JP7586526B2 - Product sales data processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Some product sales data devices use a scanner to read code information such as a barcode attached to a product to register the product, but some products do not have code information attached. For such products, product registration may be performed by operating a preset key on which product information for the product is set in advance. Examples of preset keys include a numeric keypad or soft keys displayed on a screen. After operating a preset key, the number of products to be registered is specified by operating a key for specifying the quantity.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 58-60338 Special Publication No. 3-32120

However, if an operator registers an unusual number of items when specifying the number of items to be registered and the payment is made without realizing it, the payment will be made for a different number of items than the customer actually purchased, causing inconvenience to the customer. Furthermore, if this situation occurs, it could affect the store's credibility and lead to the loss of customers. Furthermore, if the operator realizes that they made an operational mistake, they will have to cancel or correct the transaction, which will require extra time and effort.

The objective of the present invention is to provide technology that allows transactions with customers to be carried out smoothly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a product sales data processing device which is one aspect of the present invention is characterized in comprising: a product input means for inputting a product to be registered; a quantity input means for inputting the sales quantity of the product input by the product input means by operation of a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity; a judgment means for determining whether the number of digits of the sales quantity value input by operation of the quantity key exceeds a predetermined number of digits; and, if the judgment means determines that the sales quantity exceeds the predetermined number of digits , a display means for discarding the sales quantity value which exceeds the predetermined number of digits, displaying a value which is set in advance for each product , and inputting the sales quantity into the quantity input means; and, if the judgment means determines that the sales quantity does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, displaying the sales quantity input by the quantity input means.

The above configuration allows for smooth transactions with customers.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a product sales data processing device which is one aspect of the present invention comprises a product input means for inputting a product to be registered, and a quantity input means for inputting the sales quantity of the product input by the product input means by operation of a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity, and is characterized in that, when the value of the sales quantity input by operation of the quantity key exceeds a predetermined value, the quantity input means discards the value of the sales quantity input by operation of the quantity key, displays the value set for each product, and allows the sales quantity of that product to be input .

The above configuration allows the quantity to be entered according to the product's characteristics.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product input unit that allows the input of a product to be registered, a quantity input unit that allows the input of the sales quantity of the product input in the product input unit by operation of a quantity key to input the sales quantity, a judgment unit that determines whether the number of digits of the sales quantity value input by operation of the quantity key exceeds a predetermined number of digits, and a display unit that, if the judgment unit determines that the sales quantity value exceeds the predetermined number of digits , discards the sales quantity value that exceeds the predetermined number of digits, displays a value that is set in advance for each product , and causes the sales quantity to be input into the quantity input unit , and, if the judgment unit determines that the sales quantity does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, displays the sales quantity input in the quantity input unit.

The above configuration allows for smooth transactions with customers.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product input unit that allows the user to input the product to be registered, and a quantity input unit that allows the user to input the sales quantity of the product input in the product input unit by operating a quantity key to input the sales quantity, and when the sales quantity value input by operating the quantity key exceeds a predetermined value, the quantity input unit discards the sales quantity value input by operating the quantity key, displays the value set for each product, and allows the user to input the sales quantity of that product.

The above configuration allows for smooth transactions with customers.

As described above, the present invention allows transactions with customers to be carried out smoothly.

1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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 for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating switching of the operation mode of the POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of operation in a normal mode. 10 is a flowchart outlining an operation in a normal mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of operation in a normal mode. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of an operation in a normal mode. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in a full self mode. 10 is a flowchart outlining an operation in a full self mode. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in a double scan mode. 11 is a flowchart outlining an operation in a double scan mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a product registration process performed by the POS terminal 20. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a registration quantity input screen display performed by the POS terminal 20. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a registration quantity input process performed by the POS terminal 20.

Figure 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, each of which is connected to be able to communicate via a LAN 11 (wired or wireless). Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20. The POS system 1 may further include a monitoring terminal (not shown) that displays the status of the POS terminal 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controls the POS terminal 20.

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

Figure 2 shows 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 to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of 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 comprises a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The reference characters 211a, 211b, and 211c will be described later.

