JP7486764B2 - Product sales data processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

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

In recent years, payments using two-dimensional codes have become popular (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There are two methods for making payments using two-dimensional codes: displaying a payment code consisting of a two-dimensional code on a payment machine, and displaying the payment code on a mobile device carried by the customer. In the method of displaying a payment code consisting of a two-dimensional code on a payment machine, the payment is made by reading the payment code with a mobile device carried by the customer. In the method of displaying a payment code on a mobile device carried by the customer, the payment is made by reading the payment code with a scanner provided on the payment machine.

JP 2016-533590 A

Even if the payment code can be displayed or read on the mobile terminal, if the product sales data processing device cannot display or read the payment code, processing may be delayed.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and program that can perform checkout processing efficiently.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a product sales data processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a display unit that displays a payment code that can be read by an external reading device to effect payment, a reading unit that can read the payment code displayed on the external display device, a payment unit that completes payment by a customer reading the payment code displayed on the external reading device, and a selection unit that selects between displaying the payment code on the display unit and reading the payment code on the reading unit to effect payment.

As described above, settlement processing can be carried out efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of 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 illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile 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 POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a mobile terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a POS terminal. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a mobile terminal. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the payment service provider terminal. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal. 13 is a display example on a POS terminal.

The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10 and three POS terminals 20. The store controller 10 and the POS terminals 20 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11. Hereinafter, the first POS terminal 20-1, the second POS terminal 20-2, and the third POS terminal 20-3 will be collectively referred to as the POS terminals 20 unless otherwise specified. The POS system 1 may further include a monitoring terminal (not shown) that displays the status of the POS terminals 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controls the POS terminals 20.

The configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, the number of POS terminals 20 installed in the POS system 1 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the POS system 1 of this embodiment may be configured not to include a store controller 10. Furthermore, when the POS system 1 is configured not to include a store controller 10, another device (for example, one POS terminal 20 that is representative of the multiple POS terminals 20) may also function as the store controller 10.

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

The store controller 10 is an information processing device that manages the POS system 1, manages the POS terminals 20 and other devices in the POS system 1, and manages various information such as product masters. The store controller 10 transmits the latest product masters to the POS terminals 20 as appropriate. The product masters are files that store product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN code), product name (product name, item name), sales price, and discount information for each product. The store controller 10 obtains the product masters that reflect the latest product information from an external source (e.g., a server at headquarters, a removable storage medium), and transmits them to the POS terminals 20 as appropriate.

The POS terminal 20 executes a product registration process to register the product to be purchased. The operation to register the product (product registration operation) is performed, for example, by using a scanner to read the barcode attached to the product, or by operating a preset button displayed on the product registration screen. By such a product registration operation, for example, product identification information is input to the POS terminal 20, and the POS terminal 20 obtains product information corresponding to the input product identification information. The POS terminal 20 also generates and stores information on the registered product (hereinafter referred to as registration information) corresponding to each transaction.

The registration information may include transaction identification information that identifies the corresponding transaction, registration information identification information that identifies the registration information, the registration date and time, product identification information for each registered product, the product name of each registered product, the selling price, discount information, the transaction point (purchase point number) indicating the number of products to be purchased, and the total price (total amount) corresponding to the products to be purchased. The registration information may further include registration device identification information for identifying the POS terminal 20 that generated the registration information (i.e., the POS terminal 20 that registered the product related to the registration information). In this way, the registration information has content that reflects the product registration processing results corresponding to one transaction.

The registration information is used for the settlement process in the device itself or in another POS terminal 20. The settlement process is a process in which the price of the registered products is paid and settled selectively using cash, electronic money, credit card, etc. When the settlement process is carried out in another POS terminal 20, the settlement process is carried out in any one of the multiple POS terminals 20. The following first and second designation modes can be used to specify the other POS terminal 20 that should carry out the settlement process from among the multiple POS terminals 20.

The first designation mode is a mode in which the store clerk designates, on the POS terminal (own device) 20, the other POS terminal 20 that will execute the settlement process. That is, the store clerk performs an operation to designate the other POS terminal 20 (a settlement device designation operation) on the POS terminal (own device) 20, thereby designating the other POS terminal 20 that will execute the settlement process from among the multiple other POS terminals 20. Note that the POS terminal 20 may be configured to display operating information showing the operating status of the other POS terminal 20, so that the store clerk can check the operating status of the other POS terminal 20 when designating the other POS terminal 20 on the POS terminal 20.

When a store clerk designates another POS terminal 20, the registration information generated in the POS terminal (own device) 20 is transmitted to the designated other POS terminal 20 via the LAN 11. That is, when another POS terminal 20 is designated following the product registration process, the POS terminal (own device) 20 transmits registration information reflecting the results of the product registration process to the designated other POS terminal 20. Note that in this embodiment, the POS terminal 20 transmits registration information directly to the other POS terminal 20, but the registration information may also be transmitted to the other POS terminal 20 via the store controller 10.

The second specification mode is a mode in which a medium for payment processing (receipt (registered trademark)) is issued from the POS terminal 20, and the customer has another POS terminal 20 read the receipt handed to them by the store clerk. In other words, the customer specifies, from among multiple other POS terminals 20, the other POS terminal 20 that will carry out the payment processing by having the receipt handed to them by the store clerk be read by the other POS terminal 20.

On the receipt, registration device identification information indicating the issuing POS terminal 20 and registration information are printed in the form of a code, either a barcode (one-dimensional code) or a two-dimensional code. When the other POS terminal 20 reads the code on the receipt, it obtains the registration information indicated by the read code. The other POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process in response to the customer's operation. Furthermore, when the other POS terminal 20 has completed the settlement process, it notifies the POS terminal 20 that the settlement process has been completed.

The mobile terminal 40 is a device that is carried by the customer and can communicate via the network NW. The mobile terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, etc. By reading the two-dimensional code with the mobile terminal 40, payment can be made after the transaction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 is capable of communicating with the payment provider gateway 60 via the cloud center 50 and the network NW. The payment provider gateway 60 is capable of communicating with the payment provider 70, and is also capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 40 via the network NW. The POS system 1, cloud center 50, payment provider gateway 60, and payment provider 70 may be capable of communicating with each other via the network NW, or directly via other communication modes without via the network NW.

The cloud center 50 performs tasks such as reporting of payment data generated by the mobile terminal 40, coordinating payments with multiple stores in which the POS system 1 is installed, transferring sales proceeds, and providing payment data transmitted from the POS system 1. The cloud center 50 transmits aggregated data and the like to the POS system 1.
The payment business gateway 60 manages stores (affiliated stores) that cooperate with the payment business, manages transactions with the affiliated stores, manages sales, manages auctions, manages comprehensive businesses, etc. The POS system 1 is installed in the affiliated store.
The payment business operator 70 performs payment using a payment code (hereinafter, also referred to as a "code payment service"). The payment business operator 70 manages deposits and withdrawals from customers. Deposits from customers are made, for example, through a bank account using the customer's credit card or bank card, or by cash from a specified ATM. Deposits from a customer's credit card, etc. are made, for example, at the customer's request, but may be made without the customer's request when the deposit amount becomes small, such as below a specified amount. In addition, the payment business operator 70 deposits an amount deducted from the customer's deposit amount to the cloud center 50 based on the payment using the payment code. When making a payment, the payment destination is the store where the POS system 1 is installed.

Payment data is sent from the affiliated store's POS system 1 or mobile terminal 40 to the payment service provider gateway 60. The payment service provider gateway 60 forwards the sent payment data to the payment service provider. The payment service provider debits the customer's credit card or bank card according to the payment data and deposits the amount into the cloud center 50. The cloud center transfers the amount to the affiliated store according to the amount deposited by the payment service provider. When the payment is completed, the payment service provider sends payment completion data to the POS system 1 and mobile terminal 40 via the payment service provider gateway 60.

The POS terminal 20 of this embodiment is a device that can perform both registration and settlement processing. The POS terminal 20 also has multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes include normal mode, full self-service mode, semi-self-service mode, etc. These operation modes will be explained further later. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the installation of the POS terminal 20. 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 on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

A signboard 400 is placed in front of the POS terminal 20 on the customer side. A two-dimensional code (specific product code) 400C is printed on the customer side of the signboard 400. Note that "printed on the signboard 400" includes cases where the code is printed directly on the signboard 400 and cases where a printed piece of paper or sheet is attached (pasted) to the signboard 400. Although not shown, the signboard 400 displays a photo of the specific product, a description of the specific product, the price of the specific product, etc.

The specific product code 400C includes store information and specific product information related to a specific product. The specific product is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a product that is provided to a customer by a store clerk who is located near the POS terminal 20 and operates the POS terminal 20, such as cigarettes, soft serve ice cream, Chinese steamed buns, drip coffee, etc.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. 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 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer fixed scanner unit 206, a customer handheld scanner unit 207, a card payment unit 208, a change machine 209, a clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a clerk handheld scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, a voice output unit 214, a communication unit 215, and a clerk fixed scanner unit 216. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The reference numeral 211a will be described later. The customer scanner units 206, 207 and the customer display unit 205 constitute a customer processing unit, and the clerk scanner units 212, 216 and the clerk display unit 210 constitute a clerk processing unit.

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 (registration data) generated during a registration process that registers products, settlement information generated during a settlement process that settles (pays) purchased products, etc.).

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 and information generated during processing.

The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers that displays information facing the customers, displays various information to the customers, and accepts various inputs from the customers.
The customer-side fixed scanner unit 206 and the customer-side handheld scanner unit 207 are scanner units for customers, and optically read various information. For example, the customer-side fixed scanner unit 206 and the customer-side handheld scanner unit 207 optically read bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and codes (bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on bills (registered trademarks). In addition to the above, the customer-side fixed scanner unit 206 and the customer-side handheld scanner unit 207 may also read gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, and complimentary coupons) and codes (bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.). The customer-side fixed scanner unit 206 is fixedly provided in the housing of the POS terminal 20, and the customer-side handheld scanner unit 207 is connected to the housing via a cord and fixed. For this reason, when reading a barcode, the customer side fixed scanner unit 206 is designed to be used by bringing the product or the like close to the customer side fixed scanner unit 206, and the customer side handheld scanner unit 207 is designed to be used by bringing the customer side handheld scanner unit 207 close to the product or the like.

The customer-side fixed scanner unit 206 and the customer-side handheld scanner unit 207 are used when a customer registers a product, but the customer may register the product using other methods. For example, if a preset key (a button for ordering the product) corresponding to the product is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer may operate (press) the preset key to register the product.

The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that uses various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card payment unit 208 is equipped with a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information from various cards. For example, a credit card is a contact card, and is inserted from an insertion slot (not shown) provided on the underside of the card payment unit 208, and the information is read by a magnetic sensor provided inside the card payment unit 208. Also, for example, a prepaid card such as a transportation card is a non-contact IC card, and the information is read by an IC card reader/writer provided on the surface of the card payment unit 208, and the information after payment is written. The read information is used to pay for the purchased items (settlement).

The card recognition unit may recognize various cards not only when the recognized information is used for the payment (settlement) of the current purchase (i.e., in the case of credit card payment, prepaid card payment, or when points on a point card are used (consumed), etc.), but also when the recognized information is not used for the payment (settlement) of the current purchase (e.g., when a bonus is given upon presentation of a credit card, or when points are given to a point card). The card payment unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but the card payment unit 208 may include at least a card recognition unit. The card recognition unit of this embodiment supports contact cards (IC cards, magnetic cards) and contactless cards (IC cards), but may support only contact or contactless cards.

