customer only logs in temporarily and cannot support the customer), the clerk operates a button for maintaining the full self-service mode after logging in. If the full self-service mode is maintained after the store clerk logs in, the product names and other information registered by the customer may not be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 from the perspective of privacy, etc. However, information that does not significantly affect privacy, etc. (such as the cumulative total amount being registered) may be displayed. If the cumulative total amount being registered is displayed, the store clerk can, for example, appropriately check the right to draw lots (whether the purchase amount has exceeded a specified amount, etc.), and therefore prepare for the draw in advance.

Whether or not to display the product name, etc. of a product registered by a customer on the store clerk display unit 210 in full self-service mode when the store clerk is logged in may be set by at least one of the store clerk (store clerk display unit 210) or the customer (customer display unit 205).

The POS terminal 20 will cancel the logged-in state (change from logged-in state to logged-out state) based on an explicit operation (logout operation) by the store clerk. Instead of or in addition to an explicit operation by the store clerk, the logged-in state may be cancelled when a predetermined time (which can be set for each terminal, for example) has passed since the last operation by the store clerk (when no operation has been performed for the predetermined time).

The above-mentioned hibernation state (pause mode) and logout state may be the same. In other words, the above-mentioned logout operation is the operation of the pause button. However, the hibernation state and the logout state may be considered to be different states. For example, the hibernation state (pause mode) may be considered to be part of the login state (the state to which the user transitions when the pause button is operated in the login state). If the hibernation state and the logout state are considered to be different states, the logout operation is a different operation from the operation of the pause button.

However, for products that require the intervention of a store clerk (for example, products that require heating in a microwave or products that are removed by a store clerk (meat buns, cigarettes, etc.)), the store clerk must be notified of the product, so the product may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 regardless of the above setting. In addition, for products that require age authentication (for example, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, etc.), the store clerk must be notified of the product, so the product may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 regardless of the above setting. Note that whether or not a product requires the intervention of a store clerk may be determined in advance for each product.

(About the switch button)
In the above embodiment, the mode switching button BT50 is displayed on the clerk display unit 210, but it may be displayed on the customer display unit 205. Also, instead of pressing the mode switching button BT50 displayed on the clerk display unit 210, the operation mode may be switched by operating the key operation unit 211. When the operation mode of the other POS terminal 20 is switched by operating the key operation unit 211, and the POS terminal or operation mode to be switched can be selected, the POS terminal or operation mode to be selected may be displayed as a button on the clerk display unit 210 so that the clerk can select it, or the other POS terminal or operation mode may be assigned to a key on the key operation unit 211, and the other POS terminal or operation mode may be selected by operating the assigned key on the key operation unit 211.

(About the printing department)
In the above, the POS terminal 20 is equipped with one printing unit 213 that can be rotatably changed in the direction (direction of the medium issuing port) from the clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the clerk side, but it may also be equipped with two printing units with a medium issuing port on each side. In other words, instead of one printing unit 213 that can be rotatably changed in the direction of the medium issuing port, the POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a clerk-side printing unit with a medium issuing port on the clerk side and a customer-side printing unit with a medium issuing port on the customer side separately.

(About the scanner part)
In the above description, the customer-side scanner unit 206 is a type that is held by an operator (a store clerk, a customer) and brought close to an object (such as a product) to recognize identification information, but it may be of another type. For example, it may be a fixed type that recognizes an object by bringing it close. The same applies to the store clerk-side scanner unit 212.

(Regarding analysis, etc.)
In the POS system 1, an electronic journal may be stored and utilized for various analyses. The electronic journal may include various information such as product information and registration information, and other output information (including information about customers). For example, the POS terminal 20 (or the store controller 10) may store an electronic journal for each transaction, and analyze the operation status of each operation mode (for example, the operation time of each mode by time period and day of the week, by person in charge, or unconditionally) and the registration status of the clerk and customer in the double scan mode (the ratio of the number of product registrations of the clerk and customer, etc., may be by clerk, or may be by customer if the customer's attributes (gender and age) can be grasped based on the membership number, etc.). The analysis results may be output to a list, etc.

In addition, by storing in the electronic journal, for example, the registration start time (in seconds) of the first item in each transaction and the start time of displaying the sub-page, it may be possible to analyze the time required by operation mode (for example, by operation mode and number of items purchased, etc.) (for example, the time required until the registration process is completed (until the sub-page starts to be displayed)).