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 information used by the CPU 201, including programs. When the POS terminal 20 is connected to a higher-level server (management server) (not shown) and a program that controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 is updated (upgraded, etc.), a new program for updating (upgrading, etc.) may be temporarily stored in the hard disk 204, and when the POS terminal 20 starts up, the new version of the program for updating (upgrading, etc.) may be stored in the ROM 202 (flash ROM). This function is a function that automatically updates the POS terminal 20 if it can communicate with the higher-level server (management server) (not shown) via the LAN 11 (wired or wireless), and is called an auto-update function. The higher-level server (management server) (not shown) may remotely access the program of the POS terminal 20 and update (upgrade, etc.) the program of the POS terminal 20 to a new version of the program in the ROM 202 (flash ROM), and this function is called a remote update function.

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 various data including the above registration data is usually stored in the hard disk 204, and stored in the RAM 203 as necessary. In this way, storing the data in the RAM 203, which has a faster read/write speed than the hard disk 204, and reading and writing as necessary increases the processing speed and improves the performance of the POS terminal 20, leading to improved functionality. Data updated during operation control is controlled so that the data stored in the RAM 203 and the data stored in the hard disk 204 are synchronized under specified conditions and at specified times. This allows the data stored in the hard disk 204 to be synchronized with the data stored in the RAM 203 and maintained as the latest information.

The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers.
The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads various information. For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically captures a barcode (product code, etc.) attached to a product or a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on a bill (registered trademark), extracts a code (e.g., a barcode or two-dimensional code, etc.) from the captured image, and reads information from the code (decodes or decodes). In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 may also read codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, and complimentary coupons) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.).

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

The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism using 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. The read information is used to settle (settle) the purchased items. The card recognition unit may recognize various cards not only when the recognized information is used to settle (settle) the purchased items (i.e., in the case of credit card payment, prepaid card payment, and the use (consumption) of points held on a point card, etc.), but also when the recognized information is not used to settle (settle) the purchased items (for example, when a bonus is given by presenting a credit card, when points are given to a point card, etc.). The card payment unit 208 of this embodiment is equipped with a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but the card payment unit 208 may be equipped with at least a card recognition unit. In addition, the card recognition unit of this embodiment is compatible with contact cards (IC cards, magnetic cards), but it may also be compatible with non-contact cards (IC cards) instead of or in addition to contact cards.

The change machine 209 (cash settlement section) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins, an output port for banknotes and coins, and a return port for returning inserted banknotes and coins, or items other than banknotes and coins (such as foreign currency that cannot be handled). It 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 dispenses 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 card settlement section 208 and the change machine 209 form the settlement section.

The store clerk's display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, which displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk.
The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (hardware keys, buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk.
The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, which optically captures various information, extracts codes (e.g., bar codes or two-dimensional codes) from the captured images, and reads (decodes or decodes) information from the codes. For example, the store clerk scanner unit 212 optically reads bar codes attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk name tags. In addition to the above, the store clerk scanner unit 212 may also read codes printed on bills, gift certificates, and various cards.

The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers a product, but the clerk may register the product 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-side 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, or 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).

(Overview of each operation mode)
Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a number of operation modes. The operation modes are operation modes during normal business (operation modes related to registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a counting mode in which sales and inventory are counted and inquired, a maintenance mode in which store clerks or maintenance personnel perform setting and maintenance work, a training mode in which new employees are trained, etc.

Figure 5 is a diagram outlining the operating modes of the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 has, for example, three operating modes (normal mode (standard mode), full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode)) shown in Figure 5 (A). The POS terminal 20 may have the normal mode (restricted mode) shown in Figure 5 (B) instead of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) shown in Figure 5 (A). The POS terminal 20 may have the semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) shown in Figure 5 (B) instead of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) shown in Figure 5 (A). The POS terminal 20 may have the semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) shown in Figure 5 (B) instead of or in addition to the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) shown in Figure 5 (A).

In FIG. 5(A), the columns indicate each operating mode, and the rows indicate each function ("Product registration (clerk side)", "Product registration (customer side)", "Insert coins", ..., "Read receipt"). The same is true in FIG. 5(B) (however, the functions are not shown in FIG. 5(B)).

In Figure 5(A) (and also in Figure 5(B)), an "o" in a field identified by a column and row indicates that the function of that row is enabled in the operating mode of that column. For example, an "o" in a field identified by the column "normal mode (standard mode)" and the row "product registration (clerk side)" indicates that product registration (clerk side) is enabled in normal mode (standard mode). Also, a "-" in a field identified by a column and row indicates that the function of that row is disabled in the operating mode of that column. For example, a "-" in a field identified by the column "normal mode" and the row "product registration (customer side)" indicates that product registration (customer side) is disabled in normal mode.