The change machine 209 (cash settlement section) 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 inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. The change machine 209 faces the customer and is operated by the customer. When banknotes or coins are inserted into the input port, they are detected by a sensor (detecting that they have been inserted, detecting the number of coins by denomination, etc.).

The store clerk display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk to display information facing the store clerk, and displays various information to the store clerk and accepts various inputs from the store clerk.
The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (hardware keys, buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk.
The clerk handheld scanner unit 212 and the clerk fixed scanner unit 216 are scanner units for clerks, and optically read various information. For example, the clerk handheld scanner unit 212 and the clerk fixed scanner unit 216 optically read barcodes attached to products and clerk codes attached to clerk nametags. In addition to the above, the clerk handheld scanner unit 212 and the clerk fixed scanner unit 216 may read codes printed on bills, gift certificates, and various cards. The clerk handheld scanner unit 212 is connected to and fixed in the housing via a cord, and the clerk fixed scanner unit 216 is fixedly provided in the housing of the POS terminal 20. For this reason, when reading a barcode, the clerk's handheld scanner unit 212 is designed to be used by bringing the clerk's handheld scanner unit 212 close to the product or the like, and the clerk's fixed scanner unit 216 is designed to be used by bringing the product or the like close to the clerk's fixed scanner unit 216.

The clerk's handheld scanner unit 212 and clerk's fixed scanner unit 216 are used by the clerk to register products, but the clerk may register products using other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is located on the key operation unit 211, the clerk may operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk's display unit 210, the clerk may operate that preset key to register the product.

The printing unit 213 prints and issues various media (receipts, bills, etc.). The printing unit 213 can freely rotate to change its orientation (direction of the media issuing port) from the clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the clerk side. The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or it may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) based on, for example, a change in operating mode (details described later). The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit 213 may be detected by a sensor or the like. Switching between operating modes is also referred to as a transition in operating mode.

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

An example of the configuration of the mobile terminal 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal 40 shown in Fig. 5 includes a CPU 401, a storage unit 402, a RAM 403, a display unit 404, an operation unit 405, an imaging unit 406, and a communication unit 407.
The CPU 401 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 40 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 402 .
The storage unit 402 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 401, and stores various information used by the CPU 401, including programs. The storage unit 402 stores a program for making a payment by reading a payment code consisting of a two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as a "payment program"). The payment program includes a program for generating payment data from the payment code. By using the payment program, it is possible to read the payment code and make a payment according to the registered information. The storage unit 402 also stores customer information, which is information about the owner of the mobile terminal 40. The customer information includes information such as the owner's name, sex, age, charge balance of the code payment service, and credit card number.
The RAM 403 is a main storage device for the CPU 401 .
The display unit 404 displays an image according to the display control of the CPU 401. The display unit 404 may be configured as a touch panel that allows operations to be performed on the screen.
The operation unit 405 collectively indicates various operators provided on the mobile terminal 40 and various input devices connected to the mobile terminal 40 .
The imaging unit 406 captures images under the control of the CPU 401. The imaging unit 406 of this embodiment can also function as a part that reads two-dimensional codes (an example of control information) in a code reader that processes the two-dimensional codes.
The communication unit 407 is a part that wirelessly communicates via the network NW. The communication unit 407 enables the mobile terminal 40 to communicate with the cloud center 50 and the payment service provider gateway 60.

The mobile terminal 40 also generates payment data based on the payment code read from the POS terminal 20. The payment data includes the registered product information and store information contained in the two-dimensional code. The payment data also includes customer information stored in the memory unit 402 of the mobile terminal 40.

In the above configuration, the mobile terminal 40 of this embodiment has a web browser function. In other words, the mobile terminal 40 can access a web page at a specified URL through communication via a network by the communication unit 407, and display the accessed web page on the display unit 404.

(Overview of each operation mode)
Next, a description will be given of the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has at least three types of operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode).

The above-mentioned operating modes are operating modes during normal business operations (operating modes related to registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a calculation mode in which sales and inventory are calculated and inquired, a maintenance mode in which store clerks or maintenance personnel perform setup and maintenance work, a training mode in which new employees are trained, etc.

In addition, in the following description, as a separate aspect from the above-mentioned classification of operating modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, semi-self-service mode), the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the 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.

Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams outlining the operating modes of the POS terminal 20. Figure 6 is a diagram outlining the normal mode. Figure 6 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) in the normal mode, and Figure 6 (B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. Figure 6 is a diagram outlining the full self-service mode. Figure 7 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (customers) in the full self-service mode, and Figure 7 (B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode.

(Normal mode)
As shown in Fig. 6(A), normal mode is an operating mode in which the clerk executes the registration process and the customer executes the settlement process. That is, as shown in Fig. 6(B), in normal mode, the POS terminal 20 is in registration mode on the clerk side and in accounting mode on the customer side. In other words, when viewed from the entire process from registration to settlement, the POS terminal 20 in normal mode operates in the registration and accounting mode.

In normal mode, the clerk registers the items purchased by the customer on the clerk side (clerk side handheld scanner unit 212, clerk side fixed scanner unit 216, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items through the clerk's operations (scanning with the clerk side handheld scanner unit 212 or clerk side fixed scanner unit 216, touching the clerk side display unit 210, operating the key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 6(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 currency (cash) into the change machine 209 or by 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 cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 6(A)).

That is, in normal mode, as shown in FIG. 6(B), first the clerk scans the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After the clerk presses a subtotal key (e.g., a subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or a subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), the customer uses, for example, the change dispenser 209 to settle the bill (step S50), completing the process. The subtotal key in step S30 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be called a subtotal button, registration completion key, registration completion button, checkout key, checkout button, etc.

The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is confirmed), but may also insert cash into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process (top row of FIG. 6(A)).

The customer may also select a payment method (also called a payment type, settlement method, or payment type) before completing the registration process. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept the selection of a payment method during the registration process (details will be described later).

The store clerk may wait until the customer has completed the 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. 6(A)). The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 6(A)). In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

In addition, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 may control the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and change tag to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, and after recognizing with a sensor or the like that the customer has removed the change and change tag, control the printing unit 213 to print a receipt. The same applies to other operating modes.

In addition, in the normal mode, in addition to the above-mentioned process of performing the registration process on the store clerk side and performing the settlement process on the customer side of the terminal using the registration information generated in the registration process (see FIG. 6), the store clerk side can also perform the process of performing the registration process on the store clerk side and sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (another terminal capable of performing the settlement process, for example, another POS terminal 20) (directly to the other terminal via the LAN 11, or via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal (not shown); the same applies below), and the process of converting the registration information generated in the registration process into a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.), printing it on a medium, and issuing it as a bill. In other words, in the normal mode, the POS terminal 20 has the function of registering products on the terminal itself and settling the payment on the terminal itself, as well as the function of registering products on the terminal itself and having the payment settled on the other terminal.

The above-mentioned function of registering products at one's own terminal and having the payment made at another terminal is an original function of the semi-self-service mode, which will be described later. The semi-self-service mode is classified into a registration-only mode and a checkout-only mode. In the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode), the POS terminal 20 has the function of registering products at its own terminal and having the payment made at another terminal. Specifically, in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode), the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process on the store clerk's side and transmits the registration information generated in the registration process to the other terminal (or encodes the registration information generated in the registration process, prints it on a medium, and issues it as a checkout ticket). In the semi-self-service mode (checkout-only mode), the POS terminal 20 has the function of paying for products registered at another terminal. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) receives registration information sent from the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) (or reads the accounting ticket issued by the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (registration only mode)) and executes the settlement process.

The POS terminal 20 in normal mode, like the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode), has the function of registering products at its own terminal and having them paid for at another terminal, but the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode (like the POS terminal 20 in normal mode) may have the function of paying for products registered at another terminal, like the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode). In other words, the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode and the POS terminal 20 in normal mode may receive registration information (or read an accounting ticket) from another terminal (such as the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) or the POS terminal 20 in normal mode) and perform the payment process.

(Full selfie mode)
As shown in Fig. 7(A), the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the customer executes the registration process and the payment process. That is, as shown in Fig. 7(B), the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode can be in both the registration mode and the payment mode on the customer side. In other words, the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode operates in the registration and payment mode from the overall process from registration to payment.

In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the items he or she has purchased on the customer side (customer side scanner units 206, 207, customer side display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for the purchased items through the customer's operation (scanning with the customer side scanner units 206, 207, touching the customer side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 7(A)).

When the registration process is complete, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting cash into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process based on the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7(A)).

That is, in the full self-service mode, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the customer scans the product (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 display unit 205) (step S40: YES), the customer uses, for example, the change dispenser 209 to settle the bill (step S50), completing the process. 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 registration process and the settlement process are performed by the customer, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in full self-service mode, it is possible, for example, to scan the store clerk code with the store clerk scanner units 212, 216, display various information, and register products. The state (operation mode) in which registration processes are performed on both the store clerk and customer sides is sometimes called double scan mode.

(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. 8) 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. 8). That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more terminals (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 8 as shown in Fig. 8(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. 8 as shown in Fig. 8(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 units 212, 216, 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 units 212, 216, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 8 (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. 8(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. 8(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. 8), 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. 8), 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. 8) to a POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode (second POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 8) 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. 8B, the clerk scans the scanner units 212, 216 (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. 8(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. 8(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. 8(A)). Also, after sending the registration information, the store clerk may not be present (lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

In the example of FIG. 8, 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 settlement operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or operating the card payment unit 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 settlement operation may be canceled.

In the example of FIG. 8, 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 bill issued at the other terminal (it may process the registration information based on the bill 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, etc. may be performed between the multiple POS terminals.

(Operation mode notification)
Each POS terminal 20 may notify the current operation mode of the terminal. For example, each POS terminal 20 may display the current operation mode of the terminal on the clerk display unit 210. Specifically, each POS terminal 20 may display a screen having an operation mode display field of the terminal on the clerk display unit 210, and display the current operation mode of the terminal in the operation mode display field on the screen. Also, each POS terminal 20 may display a screen on which images corresponding to each operation mode (e.g., button-like images) are arranged on the clerk display unit 210, and display the images corresponding to the current operation mode of the terminal on the screen in a different display mode (e.g., a display mode that is more prominent than the display mode of other images) from images that do not correspond to the current operation mode. For example, a normal mode image and a full self-service mode image may be always displayed, and when the current operation mode of the terminal is the normal mode, the normal mode image may be displayed in a more prominent display mode than the full self-service mode image, and when the current operation mode of the terminal is the full self-service mode, the full self-service mode image may be displayed in a more prominent display mode than the normal mode image. Each POS terminal 20 may also display its own current operating mode on the customer side display unit 205 in a similar manner.

Also, each POS terminal 20 may report the current operating mode of the other terminal instead of or in addition to its own current operating mode. That is, each POS terminal 20 may report the current operating mode of the other terminal by recognizing the current operating mode of the other terminal. One example of a method for each POS terminal 20 to recognize the current operating mode of the other terminal is a method in which each POS terminal 20 notifies the other terminal of the new operating mode (latest operating mode) after switching the operating mode (by directly notifying the other terminal via the LAN 11, or by notifying the other terminal via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal (not shown)). Also, each POS terminal 20 may report the current processing status of the other terminal as well as the current operating mode of the other terminal.