(Other indications)
The POS terminal 20 may also display information related to errors (for example, a warning about change, a warning about paper, information about calling a store clerk, etc.). By transmitting and receiving information via the LAN 11, information related to other POS terminals 20 may be displayed instead of or in addition to the information related to the POS terminal 20. When displaying information related to other POS terminals 20, the information may be displayed according to the position of the other POS terminal 20 (positional relationship with the POS terminal 20).

Each POS terminal 20 may refer to information indicating its positional relationship with the other POS terminals 20 (for example, each POS terminal 20 itself may store and refer to information indicating the positional relationship, or the store controller 10 may store information indicating the positional relationship and each POS terminal 20 may access the store controller 10 to refer to the information indicating the positional relationship), and perform display according to the position of the other POS terminals 20. Alternatively, the display position may be determined in advance for each of the other POS terminals 20.

For example, the left and right display positions may be different depending on the placement of the POS terminal 20. As an example, if the first POS terminal 20-1 is located to the left of the second POS terminal 20-2 (left side as seen from the store clerk's side) and the third POS terminal 20-3 is located to the right of the second POS terminal 20-2 (right side as seen from the store clerk's side) (that is, when viewed from the store clerk's display unit 210, the first POS terminal 20-1 is located on the left, the second POS terminal 20-2 is located in the left-right center, and the third POS terminal 20-3 is located on the right), the store clerk's display unit 210 of the second POS terminal 20-2 located in the left-right center may display information about the first POS terminal 20-1 located to the left of the second POS terminal 20-2 on the left side of the screen, and information about the third POS terminal 20-3 located to the right of the second POS terminal 20-2 on the right side of the screen.

In addition, on the clerk display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 located on the left side, information relating to the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 located to the right of the first POS terminal 20-1 may be displayed on the right side of the screen. For example, information relating to the third POS terminal 20-3 located farther from the first POS terminal 20-1 may be displayed further to the right than information relating to the second POS terminal 20-2 located closer to the first POS terminal 20-1. Similarly, on the clerk display unit 210 of the third POS terminal 20-3 located on the right side, information relating to the first POS terminal 20-1 and the second POS terminal 20-2 located to the left of the third POS terminal 20-3 may be displayed on the left side of the screen. For example, information about the first POS terminal 20-1, which is located farther away from the third POS terminal 20-3, may be displayed further to the left than information about the second POS terminal 20-2, which is located closer to the first POS terminal 20-1.

The example shown in FIG. 1 is a display example when three POS terminals 20 are installed in the store, but the same may be true when there are two or four or more POS terminals. In the above, the current operating mode of the POS terminal 20 is notified (displayed), but the current operating modes of other POS terminals 20 may also be notified (displayed) by obtaining information on the operating modes of the other POS terminals 20 via the LAN 11, for example.

The program for implementing the POS system 1 and the POS terminal 20 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by the computer system. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes storage devices that hold the program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes 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. The program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has 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. The program may also be for implementing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, i.e., a differential file (differential program).

Reference Signs List 1 POS system 10 store controller 20 POS terminal 201 CPU
202...ROM
203...RAM
204: Hard disk 205: Customer display unit 206: Customer scanner unit 208: Card payment unit 209: Change machine 210: Clerk display unit 211: Key operation unit 212: Clerk scanner unit 213: Print unit 214: Audio output unit 215: Communication unit

Claims (4)

A product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means for switching from a mode in which a customer registers products and makes a payment to another mode,
The switching means is
a first switching means for switching a mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device;
a second switching means for switching a mode of the device in response to an instruction from the device;
Preparation ,
The first switching means switches the mode in response to registration data transmitted from another device,
The second switching means switches the mode when a store clerk logs in.
A product sales data processing device comprising : A product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means for switching from a mode in which a customer registers products and makes a payment to another mode,
The switching means is
a first switching means for switching a mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device;
a second switching means for switching a mode of the device in response to an instruction from the device;
Preparation,
the first switching means prohibits switching of the mode when registration data exists in the own device;
the second switching means permits switching of modes even when registration data exists in the own device;
A product sales data processing device comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as a product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means for switching from a mode in which a customer registers products and makes a payment to another mode,
The switching means is
a first switching means for switching a mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device;
a second switching means for switching a mode of the device in response to an instruction from the device;
With
The first switching means switches the mode in response to registration data transmitted from another device,
The second switching means switches the mode when a store clerk logs in.
A program characterized by : A program for causing a computer to function as a product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means for switching from a mode in which a customer registers products and makes a payment to another mode,
The switching means is
a first switching means for switching a mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device;
a second switching means for switching a mode of the device in response to an instruction from the device;
With
the first switching means prohibits switching of the mode when registration data exists in the own device;
the second switching means permits switching of modes even when registration data exists in the own device;
A program characterized by:

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