(Explanation of each function)
Below, an overview of each function shown in FIG.

(Product registration (store clerk side))
"Product registration (clerk side)" is a function for registering purchased products on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, it is a function for executing registration processing of purchased products by operations of the clerk (scanning by clerk side scanner unit 212, touching on clerk side display unit 210, operating key operation unit 211).

(Product registration (customer side))
"Product registration (customer side)" is a function for registering purchased products on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). In other words, this is a function for executing registration processing of purchased products by customer operations (scanning by customer side scanner unit 206, touching customer side display unit 205).

(Depositing currency)
"Deposit of money" is a function for accepting the insertion of money (banknotes, coins), that is, a function for accepting an operation for settling with cash (insertion of money into the change machine 209).

(Transmitting registration information to other devices)
"Sending registration information to other terminals" is a function to send the registration information generated in the registration process to other terminals (other terminals capable of executing settlement processes, for example, other POS terminals 20) (either directly to the other terminals, or indirectly to the other terminals via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal, etc.; the same applies below).

(Issuance of bills)
The "issuance of a receipt" function encodes the registration information generated in the registration process and issues a printed medium (receipt).

(Receiving registration information from other devices)
"Receiving registration information from another terminal" is a function to receive registration information generated in the registration process of another terminal (receiving directly from another terminal, or receiving indirectly from another terminal via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal, etc. The same applies below). The terminal that receives the registration information from another terminal executes the settlement process based on the registration information.

(Reading the bill)
"Read receipt" is a function to read receipts (specifically, the code printed on the receipt or the coded information). A terminal that reads a receipt issued by another terminal executes a settlement process based on the registration information obtained by reading the receipt.

(Explanation of each operation mode)
Next, an overview of each operation mode shown in FIG. 5(A) and FIG. 5(B) will be described.

(Normal mode (standard mode))
The normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which product registration (clerk side) is enabled "◯" and product registration (customer side) is disabled "-" as shown in Fig. 5 (A). In other words, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which the registration process is not performed on the customer side but is performed on the clerk side.

As shown in FIG. 5(A), normal mode (standard mode) is an operating mode in which the insertion of coins, the sending of registration information to other terminals, and the issuance of a receipt are all enabled (◯). In other words, in normal mode (standard mode), the settlement process after the registration process on the store clerk's side can be performed on the store's own terminal or can be performed by another terminal. Specifically, in normal mode (standard mode), the settlement process is performed on the store's own terminal by accepting the insertion of coins into the change dispenser 209, and the settlement process is performed by the other terminal by sending registration information to the other terminal (or by issuing a receipt).

As shown in FIG. 5A, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operating mode in which both the reception of registration information from other terminals and the reading of the bill are enabled. In other words, in the normal mode (standard mode), the settlement process can be performed based on the registration information generated in the other terminal. The settlement process after the reception of the registration information (or the reading of the bill) may be performed in the semi-self-service mode of FIG. 5A. In other words, when the registration information is received (or the bill is read) in the normal mode (standard mode), the device may automatically switch from the normal mode (standard mode) to the semi-self-service mode (only for billing) (permission from the store clerk may be required) and the settlement process may be performed in the semi-self-service mode (only for billing). In addition, when the device switches to the semi-self-service mode (only for billing) and the settlement process is performed, the device may automatically switch (return) from the semi-self-service mode (only for billing) to the normal mode (standard mode) (permission from the store clerk may be required), or the device may remain in the semi-self-service mode (only for billing).

In addition, in normal mode (standard mode), at least one of receiving registration information from other terminals and reading receipts may be disabled ("-").

(Full selfie mode)
As shown in FIG. 5A, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which product registration (customer side) is enabled (O). In other words, the full self-service mode is an operating mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side. However, the full self-service mode also enables product registration (clerk side) (O). In other words, the full self-service mode is an operating mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side, but also allows registration processing on the clerk side. The state in which registration processing is performed on both the customer side and the clerk side is sometimes referred to as double scan mode.

In the example shown in FIG. 5(A), product registration (by the store clerk) is enabled (◯) in the full self-service mode, but product registration (by the store clerk) may be disabled (-) in the full self-service mode.

As shown in FIG. 5(A), the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which inserting coins is enabled (◯) and sending registration information to other terminals and issuing receipts is disabled (-). In other words, the full self-service mode is an operating mode that assumes that the settlement process will be carried out at the terminal in question.