Each POS terminal 20 may also report information according to its own current operating mode (operating mode, processing status, etc.). For example, when the current operating mode of the POS terminal 20 is a full self mode, for example when it is in standby, the POS terminal 20 may display a predetermined message on the customer side display unit 205. The POS terminal 20 may also report information according to the current operating mode of other terminals instead of or in addition to information according to its own current operating mode.

(Switching (transitioning) operation modes)
Next, a description will be given of the transition of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is switched (the operation mode is transitioned) in accordance with an explicit mode switching operation (also referred to as a mode transition operation) by a store clerk. Specifically, the operation mode is switched in accordance with the operation of the mode switching button 211a (see FIG. 3B) located at the top and rightmost end of the key operation unit 211.

In addition, since the mode switching button 211a is located at a corner of the key operation unit 211, it is possible to reduce operational errors when switching between operation modes and to easily switch between operation modes. In other words, when the mode switching button 211a is located at a corner of the key operation unit 211, compared to when the mode switching button 211a is located near the center of the key operation unit 211, for example, there are fewer other buttons adjacent to the mode switching button 211a that is the object of operation. This makes it less likely that an operational error will occur, such as hastily operating another button, and also makes it possible to instantly identify the position of the mode switching button 211a that is the object of operation, allowing for stress-free mode switching operations.

Furthermore, because the mode switching button 211a is located in the upper right corner (top row and rightmost) of the key operation unit 211, mode switching can be performed not only when the store clerk is on the store clerk side but also when the store clerk is on the customer side. In other words, a store clerk on the customer side cannot normally see the buttons on the key operation unit 211, but the mode switching button 211a located on the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211 can be easily recognized as the mode switching button 211a to be operated by reaching out from the customer side and feeling around (by touch), so the store clerk on the customer side can perform mode switching without moving to the store clerk side.

In this embodiment, the mode switching button 211a is located in the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211, but the mode switching button 211a may be located in a position other than the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211 as long as the position is recognizable by touch alone (a position that is relatively easy to recognize). Also, instead of or in addition to locating the mode switching button 211a in a position that can be recognized by touch alone (for example, the upper right corner), the mode switching button 211a may be formed so that it can be distinguished from other buttons even from the customer's side. For example, the size of the mode switching button 211a may be different from the size of the other buttons, the shape of the mode switching button 211a may be different from the shape of the other buttons, or the height of the mode switching button 211a may be different from the height of the other buttons (for example, the mode switching button 211a may protrude further than the other buttons), or the feel of all or part of the surface of the mode switching button 211a (the surface that the hand touches) may be different from the feel of the other buttons (for example, only the surface of the mode switching button 211a may be made rough or bumpy to the touch, or only the surface of the mode switching button 211a may be provided with protrusions or depressions).

In this embodiment, taking into consideration the various advantages described above, the mode switching button 211a is provided on the key operation unit 211. However, instead of or in addition to providing the mode switching button 211a on the key operation unit 211, a mode switching button (not shown) may be provided on the screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.

The POS terminal 20 can also switch operating modes without an explicit mode switching operation. For example, the POS terminal 20 switches operating modes based on conditions related to time, such as elapsed time (e.g., time since the last operation) or a specified time (schedule), or conditions related to sending and receiving information, such as a mode switching instruction (mode switching command) from another terminal (the POS terminal 20, a monitoring terminal, a mobile terminal), etc.

When the POS terminal 20 switches its own operating mode, whether or not the mode switching is performed by an explicit mode switching operation performed by a store clerk, the POS terminal 20 may notify other terminals of the operating mode after the switch (the most recent operating mode).

In the following explanation, it is assumed that the first POS terminal 20-1 and the second POS terminal 20-2 are in normal mode. Furthermore, it is assumed that the third POS terminal 20-3 is in full self-service mode. Furthermore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the POS terminal 20 switches its own operating mode each time the mode switching button 211a is operated (pressed). However, for the sake of convenience, in the following explanation, a description of the semi-self-service mode is omitted, so it is assumed that basically, each time the mode switching button 211a is operated, the operating mode switches from normal mode to full self-service mode, and from full self-service mode to normal mode.

(Display example of POS terminal 20 in normal mode)
Figures 9 to 14 are examples of displays on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. Specifically, Figures 9(A), (B), 10(A), 12(A), and (B) are all examples of displays on the store clerk display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Also, Figures 10(B), 11(A) to (E), 13(A), (B), and 14(B) are all examples of displays on the customer display unit 205 of the first POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode.

Figure 9 (A) shows the display contents on the registration screen in the initial state on the store clerk display unit 210. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the initial state refers to a state in which no processing is progressing, for example, a state in which no products have yet been registered, and no payment (settlement) has yet been made (no payment method has been selected, no cash has been inserted, no gift certificates have been registered, etc.), and no customer has yet been made (no membership card, etc. has been read, etc.).

In FIG. 9(A), the tab area T1 in the upper right corner of the screen is a tab corresponding to each display content (display screen). The first POS terminal 20-1 can suspend the registration process for the current customer (the reason for suspension may be to return to the store to add an item to the purchase, for example) and perform the registration process for the next customer. In other words, based on the operation of the store clerk, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a new registration screen for the next customer while retaining (storing) the display content (registration content) of the registration screen for the current customer. In the example shown in FIG. 8(A), there is one tab (tab area T1), but the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a number of tabs according to the number of registration screens (number of customers) in progress (tab areas T1, T2, T3, ...), and switches the registration screen to be enabled (active) according to the operation (pressing) of the tab.

In the tab area T1, information that distinguishes the tab from other tabs (the number "1" in the example of FIG. 9(A)) is displayed. In addition, the tab area T1 is provided with a store clerk amount display field HR01 that displays the amount of money deposited by the customer. In addition to the above, various other information (described below) is also displayed in the tab area T1, although this is not shown in the example shown in FIG. 9(A).

Image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of the other terminal (second POS terminal 20-2) (specifically, it is in normal mode). Image GA03 at the bottom left of the screen shows the state of the other terminal (third POS terminal 20-3) (specifically, it is in full self-service mode).

When the first POS terminal 20-1 is displaying the registration screen of FIG. 9(A) on the store clerk display unit 210 and a can of beer is registered by the store clerk, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 9(B) on the store clerk display unit 210. The first POS terminal 20-1 starts a product sales transaction by registering the first product, in this case, a can of beer.

In FIG. 9(B), the subtotal button BT10 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for instructing the end of product registration. The store clerk operates (touches) the subtotal button BT10 after product registration is complete.

The 20-2 register button BT12 and 20-3 register button BT13 are displayed in the bottom right of the registration screen. In normal mode, the customer performs the settlement process at the relevant register (here, the first POS terminal 20-1), but, as in semi-self-service mode, registration information can be sent to another register (for example, the second POS terminal 20-2 or the third POS terminal 20-3) so that the customer can perform the settlement process at the other register. The 20-2 register button BT12 and 20-3 register button BT13 are buttons used to specify another register when the customer performs the settlement process at another register in normal mode.

When the store clerk designates the second POS terminal 20-2 as the terminal to which the registration information is to be sent, he or she operates the 20-2 register button BT12. The "(Normal)" displayed on the 20-2 register button BT12 indicates that the operating mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 corresponding to the 20-2 register button BT12 is the normal mode.

The 20-3 register button BT13 is a button for specifying the 20-3 register (third POS terminal 20-3). When the store clerk wants to specify the third POS terminal 20-3 as the terminal to which registration information is to be sent, he or she operates the 20-3 register button BT13. The "(full self-service)" displayed on the 20-3 register button BT13 indicates that the operating mode of the third POS terminal 20-3 corresponding to the 20-3 register button BT13 is full self-service mode.

The receipt button BT15 is a button for issuing a receipt in the printing unit 213. The store clerk operates the receipt button BT15 when executing a process on the POS terminal 20 that read the receipt (the POS terminal 20 on which the customer has read the receipt).

When comparing a POS terminal 20 in normal mode with a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode as a destination of registration information, a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode is more preferable than a POS terminal 20 in normal mode as a destination of registration information. A POS terminal 20 in normal mode is basically operated by a store clerk (see FIG. 5(A)), so there is a continuous process (e.g., registration process, customer service, etc.) and it is highly likely that registration information cannot be processed immediately even if it is sent, and even if it is free (even if there is neither a store clerk nor a customer), it is basically preferable to keep it free so that customers who request support from a store clerk can be immediately served, whereas a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode can send and process registration information immediately if there is no customer, and even if there is a customer, the above-mentioned problems are unlikely to occur because processing can simply be done in order.

In view of the above, the clerk is notified as to whether or not the POS terminal 20 to which the registration information is to be sent is preferable, or which of the multiple destinations to which the registration information is to be sent is more preferable. As an example, in FIG. 9B, the outline of the 20-3 register button BT13 corresponding to the third POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode, which is a relatively preferable destination to which the registration information is to be sent, is shown in solid lines, and the outline of the 20-2 register button BT12 corresponding to the second POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode, which is a relatively unpreferable destination to which the registration information is to be sent, is shown in dashed lines. Note that the above-mentioned notification by the outline is only an example, and the notification mode is not limited as long as the clerk can recognize whether or not the POS terminal 20 to which the registration information is to be sent is preferable, or which of the multiple destinations to which the registration information is to be sent is more preferable. For example, the background color of the button for the relatively unpreferable one may be grayed out, or a penalty mark or a diagonal line may be added to the entire button. Additionally, the display size, shape, and display position of the button may be varied depending on whether or not the POS terminal 20 is preferable as a destination for sending the registration information, and some information (such as a badge-like image saying "Preferred" or "Recommended") may be added to the button.

When the first POS terminal 20-1 is in a state where the registration screen of Figure 9 (B) is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 and a customer deposits cash, the amount deposited is displayed in the store clerk amount display field HR01 at the top right of the screen; for example, when 500 yen is deposited, the numerical value "500" is displayed. Note that at the stage of Figure 9 (B), no cash has been deposited, so the display field to the right of the screen which reads "Deposit" displays a numerical value equivalent to the amount deposited, in this case the numerical value "0". Also, when cash is deposited, the settlement is made at the store clerk's terminal (the first POS terminal 20-1) and not at another terminal (the second POS terminal 20-2, the third POS terminal 20-3). For this reason, the buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13, bill button BT15) used when settling at other terminals (second POS terminal 20-2, third POS terminal 20-3) may be hidden (may be erased).

When the first POS terminal 20-1 completes the registration of products without the customer inserting any cash, and the store clerk operates the subtotal button BT10, the store clerk's display unit 210 displays a small screen (small window) SG02 superimposed on the registration screen, as shown in FIG. 10(A). This small screen SG02 notifies the store clerk of settlement-related information (total amount, amount deposited in the machine (deposit amount)). Note that in this example, in addition to the above-mentioned "canned beer," "asparagus" and "nori bento" have been registered as products, the total amount of the products is 803 yen, and the amount of cash inserted into the change dispenser 209 is 0 yen (no cash has been inserted).

As shown in FIG. 10(A), the first POS terminal 20-1 displays, on the clerk display section 210, a small screen SG02, as well as buttons for selecting payment by the code payment service (hereinafter referred to as "code payment"). The clerk register read button BT21, the customer register read button BT22, the A company code display button BT23, the B company code display button BT24, and the other payment button BT25. By operating any of the clerk register read button BT21, the customer register read button BT22, the A company code display button BT23, and the B company code display button BT24, which serve as selection sections, one of the clerk POS read payment method, the customer POS read payment method, and the mobile terminal read payment method is selected.