As shown in FIG. 5(A), the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which both receiving registration information from other terminals and reading the bill are enabled, as in the normal mode (standard mode). In other words, in the full self-service mode, the settlement process can be performed based on the registration information generated in the other terminal, as in the normal mode (standard mode). The settlement process after receiving the registration information (or reading the bill) may be performed in the semi-self-service mode of FIG. 5(A). In other words, when in the full self-service mode, if the registration information is received (or the bill is read), the device may automatically switch from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) and perform the settlement process in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode). In addition, when the device switches to the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) and performs the settlement process, the device may automatically switch (return) from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the full self-service mode, or may remain in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode).

(Semi-self mode (accounting only mode))
As shown in Fig. 5(A), the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode in which the reception of registration information from other terminals, the reading of accounting tickets, and the insertion of coins are enabled "〇", and product registration (clerk side) and product registration (customer side) are disabled "-". In other words, the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode in which the registration process is not performed on the terminal itself, and the settlement process is performed solely based on registration information generated on other terminals. Note that, because the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode in which the registration process is not performed (because registration information is not generated), as shown in Fig. 5(A), the sending of registration information to other terminals and the issuance of accounting tickets are both disabled "-".

(Normal mode (Limited mode))
As shown in Fig. 5(B), the normal mode (restricted mode) is an operation mode in which the sending of registration information to other terminals and the issuing of accounting tickets, which are enabled (◯) in the normal mode (standard mode) in Fig. 5(A), are disabled (-). In other words, the normal mode (restricted mode) is an operation mode in which the function of causing other terminals to execute settlement processing, which is permitted in the normal mode (standard mode), is restricted.

(Semi-self mode (registration only mode))
As shown in Fig. 5(B), the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is an operating mode in which product registration (store clerk side), sending of registration information to other terminals, and issuing of receipts are enabled "〇", and product registration (customer side), insertion of coins, receiving of registration information from other terminals, and reading of receipts are disabled "-". In other words, the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is an operating mode in which the registration process is carried out exclusively on the terminal itself, and the payment process is carried out on other terminals. Note that because the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is premised on the registration operation being carried out by a store clerk, product registration (customer side) is disabled "-".

(About enabling and disabling functions)
In the above, it has been explained that the various functions of the POS terminal 20 itself (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side), coin insertion, ..., receipt reading in Fig. 5(A)) are enabled "O" or disabled "-" depending on the operation mode. In other words, it has been explained above that the POS terminal 20 originally has all functions (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side), coin insertion, ..., receipt reading in Fig. 5(A)), and some of these functions are disabled depending on the operation mode (for example, as shown in Fig. 5(A) , the POS terminal 20 disables product registration (customer side) "-" when in normal mode (standard mode), and disables sending registration information to other terminals and issuing receipts "-" when in full self-service mode).

However, the POS terminal 20 may have different executable functions depending on the operation mode, and the POS terminal 20 does not necessarily have to have all the functions from the beginning and disable some of the functions depending on the operation mode. For example, the POS terminal 20 does not have all the functions (programs for realizing the functions) from the beginning, but rather, depending on the operation mode (for example, when switching the operation mode), a program for realizing a function required in the operation mode (a function corresponding to the function marked as "○" in FIG. 5) is acquired from the outside (for example, the store controller 10, a monitoring terminal, a server outside the store (cloud, etc.)) and made executable, and if a program for realizing a function not required for the operation mode (a function corresponding to the function marked as "-" in FIG. 5) exists (when held), the program may be made in an inexecutable state (for example, may be erased). Note that the program for realizing the unnecessary function may be made in an inexecutable state, and then the program for realizing the necessary function may be acquired and made executable. Also, for example, when switching between operating modes, the POS terminal 20 may first render all programs inoperable, regardless of the operating mode to which it is transitioning, and then obtain from the outside a program for implementing the functions required in that operating mode and render it executable. In other words, the POS terminal 20 may be configured to disable some of the various functions that it originally possesses depending on the operating mode, or it may be configured to possess only the necessary functions depending on the operating mode.

The normal mode (standard mode), full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) in Figure 5 (A), and the normal mode (restricted mode) and semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) in Figure 5 (B) have been explained above, but the following explanation will focus on the normal mode (standard mode), full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) in Figure 5 (A). Note that in the following explanation, normal mode (standard mode) may be simply referred to as normal mode. Also, semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) may be simply referred to as semi-self-service mode.

(Switching (transitioning) operation modes)
Next, the switching (transition) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is basically switched in accordance with an explicit mode switching operation (also called a mode transition operation; details will be described later) performed by a store clerk to switch the operation mode. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may also be switched in accordance with an operation other than the mode switching operation (for example, reading a store clerk code, etc.).

The POS terminal 20 may switch its operating mode without being operated by a store clerk. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 may switch its operating mode according to a mode switching command (mode switching instruction) from another terminal (the POS terminal 20, a monitoring terminal, a mobile terminal, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may switch its operating mode according to a time condition (e.g., the time elapsed since the last operation, a fixed time according to a schedule, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may switch its operating mode at the start of a process (e.g., at the start of a settlement process based on the received registration information, at the start of a settlement process based on a receipt, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may switch its operating mode at the end of a process (e.g., at the end of a settlement process based on the received registration information, at the end of a settlement process based on a receipt).

Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the switching of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The left side of Figure 6 shows the combination of operation modes before and after the switch (operation mode before switching → operation mode after switching), and the right side shows the conditions for switching the operation mode (one example). For example, row a shows that, as one example of the conditions for switching the operation mode from normal mode to full self-service mode, there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, or the passage of a predetermined time (not in use). In other words, when the operation mode is normal mode, if there is, for example, a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, or the passage of a predetermined time (not in use), the operation mode will switch from normal mode to full self-service mode. The mode switching operation will be described in detail later.

(Normal mode → Full self mode)
As shown in a, when in the normal mode, for example, if a mode switching operation, a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which full self mode is specified as the operation mode to be transitioned to), or a predetermined time has elapsed (a predetermined period of non-use), the operation mode will switch from the normal mode to the full self mode.

(Normal mode → Semi-self mode (accounting only mode))
As shown in b, when in normal mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command specifying semi-self mode (accounting only mode) as the destination operating mode), the operating mode switches from normal mode to semi-self mode (accounting only mode). Also, when in normal mode, for example, if registration information is received from another terminal or an accounting ticket is read, the operating mode may be switched from normal mode to semi-self mode (accounting only mode).

(Full self mode → Normal mode)
As shown in c, when the full self mode is selected, for example, if a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which the normal mode is specified as the destination operating mode) is performed, the operating mode is switched from the full self mode to the normal mode.

(Full self-service mode → Semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode))
As shown in FIG. 1D, when in full self-service mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command specifying semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) as the destination operating mode), the operating mode switches from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode). Also, when in full self-service mode, for example, if registration information is received from another terminal or an accounting ticket is read, the operating mode may be switched from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode).

(Full self mode → Double scan mode)
As shown in FIG. 5(e), when in the full self-service mode, if, for example, a store clerk code is read, the operation mode switches from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode. The double scan mode is one aspect of the full self-service mode (a state in which the product registration (store clerk) function is used in addition to the product registration (customer) function; see FIG. 5(A)).

If the clerk code is read while in full self-service mode, the operating mode may always switch to double scan mode regardless of the state of product registration, or may switch to a different operating mode depending on the state of product registration. For example, if the clerk code is read when a product has not yet been registered (i.e., the customer has not yet registered a product), the operating mode may switch from full self-service mode to normal mode, and if the clerk code is read when a product has already been registered (i.e., the customer has registered a product), the operating mode may switch from full self-service mode to double scan mode.

(Semi-self mode (accounting only mode) → Normal mode)
As shown in FIG. 1f, when in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), the operation mode switches from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the normal mode if, for example, a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which the normal mode is specified as the operation mode to be transitioned to) is performed. Also, when in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), the operation mode may be switched from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the normal mode if, for example, a settlement process (for example, a settlement process based on received registration information, a settlement process based on a bill) is completed.

(Semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) → Full self-service mode)
As shown in FIG. 1g, when in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which the full self-service mode is specified as the operation mode to be transitioned to), the operation mode switches from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the full self-service mode. Also, when in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), for example, if a settlement process (for example, a settlement process based on received registration information, a settlement process based on a bill) is completed, the operation mode may be switched from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the full self-service mode.

Note that the mode switching operation may be one in which the destination operation mode is specified according to the operation. For example, if a separate button for each destination is provided (or displayed), the operation mode may be switched to each destination according to the mode switching operation of pressing the respective button. Also, if a single button that switches the destination each time it is pressed is provided (or displayed), the operation mode may be switched each time the mode switching operation of pressing that button is performed.