The store clerk's POS reading payment method is a payment method in which the store clerk reads the payment code displayed on the customer's mobile terminal 40 using the store clerk's scanner units 212 and 216.
The customer-side POS reading settlement method is a settlement method in which the customer reads the settlement code displayed on the customer's mobile terminal 40 using the customer-side scanner units 206 and 207 .
The mobile terminal reading payment method is a payment method in which the customer reads the payment code of Company A or Company B, which is a payment service provider, displayed on the customer side display unit 205, using his/her mobile terminal 40.

When the store clerk register read button BT21 is operated, the store clerk POS read payment method is selected as the payment method. When the customer register read button BT22 is operated, the customer POS read payment method is selected as the payment method. When the Company A code display button BT23 is operated, the mobile terminal read payment method is selected as the payment method. When the Company B code display button BT24 is operated, the mobile terminal read payment method is selected, in which the customer reads the payment code of Company B, the payment service provider displayed on the customer display unit 205, with their own mobile terminal 40.

In addition, instead of the clerk register read button BT21, the customer register read button BT22, the A company code display button BT23, the B company code display button BT24, and the other payment button BT25, a button for selecting code payment may be provided. Then, after the button for selecting code payment is operated, the clerk register read button BT21, the customer register read button BT22, the A company code display button BT23, the B company code display button BT24, and the other payment button BT25 may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210.

When the store clerk operates the other payment button BT25, the customer display unit 205 displays the payment method determination screen shown in FIG. 10 (B). This screen displays the cash payment button BT41, the credit payment button BT42, and the electronic money payment button BT43. After the product registration is completed, the customer presses (operates) the cash payment button BT41, the credit payment button BT42, or the electronic money payment button BT43 to select and determine the payment method. Specifically, when the customer presses (operates) the cash payment button BT41, payment by cash is selected and determined as the payment method. When the customer presses (operates) the credit payment button BT42, payment by credit card is selected and determined as the payment method. When the customer presses (operates) the electronic money payment button BT43, payment by electronic money is selected and determined as the payment method. If cash is inserted into the change machine 209 before product registration is complete, payment by cash will be selected and determined as the payment method, just as if the cash payment button BT41 had been operated.

When the customer presses the cash payment button BT41 on the payment method selection screen shown in FIG. 10(B), the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the cash payment screen shown in FIG. 11(A) on the customer display unit 205. On the cash payment screen, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a message urging the player to insert cash into the change machine 209, saying "Please insert money," and also displays the total amount of the goods (payment amount) and the amount inserted into the change machine 209. In this example, the amount displayed as the total amount of the goods is 803 yen, and the amount of cash inserted into the change machine 209 is still 0 yen (no cash has been inserted). Next, when the customer inserts cash into the change machine 209, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the inserted amount in the "deposit amount" display field. For example, when 500 yen is inserted into the change machine 209, the number "500" is displayed in the "deposit amount" display field.

After that, when the amount deposited in the change machine 209 is equal to or greater than the total amount of the merchandise, the cash payment completion screen shown in FIG. 11(B) is displayed. For example, when the amount deposited in the change machine 209 is 1000 yen, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the number "1000" in the "Deposit amount" display field on the cash payment completion screen, as shown in FIG. 11(B).

The first POS terminal 20-1 also displays an END button BT40 on the cash payment completion screen, and displays a message urging the player to operate the END button BT40, saying "If you wish, press the END button." The first POS terminal 20-1 displays the total price of the goods, the amount of cash inserted into the change machine 209, and the amount of change on the cash payment completion screen. In the example shown in FIG. 11(B), the total price of the goods is displayed as 803 yen, the amount of cash inserted into the change machine 209 is displayed as 1000 yen, and the amount of change is displayed as 197 yen.

Then, when the customer presses (operates) the finish button BT40, the change screen shown in FIG. 11(C) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 11(C), the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a message on the customer display unit 205 saying "Please accept your change," encouraging the customer to accept the change. It then displays the receipt screen shown in FIG. 11(D), and causes the printing unit 213 to print and issue a receipt. As shown in FIG. 11(D), the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a message on the customer display unit 205 saying "Please accept your receipt, thank you," encouraging the customer to accept the receipt.

In this way, the first POS terminal 20-1 completes the product sale transaction. Note that no change will be paid out until the end button BT40 is pressed (operated), so the customer can adjust the amount to lessen the number of coins paid out as change by, for example, making the decimal points even.

When a customer presses the credit card payment button BT42 on the payment method selection screen shown in FIG. 10(B), the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a credit card payment screen (not shown) on the customer display unit 205 and makes the payment by credit card. When a customer presses the electronic money payment button BT43, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays an electronic money payment screen (not shown) on the customer display unit 205 and makes the payment by electronic money.

When the clerk operates the clerk register read button BT21 on the registration screen shown in FIG. 10(A), the clerk POS read payment method is selected by the clerk scanner units 212 and 216. Therefore, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the code display request screen shown in FIG. 12(A) on the clerk display unit 210. On the code display request screen shown in FIG. 12(A), a small screen (small window) SG03 is displayed superimposed on the registration screen. On this small screen SG03, a message "Please ask the customer to display the payment code" is displayed, prompting the customer to display the payment code. In addition, the back button BT61 and the OK button BT62 are displayed on the small screen SG03. When the clerk operates the back button BT61, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the registration screen on which the small screen SG02 shown in FIG. 10(A) is displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the payment method is reselected.

Furthermore, when the OK button BT62 is operated, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the code reading instruction screen shown in FIG. 12(B). In the code reading instruction screen shown in FIG. 12(B), the small screen SG04 is displayed superimposed on the registration screen. The small screen SG04 displays the message "Please let me read your barcode," prompting the store clerk to read the payment code (barcode) displayed by the customer. The small screen SG04 displays an image of the barcode being read by the store clerk scanner unit 212, but the barcode may be read by either the store clerk scanner unit 212 or 216.

When the store clerk reads the payment code with the store clerk scanner unit 212, 216, the first POS terminal 20-1 transmits payment data corresponding to the read payment code to the payment company via the payment company gateway 60. The first POS terminal 20-1 then receives payment completion data transmitted from the payment company via the payment company gateway 60.

In addition, a cancel button BT63 is displayed on the small screen SG04. When the store clerk operates the cancel button BT63, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen on the store clerk display unit 210, on which the small screen SG02 shown in FIG. 10(A) is displayed, and the customer is prompted to reselect the payment method.

In addition, when the customer register read button BT22 is operated by a store clerk on the registration screen shown in FIG. 10(A), the customer POS read payment method is selected. At this time, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the code display request screen shown in FIG. 12(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, in the same way as when the store clerk register read button BT21 is operated.

Next, when the store clerk operates the OK button BT62, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the code reading instruction screen shown in FIG. 13(A) on the customer display unit 205. On the code reading instruction screen shown in FIG. 13(A), the first POS terminal 20-1 causes the customer display unit 205 to display the total amount (803 yen in this case) along with the small screen SG05. This small screen SG05 displays the message "Display the payment code and have it scanned by the scanner," prompting the customer to display the payment code and to have the payment code (barcode) scanned by the customer scanner units 206, 207.

The payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 40 is easier to read by the customer-side scanner units 206 and 207 when the mobile terminal 40 is bright (high brightness) than when the mobile terminal 40 is dark (low brightness). For this reason, a notice to brighten the display of the mobile terminal 40, such as "Please brighten the screen of your mobile phone," may be displayed on the screen along with the message "Please display the payment code and have the scanner read it." Alternatively, the message "Please display the payment code and have the scanner read it" may be displayed after displaying the notice "Please brighten the screen of your mobile phone." Also, if the customer-side scanner units 206 and 207 cannot read it, a notice "Please brighten the screen of your mobile phone" may be displayed. The display on the mobile terminal 40 will be explained after the explanation of the display on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode.

When a customer reads a payment code with the customer-side scanner unit 206, 207, the first POS terminal 20-1 transmits payment data corresponding to the read payment code to the payment company via the payment company gateway 60. The first POS terminal 20-1 then receives payment completion data transmitted from the payment company via the payment company gateway 60.

When the store clerk operates the Company A code display button BT23 on the registration screen shown in FIG. 10(A), the mobile terminal reading payment method using the payment code for Company A is selected. At this time, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the payment code screen shown in FIG. 13(B) on the customer display unit 205. The payment code screen shown in FIG. 13(B) displays the payment code for Company A. The first POS terminal 20-1 causes the customer display unit 205 to display the total amount (803 yen in this case) and other information on the payment code screen shown in FIG. 13(B) along with the small screen SG06. This small screen SG06 displays the message "Payment with Company A. Check the total amount and read the payment code.", prompting the mobile terminal 40 to read the payment code.

As shown in FIG. 13(B), when the payment code screen is displayed on the customer display unit 205, the brightness may be different from when other images are displayed on the customer display unit 205. When the mobile terminal 40 reads the payment code displayed on the customer display unit 205, a payment code screen with higher brightness displayed on the customer display unit 205 is easier to read than a payment code screen with lower brightness, and the payment code is easiest to read by the mobile terminal 40 when the payment code screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 has the maximum brightness. For this reason, when the payment code screen is displayed on the customer display unit 205, the brightness may be higher, for example, maximum, than when other images are displayed on the customer display unit 205.

When the customer reads the payment code with the mobile terminal 40, the mobile terminal 40 transmits payment data corresponding to the read payment code to the payment business operator via the payment business operator gateway 60. The mobile terminal 40 then receives payment completion data transmitted from the payment business operator via the payment business operator gateway 60.

In addition, when the Company A Code Display button BT23 is operated by a store clerk on the registration screen shown in FIG. 10 (A), the payment code for Company B is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 instead of the payment code for Company A. Thereafter, the payment is made in the same manner as when the Company A Code Display button BT23 is operated by a store clerk.

Then, in the first POS terminal 20-1, after any of the clerk register read button BT21, customer register read button BT22, A company code display button BT23, and B company code display button BT24 is operated, the payment code is read by any of the scanner units 206, 207, 212, and 216 and the mobile terminal 40. After the first POS terminal 20-1 completes the payment by the payment business operator and receives the payment completion data, it displays a payment completion screen on the customer display unit 205 as shown in FIG. 14. At this time, the printing unit 213 also prints and issues a receipt. On the payment completion screen, the total amount of the payment (payment amount, here 803 yen), the charge balance before the payment (pre-payment balance, here 2162 yen), and the charge balance after the payment (balance, here 1359 yen) are displayed. Furthermore, a message saying "Please accept the receipt, thank you" is displayed to encourage the receipt. In this way, the payment is completed.

(Example of display on a mobile device)
Fig. 15 is a display example on the mobile terminal 40. Fig. 15(A) is a display example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 40 when a payment is started. As shown in Fig. 15(A), when a payment is started, the payment start screen shown in Fig. 15(A) is displayed on the display unit 404 of the mobile terminal 40. The payment start screen displays a message indicating the start of payment, as well as a display payment code button BT71 and a read payment code button BT72. A payment start screen is provided for each payment service provider, and here, an example will be described in which the payment service provider is Company A.

When a customer operates the payment code display button BT61 on the payment start screen shown in FIG. 15(A), a two-dimensional code (barcode and QR code (registered trademark)) that is a payment code related to customer information required for payment is displayed on the display unit 404 of the mobile terminal 40 as shown in FIG. 15(B). These two-dimensional codes include personal information of the customer who owns the mobile terminal 40 and information related to the authority to make a payment. The first POS terminal 20-1 can read the payment code displayed on the display unit 404 of the mobile terminal 40 using the scanner units 206, 207, 212, and 216. After the payment code is read by one of the scanner units, the mobile terminal 40 displays a payment completion report screen containing information related to the payment on the display unit 404 as shown in FIG. 15(C). Here, the payment completion report screen displayed on the mobile terminal 40 displays information such as the name of the store where the purchase was made, the payment amount, the charge balance before the payment, and the charge balance after the payment.