In addition, a button for selecting the destination operating mode and a button for confirming the transition to the operating mode selected by the button may be provided (or displayed) separately.

(Transition of operation mode by mode switching operation)
Next, the transition of operation modes by mode switching operation will be described. The POS terminal 20 switches operation modes in response to an explicit mode switching operation by a store clerk (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the operation mode is switched in response to the operation of the mode switching button 211a (see FIG. 3B) located at the top and right 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 clerk is on the clerk side but also when the clerk is on the customer side. In other words, a 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 for it (by touch), so the clerk on the customer side can perform mode switching without moving to the 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 be made to 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 to feel rough or bumpy, 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.

(Operation of each operation mode)
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of operation in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) when a settlement process is performed at the user's own terminal in normal mode. Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of operation in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of operation when a settlement process is performed at the user's own terminal in normal mode.

In normal mode (either when the payment process is performed at the store's own terminal or when the payment process is performed at another terminal), the store clerk registers the items purchased by the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) (top of Figure 7). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items through the operations of the store clerk (scanning with the store clerk scanner unit 212, touching the store clerk display unit 210, operating the key operation unit 211) (top of Figure 7).

When the store clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the store clerk display unit 210 and settles the bill by inserting coins (cash) into the change machine 209 or by operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of Figure 7). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of Figure 7).

That is, when performing the settlement process on the user's own terminal in normal mode, as shown in FIG. 8, the clerk first scans the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After pressing 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 settles the amount using, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed. The subtotal key in step S30 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be called a subtotal button, registration completion key, registration completion button, bill key, bill 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 (upper part of Figure 7).

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.

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 while the payment is being processed (lower part of Figure 7). The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of Figure 7). 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.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram outlining operation in normal mode. Specifically, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the process flow and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) when another terminal is made to execute the settlement process in normal mode (standard mode). Figure 10 is a flowchart outlining operation in normal mode, etc. Specifically, Figure 10 (A) is a flowchart outlining operation when another terminal is made to execute the settlement process in normal mode (standard mode). Note that Figure 10 (B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operation in the other terminal (other device) in Figure 10 (A).

In normal mode (either when the payment process is performed at the store's own terminal or when another terminal is made to perform the payment process), the store clerk registers the items purchased by the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) (top of Figure 9). In other words, the POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Figure 9) executes the registration process of the purchased items through the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (top of Figure 9).

When the store clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to another POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 9), checks the total amount of the purchased items on the store clerk display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 9). In other words, the other POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process in response to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 9).

In addition, the other POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-2) is provided with information necessary for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated in POS terminal 20-1).

The store clerk uses POS terminal 20-1 to specify the POS terminal 20 that will execute the settlement process (in the example of FIG. 9, either POS terminal 20-2 or POS terminal 20-3). Alternatively, the store clerk may use POS terminal 20-1 to issue a medium (a bill) that will be read by the POS terminal 20 that will execute the settlement process (in the example of FIG. 9, POS terminal 20-2 or POS terminal 20-3).

That is, when the checkout process is to be executed by another terminal in normal mode, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the clerk first scans the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After pressing 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), for example, another POS terminal 20 to execute the checkout process is designated (step S31: YES), and the registration information is sent to the designated POS terminal 20 (step S32), completing the registration process.

After specifying another terminal, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase (lower part of Figure 9). Also, after specifying another terminal, the store clerk may not be present (lower part of Figure 9).

In the example shown in FIG. 10(A), another POS terminal 20 is specified after pressing the subtotal key, but it is also possible to specify another POS terminal 20 without pressing the subtotal key. For example, a subtotal key and a key for specifying another POS terminal 20 may be arranged on the registration screen (and a key for issuing a receipt may also be arranged), and registration information may be sent when the key for specifying a POS terminal 20 is pressed. In the aspect of specifying another POS terminal 20 without pressing the subtotal key, it is not necessary to press the subtotal key after pressing the key for specifying another POS terminal 20.

Although omitted in the example shown in FIG. 10(A), a receipt may be issued to be read by another POS terminal 20, and the other POS terminal 20 may execute the settlement process. The key for issuing the receipt may be pressed after the subtotal key is pressed, or may be pressed before the subtotal key is pressed. In the case where the key for issuing the receipt is pressed before pressing the subtotal key, it is not necessary to press the subtotal key after pressing the key for issuing the receipt.