In addition, when the customer operates the payment code reading button BT72 on the payment start screen shown in FIG. 15(A), the payment code reading screen shown in FIG. 15(D) is displayed on the display unit 404, and the imaging device provided on the mobile terminal 40 is started. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15(D), the payment code reading screen displays a message saying "Please photograph the payment code." As shown in FIG. 13(B), when the payment code screen is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 of the first POS terminal 20-1, if the customer photographs (scans) the payment code on the payment code screen according to the displayed message, the mobile terminal 40 generates payment data and transmits it to the payment business operator. In addition, when the payment completion data is transmitted from the payment business operator, the mobile terminal 40 displays a payment completion screen including information regarding the payment on the display unit 404, as shown in FIG. 15(E). Here, the payment completion screen displayed on the mobile terminal 40 displays information such as the name of the store where the purchase was made, the payment amount, the charge balance before the payment, and the charge balance after the payment on the display unit 404. Additionally, the mobile terminal 40 displays a PAY button BT73 on the payment completion screen. Operation of the PAY button BT73 confirms the completion of the payment.

(Display example of POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode)
Next, the display in the full self-service mode will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Figs. 16 and 17 are examples of the display on the customer display unit 205 in the full self-service mode. Fig. 16(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. 16(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 16 (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 16 (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 16 (B), a registration screen on which no products have yet been registered (initial registration screen) is displayed, but for ease of explanation, Figure 16 (B) shows the registration screen after products have already been registered.

In FIG. 16(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. 16(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. As described above, the Call Store Staff button BT33 is a button for calling a store staff member.

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 17 shows an example of the settlement screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 in full self-service mode. Figure 17 (A) shows the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) that is displayed when the settlement process is started. For example, when the checkout button BT32 is operated on the registration screen (see Figure 16 (B)), the POS terminal 20 displays the payment method selection screen as shown in Figure 17 (A).

The payment method selection screen shown in FIG. 17(A) displays a Company A payment image, a Company B payment image, a cash payment button, a credit card payment button, and an electronic money payment button. The Company A payment image also includes a Company A payment code read button and a Company A payment code display button, and the Company B payment image also includes a Company B payment code read button and a Company B payment code display button.

When the Company A payment code read button displayed on the Company A payment image is operated, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the code read instruction screen shown in FIG. 13(A) on the customer display unit 205, prompts the customer to display the payment code for Company A, and prompts the customer to read the payment code for Company A using the customer scanner units 206, 207 to complete the payment. When the Company A payment code display button displayed on the Company A payment image is operated, the first POS terminal 20-1 displays the payment code screen shown in FIG. 13(B) on the customer display unit 205, displays the payment code for Company A, and prompts the customer to read the payment code using the mobile terminal 40 to complete the payment.

In addition, when the Company B payment code read button or the Company B payment display button displayed on the Company B payment image is operated, the first POS terminal 20-1 performs payment using the same procedure as when the Company A payment code read button or the Company A payment code display button is operated, except that the payment code for Company A is changed to the payment code for Company B.

When the cash settlement button is operated, the first POS terminal 20-1 performs settlement displaying the images shown in FIG. 17(B) and subsequent figures. FIG. 17(B) is the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the deposit screen as shown in FIG. 17(B) when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see FIG. 17(A)). FIG. 17(C) is the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the deposit screen as shown in FIG. 17(C) when cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted.

Figure 17 (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 17 (C)), the POS terminal 20 displays the change screen as shown in Figure 17 (D). Figure 17 (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 17 (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 17 (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 17 (F) is displayed.

After displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 17(E)), the POS terminal 20 displays the registration start screen (FIG. 16(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 17(D)) may not be displayed, and the screen may transition from the deposit screen (Figure 17(C)) to the receipt screen (Figure 17(E)).

(Payment Pattern)
As shown in FIG. 18, there are three payment patterns for displaying a payment code: payment pattern A, payment pattern B, and payment pattern C.
Payment pattern A is a pattern in which a payment code is displayed on the POS terminal 20 and read by the mobile terminal 40. Payment pattern A includes a mobile terminal reading payment method.
In the payment pattern B, a payment code is displayed on the mobile terminal 40 and is read by the scanner units 206, 207, 212, and 216. The payment pattern B includes a clerk-side POS reading payment method and a customer-side POS reading payment method.
2, payment pattern C is a pattern in which a two-dimensional code 400C, which is a payment code displayed on a signboard 400 provided in a store, is read by a mobile terminal 40. The contents of payment pattern A, payment pattern B, and payment pattern C are as follows.

[Payment Pattern A]
The details of payment pattern A are as follows.
The payment code is displayed on the POS terminal 20, and the payment code displayed on the POS terminal 20 is read by the mobile terminal 40.
The source of the payment data is the mobile terminal 40, and the payment data is transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 to the payment service provider.
Product registration is performed at the POS terminal 20.
The payment amount is included in the payment data and is read from the POS terminal 20.
The customer information is stored in the mobile terminal 40.
The store information is read from the POS terminal 20.
In other words, payment pattern A is a payment pattern in which, after product registration is performed in the POS terminal 20, the mobile terminal 40 generates payment data using the payment amount and store information acquired from the POS terminal 20 and customer information held by the mobile terminal 40, and transmits the generated payment data to the payment business gateway 60. Note that, since the payment code displayed by the POS terminal 20 includes the payment amount and store information, the mobile terminal 40 acquires the payment amount and store code by reading the payment code displayed by the POS terminal 20. Also, in payment pattern A, the payment code includes at least information related to the payment amount and store information.

[Payment Pattern B]
The details of payment pattern B are as follows.
The payment code is displayed on the mobile terminal 40, and the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 40 is read by the POS terminal 20.
The source of the payment data is the POS terminal 20, and the payment data is transmitted from the POS terminal 20 to the payment service provider.
Product registration is performed at the POS terminal 20.
The payment amount is directly input to the POS terminal 20 by product registration.
The customer information is stored in the mobile terminal 40 and is read from the mobile terminal 40.
The store information is stored in the store controller 10 and is obtained from the store controller 10.
In other words, payment pattern B is a payment pattern in which, after product registration in the POS terminal 20, the POS terminal 20 reads a payment code related to customer information etc. displayed on the mobile terminal 40, generates payment data using the customer information acquired from the mobile terminal 40 and the payment amount and store information held by the POS terminal 20, and transmits the generated payment data to the payment business gateway 60. In payment pattern B, the payment code includes at least customer information.

[Payment Pattern C]
The details of the payment pattern C are as follows.
The payment code is displayed as a store display (two-dimensional code) including product data that is provided near the POS terminal 20 in the store, and the store display is read by the mobile terminal 40.
The source of the payment data is the mobile terminal 40, and the payment data is transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 to the payment service provider.
Product registration is performed by the mobile terminal 40 reading from the store display.
The payment amount is directly input to the mobile terminal 40.
The customer information is stored in the mobile terminal 40.
The store information is read by the mobile terminal 40 from the store display.
In other words, payment pattern C is a pattern in which a store display (two-dimensional code) including product data provided near the POS terminal 20 in the store where the POS system 1 is installed is read by the mobile terminal 40, a payment code is generated by the mobile terminal 40, and the payment is made by transmitting the code to the payment company gateway 60. For example, the store display may be a two-dimensional code 400C printed on the customer side of the signboard 400 shown in Fig. 2. In payment pattern D, the payment code (two-dimensional code 400C) includes at least information related to the payment amount and store information.

(Example of operation of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode)
Next, an example of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode will be described. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal 20. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 19 shows an example of the operation from when product registration is started in the POS terminal 20 in normal mode until payment is completed. The flowchart in Fig. 19 starts, for example, when the POS terminal 20 in normal mode registers a product for the first time.

Step S111: The POS terminal 20 registers the product in response to an operation by the store clerk.
Step S112: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the subtotal button BT10 has been pressed. If it is judged that the subtotal button BT10 has been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S113. If it is judged that the subtotal button BT10 has not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 returns to step S111 and repeats the product registration.
Step S113: The POS terminal 20 displays the sub-plan screen SG02 shown in FIG.
Step S114: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not a payment method in which the clerk scanner reads the payment code (clerk POS reading payment method) has been selected. The POS terminal 20 makes this judgment based on whether or not the clerk register reading button BT21 shown in Fig. 10(A) has been operated. If it is determined that the clerk register reading button BT21 has been operated and the clerk POS reading payment method has been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S115, and if it is determined that the clerk register reading button BT21 has not been operated and the clerk POS reading payment method has not been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S120.

Step S115: The POS terminal 20 displays the code display request screen shown in Fig. 12(A) on the store clerk display unit 210. Next, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S116 after the store clerk or the like operates the OK button BT62.
Step S116: The POS terminal 20 displays the code reading instruction screen shown in Fig. 12 (B) on the store clerk display unit 210. During this time, the customer starts up the payment program stored in the mobile terminal 40, and causes the display unit 404 of the mobile terminal 40 to display the payment code.
Step S117: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the store clerk has read the payment code that the customer has displayed on the display unit 404 of the mobile terminal 40 using the store clerk scanner unit 212, 216. If it is judged that the store clerk scanner unit 212, 216 has read the payment code, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S118. If it is judged that the store clerk scanner unit 212, 216 has not read the payment code, the POS terminal 20 repeats the process of step S117.

Step S118: The POS terminal 20 generates payment data using the read payment code, information related to the product registration, store information, etc., and transmits the data to the payment service provider.
Step S119: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not payment completion data transmitted from the payment service provider has been received. If it is judged that payment completion data has been received, the POS terminal 20 ends the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 19. If it is judged that payment completion data has not been received, the POS terminal 20 repeats the process of step S119.

Step S120: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not a payment method in which the customer-side scanner units 206, 207 read the payment code (customer-side POS reading payment method) has been selected. The POS terminal 20 makes this judgment based on whether or not the customer-side register reading button BT22 shown in Fig. 10 (A) has been operated. If it is determined that the customer-side register reading button BT22 has been operated and the customer-side POS reading payment method has been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S121, and if it is determined that the customer-side register reading button BT22 has not been operated and the customer-side POS reading payment method has not been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S122.
Step S121: The POS terminal 20 displays the code reading instruction screen shown in Fig. 13(A) on the customer side display unit 205. Next, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S117.

Step S122: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not a payment method in which a payment code is read by the mobile terminal 40 (mobile terminal reading payment method) has been selected. The POS terminal 20 makes this judgment based on whether or not the Company A Code Display button BT23 or the Company B Code Display button BT24 shown in Fig. 10 (A) has been operated. If it is judged that the Company A Code Display button BT23 or the Company B Code Display button BT24 has been operated and the mobile terminal reading payment method has been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S123, and if it is judged that the Company A Code Display button BT23 or the Company B Code Display button BT24 has not been operated and the mobile terminal reading payment method has not been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S124.
Step S123: The POS terminal 20 displays the payment code screen shown in Fig. 13(B) on the customer display unit 205. Next, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S119.
Step S124: The POS terminal 20 performs the payment using another payment method, such as cash, credit card, or electronic money. The POS terminal 20 then ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

(Example of operation of mobile terminal 40)
Next, an example of the operation of the portable terminal 40 will be described. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the portable terminal 40. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 20 shows an example of the operation from when a payment is started on the portable terminal 40 until the payment is completed. The flowchart in Fig. 20 starts, for example, when the POS terminal 20 in normal mode starts a payment program.