The other POS terminal 20 that received the registration information (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 9) transitions (switches) to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) if it is not in semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) after receiving the registration information (step S40: YES), as shown in FIG. 10 (B). In other words, if the current operating mode (at the time of receiving the registration information) is full self-service mode (step S41: YES), it transitions from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) (step S42), and if the current operating mode is normal mode (step S43: YES), it transitions from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) (step S42). Then, at the customer's side, settlement is performed by, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the settlement process is completed.

In the example shown in FIG. 10(B), the other POS terminal 20 that received the registration information switches to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) after receiving the registration information if it is not already in semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), but it does not have to switch to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode). In other words, because payment processing is possible even in normal mode or full self-service mode (see FIG. 5), payment processing may be performed while remaining in normal mode or full self-service mode.

As described above, the normal mode (standard mode) includes a function for a store clerk to execute a registration process and then execute a settlement process at the customer's terminal using the registration information generated in the registration process (see Figures 7 and 8); a function for sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (another terminal capable of executing a settlement process, such as another POS terminal 20) and having the other terminal execute the settlement process (see Figures 9 and 10); and a function for issuing a receipt printed with the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for obtaining the registration information) as a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.), and having the other terminal execute the settlement process.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the normal mode (restricted mode) is a mode in which, among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above, the function of sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, and the function of issuing an accounting ticket that is printed by encoding the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for obtaining the registration information) and having the other terminal execute the settlement process are restricted.

In addition, among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above, the function of sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, and the function of issuing a bill on which the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for acquiring the registration information) is coded and printed, and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, are also functions of the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode). In other words, the semi-self-service mode can be classified into a registration-only mode and a billing-only mode, but the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) includes a function of sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, and a function of issuing a bill on which the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for acquiring the registration information) is coded and printed, and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, as shown in FIG. 5 (B). In other words, the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is a mode in which the function of executing the registration process on the customer's side using the registration information generated in the registration process after the clerk executes the registration process is restricted from the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above. In other words, the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) is an operating mode that exclusively performs the registration process.

As shown in FIG. 5(A), the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) includes a function to receive registration information generated in the registration process at another terminal and execute the settlement process, and a function to read an accounting ticket issued at another terminal and execute the settlement process. In other words, the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode that exclusively executes the settlement process.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram outlining the operation of the full self mode. Figure 12 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the full self mode.

In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the items he or she has purchased on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205) (top of Fig. 11). 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 unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205) (top of Fig. 11).

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. 11). 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. 11).

That is, in the case of full self-service mode, as shown in FIG. 12, 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 referred to as a registration completion button, subtotal key, subtotal button, bill key, bill button, etc.

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

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram outlining the operation of the double scan mode. Figure 14 is a flow chart outlining the operation of the double scan mode. Note that the double scan mode is one aspect of the full self mode, but for the sake of convenience, the two operation modes are described separately in Figures 13 and 14.

In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the items he or she has purchased on the customer side (top row of FIG. 11, top row of FIG. 13). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for the purchased items through the customer's operation (top row of FIG. 11, (top row of FIG. 13)).

In the middle of the customer's registration process, the store clerk registers the items purchased by the customer (middle part of Figure 13). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process operated by the customer and the registration process operated by the store clerk (middle part of Figure 13).

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. 13). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 13).

In other words, when the registration process is being performed in full self-service mode (see FIG. 12), if the store clerk code is read by the store clerk scanner unit 212 (step S110: YES), as shown in FIG. 14 (A), the operating mode transitions from full self-service mode to double scan mode (step S111).

After switching to the double scan mode, as shown in FIG. 14B, the clerk scanner unit 212 scans the item (step S10: YES), registers the item (step S11), and the customer scanner unit 206 scans the item (step S20: YES), registers the item (step S21). After pressing 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) or a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205) (step S41: YES), the customer uses, for example, the change dispenser 209 to settle the amount (step S50), and the process is completed.

In double scan mode, 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 while the payment is being processed (lower part of Figure 13). Also, the store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of Figure 13). In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

As shown in FIG. 14(A), when the clerk code is read in full self-service mode, the operation mode transitions from full self-service mode to double scan mode. However, reading the clerk code may be one of the login operations. The operation mode may also transition from full self-service mode to double scan mode when another operation (e.g., a login operation other than reading the clerk code) is performed in full self-service mode. The operation mode may also transition from double scan mode to full self-service mode when no operation is performed by the clerk in double scan mode (e.g., when a predetermined time has passed since the last operation).