Step S131: The mobile terminal 40 starts up the payment program and displays the payment start screen shown in FIG. 15(A).
Step S132: The mobile terminal 40 judges whether or not an operation of pressing the payment code display button BT61 shown in Fig. 15 (A) displayed on the display unit 404 has been performed. If it is judged that an operation of pressing the payment code display button BT61 has been performed, the mobile terminal 40 proceeds to step S133, and if it is judged that an operation of pressing the payment code display button BT61 has not been performed, the mobile terminal 40 proceeds to step S136.

Step S133: The mobile terminal 40 displays the payment code on the display unit 404 as shown in FIG. 15(B).
Step S134: The mobile terminal 40 judges whether or not the payment completion data transmitted by the payment service provider has been received. If it is judged that the payment completion data has been received, the mobile terminal 40 proceeds to step S135. If it is judged that the payment completion data has not been received, the mobile terminal 40 repeats the process of step S134.
Step S135: The mobile terminal 40 displays the payment completion report screen shown in Fig. 15(C) on the display unit 404. After that, the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 20 ends.
Step S136: The mobile terminal 40 judges whether or not an operation of pressing the payment code read button BT72 shown in Fig. 15 (A) displayed on the display unit 404 has been performed. If the mobile terminal 40 judges that an operation of pressing the payment code display button BT71 has been performed, the mobile terminal 40 proceeds to step S137, and if it judges that an operation of pressing the payment code display button BT71 has not been performed, the mobile terminal 40 returns to step S132 and repeats the process.
Step S137: The mobile terminal 40 displays the payment code reading screen shown in FIG. 15(D).
Step S138: The mobile terminal 40 judges whether or not the payment code has been read. If it is judged that the payment code has been read, the mobile terminal 40 proceeds to step S138. If it is judged that the payment code has not been read, the mobile terminal 40 repeats the process of step S138.
Step S139: The mobile terminal 40 displays the information on the payment details. The mobile terminal 40 displays a payment completion screen on the display unit 404 as a screen for displaying the information on the payment details, as shown in Fig. 15(E).
Step S140: The mobile terminal 40 judges whether or not the PAY button BT73 has been pressed. If it is judged that the PAY button BT73 has not been pressed, the mobile terminal 40 repeats the process of step S140. If it is judged that the PAY button BT73 has been pressed, the mobile terminal 40 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 20.

(Example of Operation of Payment Service Provider Gateway 60)
Next, an example of the operation of the payment service provider gateway 60 will be described. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the payment service provider gateway 60. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 21 shows an example of the operation from when payment data is transmitted from the POS terminal 20 or the mobile terminal 40 until when payment completion data is transmitted.

Step S151: The payment data transmitted from the POS terminal 20 or the mobile terminal 40 is received.
Step S152: The payment data is received and payment processing is performed. In the payment processing, the payment business operator 70 debits the bank card or credit card of the customer P and deposits the money into the cloud center 50. The cloud center 50 also transfers the money to the store where the POS system 1 is installed.
Step S153: After the payment process is completed, payment completion data for the customer is transmitted to the POS terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 40. Then, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21 ends.

(Example of operation of POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode)
Next, an example of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode will be described. Fig. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal 20. Specifically, the flow chart in Fig. 22 shows an example of the operation from when product registration is started in the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode until payment is completed. The flow chart in Fig. 22 starts, for example, when the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode registers a product for the first time.

Step S211: The POS terminal 20 registers the product in response to an operation by the store clerk.
Step S212: The POS terminal 20 determines whether the Checkout button BT32 displayed on the customer display unit 205 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Checkout button BT32 has been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S213. If it is determined that the Checkout button BT32 has not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 repeats the process of step S212.

Step S213: The POS terminal 20 displays the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) shown in FIG. 17(A) on the customer display unit 205 as a payment screen for making a payment.
Step S214: The POS terminal 20 judges whether a payment method in which the customer side scanner of the POS terminal 20 reads the payment code (customer side POS reading payment method) has been selected. Specifically, it judges whether the Company A payment reading button or the Company B payment reading button shown in Fig. 17 (A) has been operated. If it is judged that the Company A payment reading button or the Company B payment reading button has been operated and the customer side POS reading payment method has been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S215. On the other hand, if it is judged that the Company A payment reading button or the Company B payment reading button has not been operated and the customer side POS reading payment method has not been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S219.
Step S215: The POS terminal 20 displays the code reading instruction screen shown in Fig. 13(A) on the customer display unit 205. In response to the display of the code reading instruction screen, the customer displays the payment code on the display unit 404 of the mobile terminal 40.

Step S216: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 40 has been read by the customer side scanner unit 206, 207. If it is judged that the payment code has been read, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S216. If it is judged that the payment code has not been read, the POS terminal 20 repeats the process of step S216.
Step S217: The POS terminal 20 generates payment data using the read payment code, information related to the product registration, store information, etc., and transmits the data to the payment service provider.
Step S218: Determine whether or not payment completion data transmitted from the payment-paying business has been received. If it is determined that payment completion data has been received, the POS terminal 20 ends the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 22. If it is determined that payment completion data has not been received, the POS terminal 20 repeats the process of step S218.

Step S219: The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a payment method in which a payment code is read by the mobile terminal 40 (mobile terminal reading payment method) has been selected. The POS terminal 20 makes this determination based on whether or not the Company A Payment Display button and the Company B Payment Display button shown in Fig. 17 (A) have been operated. If it is determined that the Company A Payment Display button and the Company B Payment Display button have been operated and the mobile terminal reading payment method has been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S220, and if it is determined that the Company A Payment Display button and the Company B Payment Display button have not been operated and the mobile terminal reading payment method has not been selected, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S221.
Step S220: The POS terminal 20 displays the payment code screen shown in Fig. 13(B) on the customer side display unit 205. Next, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S218.
Step S221: The POS terminal 20 performs a payment by another payment method. The other payment methods include payment by cash, credit card, and electronic money. The POS terminal 20 then ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

(Outline of an example of operation of the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode)
The semi-self-service mode includes a registration-only mode and a transaction-only mode, and in the registration-only mode, the clerk-side processing unit operates and the customer-side processing unit is inactive. On the other hand, in the transaction-only mode, the clerk-side processing unit is inactive and the customer-side processing unit operates. Note that the customer-side processing unit in the registration-only mode and the clerk-side processing unit in the transaction-only mode may be in an active state without being inactive.

In the registration-only mode, the store clerk performs the registration process using the store clerk-side processing unit. The operation of the POS terminal 20 (first POS terminal 20-1) at this time is the same as the operation of the store clerk-side processing in normal mode until the subtotal button BT10 is operated. Therefore, the registration process is performed on the registration screen shown in FIG. 9(A), and the registration screen shown in FIG. 9(B) is displayed. Here, the registration process ends when the subtotal button BT10 is operated, or the 20-2 register button BT12 or 20-3 register button BT13 is operated.

When the subtotal button BT10 is operated, the POS terminal 20 displays the screen shown in FIG. 9 (B) with the subtotal button BT10 removed, and prompts the store clerk to operate the 20-2 register button BT12 or the 20-3 register button BT13. When the 20-2 register button BT12 or the 20-3 register button BT13 is operated, the POS terminal 20 specifies another POS terminal 20 (the second POS terminal 20-2 or the third POS terminal) that will carry out the settlement process. The POS terminal 20 to which the registration information is sent goes into a settlement-only mode.

When the 20-2 register button BT12 or the 20-3 register button BT13 is operated, the POS terminal 20 displays the clerk register read button BT21, the customer register read button BT22, the A company code display button BT23, the B company code display button BT24, and the other payment button BT25 on the registration screen shown in Figure 10 (A) on the clerk display unit 210. The POS terminal 20 also prompts the clerk to operate any of the clerk register read button BT21, the customer register read button BT22, the A company code display button BT23, the B company code display button BT24, and the other payment button BT25. After that, when the store clerk operates any of the store clerk register read button BT21, customer register read button BT22, company A code display button BT23, company B code display button BT24, or other payment button BT25, information regarding the payment method is sent to the POS terminal specified by 20-2 register button BT12 or 20-3 register button BT13. Up to this point, the operation in the registration-only mode is completed.

In the billing-only mode, the customer performs the settlement process. The operation of the POS terminal 20 at this time is the same as the operation of the customer-side processing unit after the subtotal button BT10 is operated in normal mode. For this reason, for example, when the other payment button BT25 is operated after the POS terminal 20 performing the settlement process is specified, the POS terminal 20 performing the settlement process displays the payment method determination screen shown in FIG. 10 (B) on the customer-side display unit 205. After that, the screens shown in FIG. 11 are displayed in sequence, and the same settlement process as in normal mode is performed.

When the clerk register read button BT21 is operated after the POS terminal 20 that will carry out the settlement process is specified, the POS terminal 20 that will carry out the settlement process displays the code display request screen shown in FIG. 12(A) on the customer display unit 205. After that, the code read instruction screen shown in FIG. 12(B) is displayed, and the settlement process is carried out in the same manner as in normal mode.

In addition, when the customer register read button BT22 is operated after the POS terminal 20 that performs the settlement process is specified, the POS terminal 20 that performs the settlement process displays the code read instruction screen shown in FIG. 13 (A) on the customer display unit 205. After that, the settlement process is performed in the same way as in normal mode.

In addition, when the Company A Code Display button BT23 or the Company B Code Display button BT24 is operated after the POS terminal 20 that will perform the settlement process has been designated, the POS terminal 20 that will perform the settlement process will display the payment code screen shown in FIG. 13(B) on the customer side display unit 205. Thereafter, the settlement process is carried out in the same manner as in normal mode. In this manner, the registration process and settlement process in semi-self mode are carried out.

In the registration-only mode, a designation button for designating the POS terminal 20 that transmits the registration information and performs the settlement process is displayed, for example, on the store clerk display unit 210, but this designation button may be displayed after the subtotal button BT10 is operated. Alternatively, a designation button may be displayed instead of the subtotal button BT10, and the designation button may also function as the subtotal button. Also, instead of displaying the designation button on the store clerk display unit 210, or in addition to displaying the designation button, a designation button may be provided on the key operation unit 211.

As described above, the POS terminal 20 in the POS system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a selection unit for selecting between a payment in which the mobile terminal 40 reads the payment code displayed by the POS terminal 20 and a payment in which the mobile terminal 40 reads the payment code displayed by the POS terminal 20. In a payment in which the mobile terminal 40 reads the payment code displayed by the POS terminal 20, the payment code is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20, and this payment code is read by the mobile terminal 40. In a payment in which the mobile terminal 40 reads the payment code displayed by the mobile terminal 40, the payment code displayed on the display unit 404 of the mobile terminal 40 is read by one of the scanner units 206, 207, 212, and 216 of the POS terminal 20. In this way, the POS terminal 20 is provided with a selection unit that allows the selection of the payment method, so that the payment method desired by the customer can be selected quickly and reliably. Therefore, the settlement process can be performed efficiently.

In addition, in the normal mode, the POS terminal 20 allows the clerk to operate the clerk register read button BT21, the customer register read button BT22, the company A code display button BT23, and the company B code display button BT24 to select a payment method. This prevents customers from performing unnecessary operations. Also, because a clerk who is familiar with the operation of selecting a payment method can select the payment method, the settlement process can be carried out efficiently.

The POS terminal 20 includes a clerk-side processing section including a clerk-side display section 210 and clerk-side scanner sections 212, 216, and a customer-side processing section including a customer-side display section 205 and customer-side scanner sections 206, 207. The POS terminal 20 controls the clerk-side processing section differently from the customer-side processing section. Specifically, in normal mode, a selection button for selecting the payment method is displayed on the clerk side, instructions are displayed to the customer to prompt the customer to display the payment code on the mobile terminal 40, and processing such as reading the payment code is performed on the customer side. As a result, appropriate instructions can be given according to the progress of the process, and both the clerk and the customer can receive appropriate instructions. This allows the settlement process to be performed efficiently.

In addition, in the above-mentioned POS terminal 20, the clerk display unit 210 provides operation guidance for the clerk scanner units 212 and 216, and the customer display unit 205 provides operation guidance for the customer scanner units 206 and 207. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 can provide appropriate guidance to the operators (customers and clerks) who operate the scanner units 206, 207, 212, and 216. Therefore, operation guidance can be provided according to the person performing the operation, allowing for efficient settlement processing.

The POS terminal 20 has multiple operating modes, and the control of the clerk processing unit and the customer processing unit is different between the normal mode and the full self-service mode. This allows control according to the operating mode, making it possible to carry out the settlement process efficiently.

(Modification)
A modified example of the above embodiment will be described below. In the above example, when the mobile terminal reading payment method is performed, the POS terminal 20 displays the payment method selection screen shown in FIG. 17 (A) once, and after the company A payment code display button of the company A payment image or the company B payment code display button of the company B payment image is operated, the payment code is displayed on the payment code screen shown in FIG. 13 (B). However, as shown in FIG. 23, the payment code may be displayed on the payment method selection screen. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the POS terminal 20 directly displays the company A payment code together with the company A payment code read button on the company A payment image, and directly displays the company B payment code together with the company B payment code read button on the company B payment image. In this way, instead of the mode in which the payment code display button is displayed on the payment method selection screen and the payment code is displayed when the payment code display button is operated, the payment code is displayed directly on the payment method selection screen, thereby reducing the effort of the customer by saving one operation. Therefore, the settlement process can be efficiently performed.

In addition, in FIG. 23, when displaying the Company A payment image, the Company B payment image, and the cash payment button, the cash payment button is displayed between the Company A payment image and the Company B payment image. In this way, when displaying payment images from different payment providers, these payment images are not placed next to each other, but multiple payment images are displayed side by side, for example by sandwiching images other than the payment image, thereby preventing mistakes in reading the payment code.

In the above example, the payment method is determined each time in each operation mode of the POS terminal 20, but for example, the payment method may be determined according to the operation mode. Also, the payment method determined here is a provisional payment method, and it may be possible to change the provisional payment method.

For example, the payment method in normal mode may be provisionally determined to be the mobile terminal read payment method, and the payment method in full self-service mode may be provisionally determined to be the customer POS read payment method. In this case, a screen corresponding to the provisionally determined payment method may be displayed as the default on the store clerk display unit 210 and the customer display unit 205, allowing the customer to select a different payment method as needed.

In the above example, the card payment unit 208 can read credit cards and prepaid cards (electronic money), but it may also be possible to read other cards, such as membership cards. The membership card here may be a membership card for the store in which the POS terminal 20 is installed, or a membership card for a group that includes the store.

In addition, if information on points that can be used for payment (hereinafter referred to as "payment points") is stored in a membership card or prepaid card, the card payment unit 208 may be configured to be able to read and write this payment point information. Furthermore, the customer display unit 205 may be provided with a point display unit that displays payment points. By providing a point display unit, customers can easily recognize the payment points that can be used for payment, thereby increasing customer convenience. In addition, the customer display unit 205 may be provided with a point use button that allows payment points to be used for payment. By providing a point use button, it becomes easier for customers to use payment points.

The settlement points may be used only for settlement by cash, credit card, or electronic money, or may be used for settlement by multiple of these means. The settlement points displayed on the customer side display unit 205 may be displayed from the time the membership card is inserted into the card settlement unit 208, and may be displayed from the time the product is registered until the product registration is completed, or may be displayed when the payment is made after the product registration is completed. By displaying the settlement points from the time the product is registered, when settlement is made by cash, the currency for settlement can be prepared smoothly. The settlement points can also be used as a reference for selecting a payment method. For example, when there are many settlement points remaining, the payment amount is small, so settlement by cash is selected, and when there are few settlement points remaining, the payment amount is large, so settlement by credit card is selected.

In the above example, when the subtotal button BT10 is displayed in normal mode of the POS terminal 20, the 20-2 register button BT12 and the 20-3 register button BT13 are displayed. However, it is also possible to not display the 20-2 register button BT12 and the 20-3 register button BT13 when the subtotal button BT10 is displayed. In this case, the 20-2 register button BT12 and the 20-3 register button BT13 may be displayed after the subtotal button BT10 is pressed. By displaying the 20-2 register button BT12 and the 20-3 register button BT13 after the subtotal button BT10 is pressed, it is possible to make it easier to perform settlement processing on other POS terminals 20, even in normal mode.

In the above example, the subtotal button BT10 is not displayed in the registration-only mode of the semi-self mode, but it is also possible to display the subtotal button BT10 and not display the 20-2 register button BT12 or the 20-3 register button BT13. In this case, the 20-2 register button BT12 or the 20-3 register button BT13 may be displayed after the subtotal button BT10 is operated. Also, the 20-2 register button BT12 or the 20-3 register button BT13 may be displayed along with the subtotal button BT10.

In the above example, when payment by credit card is selected when registering a product in normal mode, the POS terminal 20 displays the credit card payment screen on the customer display unit 205 during the settlement process after the subtotal button BT10 is pressed. In contrast, the POS terminal 20 may display the credit card payment screen on the customer display unit 205 at the stage before the subtotal button BT10 is pressed when payment by credit card is selected. In this case, the credit card payment screen may be kept displayed even when the subtotal button BT10 is operated. Furthermore, in this case, the POS terminal 20 may allow the insertion of a credit card into the card payment unit 208 before product registration is complete.

If a credit card is inserted in the card payment section 208 when the registration of the product is completed, in other words, when the subtotal button BT10 is pressed, payment by credit card may be started when the subtotal button BT10 is pressed. If payment by credit card is started when the subtotal button BT10 is pressed, the credit card payment screen may not be displayed, and for example, a notification screen informing that payment by credit card is in progress may be displayed on the customer side display section 205. In addition, when making a payment by electronic money, if the electronic money is not a contactless IC but a contact IC or the like, and is inserted into the card payment section 208 to make a payment, it may be possible to make the payment by electronic money in the same procedure as a credit card payment. In addition, in the case of payment by electronic money using a contactless IC, for example, when payment by electronic money is selected before the registration of the product is completed, the position where the prepaid card is brought close may be made noticeable, for example, a lamp may be turned on or flashed.

In the above example, when registering a product, the small screen SG01 shown in FIG. 9 (B) is displayed. When registering a product, if no payment method is selected and the subtotal button BT10 is pressed to move to the settlement process, the payment method determination screen shown in FIG. 10 (B) is displayed on the customer display unit 205. The display of these small screens SG01 and the payment method determination screen may be changed as appropriate according to the state of the settlement unit of the POS terminal 20, for example. For example, if there is a problem with inserting or dispensing cash in the change dispenser 209, or if the change is near full or near end, the cash settlement button BT41 may not be displayed. Also, if there is a problem with inserting a card by the card settlement unit 208, the credit settlement button BT42 may not be displayed. Furthermore, if there is a problem with reading a nearby card by the card settlement unit 208, the electronic money settlement button BT43 may not be displayed. In these cases, instead of not displaying each button, the button may be displayed in a lighter color, grayed out, or with a cross.

The above embodiment is merely an example, and the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiment, and includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

For example, in the above example, the POS terminal 20 has three operating modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, semi-self-service mode), but it may have one or more of these operating modes. For example, the POS terminal may operate only in normal mode or semi-self-service mode, or it may operate in normal mode and full self-service mode or semi-self-service mode, or it may operate in semi-self-service mode and full self-service mode. Also, when operating in semi-self-service mode, it may operate only in registration-only mode, or it may operate only in accounting-only mode, or it may be capable of switching between both registration-only mode and accounting-only mode.

In the above example, the POS terminals 20 included in the POS system 1 each have a clerk-side processing section and a customer-side processing section, and are capable of registering products at both the clerk-side processing section and the customer-side processing section, and are capable of processing the settlement of both products registered at the terminal itself and products registered at other terminals in the POS system 1; however, the POS terminal 20 may be in other forms. For example, it may be a POS system dedicated to registration, and the POS system may include a POS terminal that has one or both of the clerk-side processing section and the customer-side processing section and is capable of registering products at either or both of the clerk-side processing section and the customer-side processing section. Alternatively, the POS terminal may include a POS terminal that is capable of processing the settlement of products registered at at least one of the terminal itself and other terminals in the POS system.

In the above example, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20 displays the small screen SG02 superimposed on the registration screen (FIG. 10(A)). However, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20 may display a small screen that displays the information displayed on the small screen SG02, instead of (switching to) the registration screen.

The mode switching button 211a etc. for switching the operation mode is a hardware key, but instead of or in addition to the hardware key, the operation mode may be switched by a software key displayed on the display unit (store clerk display unit 210 etc.). In other words, instead of or in addition to the mode switching button 211a, a software key equivalent to the mode switching button 211a may be displayed. The same applies to each button when a number of mode switching buttons corresponding to each of the operation modes are provided.

In the above example, the POS terminal 20 is equipped with one printing unit 213 that can be rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side and vice versa (see Figures 2 to 4), but instead of one printing unit 213, it may be equipped with two printing units (one fixedly facing the store clerk side and one fixedly facing the customer side).

In the above example, when sending registration information to another terminal, the store clerk specified (selected) the destination (destination) terminal of the registration information. However, when sending registration information to another terminal, the store clerk may simply specify that the registration information is to be sent without specifying the destination terminal. In other words, it is possible to simply provide only a send button. In a mode in which the store clerk specifies that the registration information is to be sent without specifying the destination terminal, the sending terminal selects one destination terminal according to a predetermined priority order and sends the registration information to the selected terminal.

For example, when sending registration information from the first POS terminal 20-1 to other terminals (the second POS terminal 20-2, the third POS terminal 20-3), the above-mentioned predetermined priority order may be set so that the third POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode has a higher priority than the second POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode (the registration information may be sent preferentially to the third POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode).

In the above example, the clerk-side processing unit is provided with the clerk-side handheld scanner unit 212 and the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 216, but it may be provided with only the clerk-side handheld scanner unit 212 or the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 216. In addition, the customer-side fixed scanner unit 206 and the customer-side handheld scanner unit 207 are provided, but it may be provided with only the customer-side fixed scanner unit 206 and the customer-side handheld scanner unit 207.

In the above example, in the normal mode, the store clerk selects either displaying the payment code on the POS terminal 20 or reading the payment code by the POS terminal 20, and in the full self-service mode, the customer selects either displaying the payment code on the POS terminal 20 or reading the payment code by the POS terminal 20. However, based on a predetermined selection condition, either displaying the payment code on the POS terminal 20 or reading the payment code by the POS terminal 20 may be automatically determined. For example, the payment method may be automatically selected according to the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 performing the registration process. For example, when the POS terminal 20 is in the normal mode, the customer does not perform the registration process and there is a large amount of time to display the payment code on the mobile terminal 40, so the payment is made by reading the payment code by the POS terminal 20, and in the full self-service mode, the customer performs the registration and there is a small amount of time to display the payment code on the mobile terminal 40, so the payment may be made by displaying the payment code on the POS terminal 20.

In this case, it may also be possible to reselect a payment method that has been selected. For example, following the above example, when the POS terminal 20 is in normal mode, the payment method is set to reading the payment code by the POS terminal 20, but a payment method change button may be provided to change the payment method to the method in which the POS terminal 20 displays the payment code. The payment method change button may be provided in the store clerk processing unit, for example the store clerk display unit 210, or in the customer processing unit, for example the customer display unit 205. Alternatively, it may be provided in both the store clerk processing unit and the customer processing unit.

Stores and other businesses may also be able to set payment methods in advance based on certain selection conditions. The selection conditions may also be conditions other than the operating mode. For example, the selection conditions may be time periods, such as whether it is a busy or quiet time period, or customer characteristics, such as gender and age, may be determined and used as selection conditions. Alternatively, the number of items or number of varieties of registered products may be used as selection conditions, or a combination of these conditions may be used as selection conditions.

The predetermined selection condition may be the type of electronic money used for payment, and the payment mode may be determined based on the type of electronic money used for payment. For example, when electronic money A is used, the payment code may be displayed on the customer display unit 205, and when electronic money B is used, the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 40 may be read. The predetermined selection condition may be the passage of time, such as the time that has passed since the payment code was displayed, and the payment mode may be changed when the predetermined time has passed. For example, if a payment code is not made for a certain period of time after the payment code is displayed on the customer display unit 205, the payment may be switched to reading the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 40. In this case, when the payment code is difficult to read from one display, it may be easier to read from the other display, and reading may be performed quickly, allowing the payment to proceed smoothly.

The specified selection condition may be, for example, customer attributes. Customer attributes may be attributes such as the customer's age, gender, location, etc., or payment usage history, etc. Customer attributes may be acquired from information linked to the customer's membership card, etc., manual input by a store clerk or customer, image recognition, facial recognition, etc. Since the payment mode is selected based on the customer attributes, it is possible to determine a payment mode that is appropriate for the customer's attributes.

In the above example, the payment method is determined by the store clerk selecting the payment method and operating the payment method selection button, but the payment method may be selected by other selections. For example, the payment method may not be selected by the store clerk, and payment may be made by a payment method that has been determined in advance according to the operation mode. Also, the payment method may be selected by operating a device provided outside the store controller 10 or other POS terminal 20.

In the above example, when the payment code fails to be read and an error occurs, the occurrence of the error may be notified by an error sound, or the cause of the error and countermeasures may be notified as an error message. The speaker that emits the error sound may be faced toward the customer or toward the store clerk. The error message may be displayed on either the store clerk display unit 210 or the customer display unit 205, or on both. When an error message is displayed on both the store clerk display unit 210 and the customer display unit 205, the content may be the same or different. The manner in which the error content is notified may be set according to the content of the error.

For example, multiple errors may be classified according to their content, and an error code may be assigned, with a method of dealing with each error code being determined. For example, an error caused by use by a non-member may be assigned error code 001, an error caused by use of an invalid one-time key may be assigned error code 002, and an error caused by the credit card used for code payment being prohibited may be assigned error code 005. An error caused by the credit card used for code payment being prohibited is an error that may lead to fraudulent use, but other examples of errors that may lead to fraudulent use include an error where the credit card used for code payment is a card that has been reported stolen or is a blacklisted card. In the case of such errors that may lead to fraudulent use, the store clerk may be alerted to the risk of fraud.

As an example of when an error occurs, for example, in the case of an error code 001, as shown in FIG. 24, an error message "Not a XX Pay member" is displayed on both the clerk display unit 210 and the customer display unit 205. In addition, in the case of an error code 002, an error message "Invalid one-time key" is displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and an error message "Please update the payment screen again" is displayed on the customer display unit 205. In this case, the error message displayed on the clerk display unit 210 is a message exclusive to the clerk display unit 210, and the error message displayed on the customer display unit 205 is a message exclusive to the customer display unit 205.

In addition, in the case of an error code 005, an error message stating "This is a suspended credit card" is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, and the customer display unit 205 displays either no error message or simply a message stating "An error has occurred." This type of response makes it possible to alert the store clerk to fraudulent use without the customer realizing. A similar response is taken for errors that raise concerns about fraudulent use, such as when the credit card used for code payment is a card that has been reported stolen or is a blacklisted card.

Furthermore, if communication between the POS system 1 and the payment service provider 70 fails when performing code payment, the POS system 1 cannot determine whether the payment has been completed. In this case, a receipt bearing a message stating "An unknown payment transaction has occurred" may be printed and issued by the printing unit 213. In this case, since the printing unit 213 can be rotated between the clerk side and the customer side, for example, when the printing unit 213 faces the customer side, the printing unit 213 may be temporarily rotated to face the clerk side, and a message or icon urging the clerk to receive the receipt printed and issued by the printing unit 213 may be displayed on the clerk side display unit 210.

In addition, if the POS terminal 20 determines that it is not possible to display the payment code on the clerk display unit 210 or the customer display unit 205, the POS terminal 20 performs payment by reading the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 40 with a scanner. Therefore, if the POS terminal 20 determines that it is not possible to display the payment code on the clerk display unit 210 or the customer display unit 205, the POS terminal 20 prompts the customer to display the payment code on the mobile terminal 40. Examples of cases in which it is determined that it is not possible to display the payment code on the clerk display unit 210 or the customer display unit 205 include when the clerk display unit 210 or the customer display unit 205 that displays the payment code is not a full-color display unit (full-color liquid crystal display unit) but a "7-segment display" or a "black and white display."

Supplementary Notes 11 to 15 and Supplementary Notes 21 to 25 are disclosed below.
(Appendix 11)
A display unit that displays a payment code that can be read by an external reader;
A reading unit capable of reading a payment code displayed on an external display device,
a payment unit that completes a payment by a customer reading the payment code displayed on the external reader;
A selection unit that selects, in order to make a payment, either displaying a payment code by the display unit or reading the payment code by the reading unit;
A product sales data processing device comprising:

The configuration of Appendix 11 allows for efficient settlement processing.

(Appendix 12)
The product sales data processing device described in Appendix 11, wherein the selection unit automatically selects either displaying the payment code by the display unit or reading the payment code by the reading unit based on predetermined selection conditions.

The configuration of Appendix 12 makes it possible to eliminate the need for a store clerk to make a decision on the payment method.

(Appendix 13)
13. The product sales data processing device according to claim 11, wherein the selection unit selects reading of the payment code by the reading unit when it determines that the payment code cannot be displayed on the display unit.

The configuration of Appendix 13 makes it possible to prevent unnecessary operations from being performed.

(Appendix 14)
14. The product sales data processing device according to any one of appendices 11 to 13, wherein the selection unit is operable by a store clerk.

The configuration of Appendix 14 can prevent customers from performing unnecessary operations.

(Appendix 15)
Computer,
A display means for displaying a payment code that can be used for payment when read by an external reader;
A reading means capable of reading a payment code displayed on an external display device;
a payment means for allowing a customer to complete a payment by reading the payment code displayed on the external reader;
a selection means for selecting either displaying the payment code by the display means or reading the payment code by the reading means in order to make a payment;
A program characterized by causing the program to function as a

The configuration of Appendix 15 allows for efficient settlement processing.

(Appendix 21)
a clerk-side display unit that displays information to the clerk side and a clerk-side processing unit that is capable of reading the payment code and is provided on the clerk side;
A customer side display unit that displays information toward the customer side and a customer side processing unit that can read a payment code and includes a customer side reading unit provided on the customer side,
2. A product sales data processing apparatus, comprising: a processor for processing the salesperson's side information; a processor for processing the salesperson's side information;

According to Appendix 21, processing can be performed efficiently.

(Appendix 22)
The control of the store clerk processing unit is a guide for operating the store clerk reading unit to be displayed on the store clerk display unit,
A product sales data processing device as described in Appendix 21, in which the control over the customer-side processing unit is operation guidance for the customer-side reading unit displayed on the customer-side display unit.

According to Appendix 22, operation guidance can be provided according to the person performing the operation.

(Appendix 23)
The system has a plurality of operation modes for registering and paying for products performed by at least one of a store clerk and a customer,
23. The product sales data processing device according to claim 21, wherein control over the store clerk side processing unit and the customer side processing unit is made different depending on the operation mode.

According to Appendix 23, control can be performed according to the operating mode.

(Appendix 24)
The store clerk side reading unit is a handheld scanner,
The customer side reading unit is a fixed scanner, and the store clerk side display unit displays an operation guide for the handheld scanner,
24. A product sales data processing device according to any one of appendices 21 to 23, wherein the customer-side display unit displays operation instructions for the fixed scanner.

According to Appendix 24, appropriate operation guidance can be provided.

(Appendix 25)
a clerk-side processing means including a clerk-side display means for displaying information to a clerk side and a clerk-side reading means provided on the clerk side and capable of reading the payment code;
A customer side display means for displaying information to a customer side and a customer side processing means including a customer side reading unit that is capable of reading a payment code and is provided on the customer side;
A program for controlling the store clerk side processing unit differently from controlling the customer side processing unit.

According to Appendix 25, processing can be performed efficiently.

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 fixed scanner unit 207: Customer handheld scanner unit 208: Card payment unit 209: Change machine 210: Clerk display unit 211: Key operation unit 211a: Mode switching button 212: Clerk handheld scanner unit 213: Printing unit 214: Audio output unit 215: Communication unit 216: Clerk fixed scanner unit

Claims (4)

A product sales data processing device having a display unit and a reading unit and capable of executing a payment using a payment code,
A display control means for displaying a payment code read by the customer's terminal on the display unit;
A reading control means for causing the reading unit to read the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal;
a selection means for selecting either displaying a payment code to be read by the customer's terminal on the display unit by the display control means or reading the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal by the reading control means on the reading unit;
The display unit may be a color display or a non-color display .
The selection means is
A product sales data processing device characterized in that, when a display other than a color display is connected as the display unit, the reading control means selects to have the reading unit read the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal. The display unit includes a customer-side display unit having a display area facing the customer side and a store clerk-side display unit having a display area facing the store clerk side,
The display control means
A payment code is displayed on the customer's display unit to be read by the customer's terminal;
The selection means is
The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means selects either to display a payment code to be read by the customer's terminal on the customer's display unit, or to have the reading control means read the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal by the reading unit. The display unit further includes a determination unit for determining whether a color display or a non-color display is connected as the display unit,
The selection means is
The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the judgment means judges that a display other than a color display is connected as the display unit, the reading control means selects to have the reading unit read the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal. A computer of a product sales data processing device having a display unit and a reading unit and capable of executing a payment by a payment code, the computer having a color display connected as the display unit and a non-color display connected as the display unit,
A display control means for displaying a payment code read by the customer's terminal on the display unit;
A reading control means for causing the reading unit to read the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal;
a selection means for selecting either displaying a payment code to be read by the customer's terminal on the display unit by the display control means, or reading the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal by the reading control means on the reading unit;
The selection means is
A program characterized in that, when a display other than a color display is connected as the display unit, the reading control means selects to have the reading unit read the payment code displayed on the customer's terminal.

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