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

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, a monitoring terminal, etc.). 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 various information 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.

The operating mode of the terminal itself and other terminals will be notified even if the operating mode is changed by a store clerk (by a mode switching operation, reading of a store clerk code, etc.) or if the operating mode is changed without a store clerk's operation (by a mode switching command, the passage of a specified time, etc.).

(Storage of information regarding operation modes)
Each POS terminal 20 may store, as information about the operation mode, in which operation mode a transaction (processing) was performed. For example, when a POS terminal 20-1 operating in a normal mode (standard mode) performs a registration process and a settlement process for a certain transaction, the POS terminal 20-1 that performed the registration process and the settlement process may store information (e.g., information that can identify the operation mode) that the registration process and the settlement process for the transaction were performed in the normal mode (standard mode) as information about the transaction (e.g., settlement information) (or in association with the information about the transaction).

Each POS terminal 20 may also store at which terminal the transaction (processing) was performed. In the above example, the POS terminal 20-1 may store information that the registration process and the settlement process were performed at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) as information related to the transaction. More specifically, the POS terminal 20-1 may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal as the identification information (terminal identification information) of the terminal that performed the registration process, and may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal as the terminal identification information of the terminal that performed the settlement process. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal as the terminal identification information of the terminal that performed the entire process (registration process, settlement process).

For example, if a POS terminal 20-1 operating in normal mode (standard mode) first executes a registration process for a certain transaction, and then a POS terminal 20-2 operating in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) executes a settlement process for that transaction based on the registration information from the above registration process, the POS terminal 20-2 that executed the settlement process may store information that the registration process for that transaction was performed in normal mode (standard mode) as information about that transaction (for example, settlement information) (or in association with information about that transaction), and may also store information that the settlement process for that transaction was performed in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode). In addition to the above, the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration process may also store information that the registration process for that transaction was performed in normal mode (standard mode).

In the above example, the POS terminal 20-2 that executed the settlement process may store information indicating that the registration process was executed at the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1) as information regarding the transaction, and may store information indicating that the settlement process was executed at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-2). More specifically, the POS terminal 20-2 may store the terminal identification information of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1) as information (terminal identification information) regarding the terminal that executed the registration process, and may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal (POS terminal 20-2) as the terminal identification information of the terminal that executed the settlement process. In the above example, it is sufficient that the POS terminal 20-2 that executes the settlement process is able to obtain the terminal identification information of the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration process and information identifying the operating mode (specifically, normal mode (standard mode)). For example, it is sufficient if the terminal identification information of POS terminal 20-1 and information identifying the operating mode are provided from POS terminal 20-1 to POS terminal 20-2 (for example, sent and received as registration information, or provided via a bill).

Each POS terminal 20 may also store information about transitions (switches) of operation modes as information about operation modes. For example, when the operation mode of the POS terminal 20-1 transitions from one operation mode to another, the POS terminal 20-1 may store information about which operation mode it transitioned to (e.g., information that can identify the operation mode after the transition) along with the time of the operation mode transition. The POS terminal 20-1 may also store information about which operation mode it transitioned from to (e.g., information that can identify the operation mode before the transition, information that can identify the operation mode after the transition) along with the time of the operation mode transition.

Each POS terminal 20 may store information regarding the transition of the operating mode, whether the operating mode was switched by an operation by a store clerk (by a mode switching operation, reading of a store clerk code, etc.) or not by an operation by a store clerk (by a mode switching command, the passage of a predetermined time, etc.). In the above cases, each POS terminal 20 may store information regarding the basis on which the operating mode was switched (for example, that the operating mode was switched by an operation by a store clerk with clerk code "xxx", that the operating mode was switched by a mode switching command from a POS terminal 20 with terminal identification information "xxx").

In addition to or in addition to the POS terminal 20, the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal may store information regarding the operating mode.

In addition, the information about the operation mode stored as described above may be output (displayed, transmitted, printed, etc.) as necessary. For example, the POS terminal 20 may print information (information that only the store clerk can recognize, or information that can also be recognized by the customer) indicating that the process (registration process, settlement process) was performed in the full self-service mode on a receipt output in the full self-service mode. Receipts output in other operation modes may be printed in a similar manner. In addition, for example, the POS terminal 20 (or the monitoring terminal) may display the operation mode at the time of processing. As an example, when a transaction number (information that can identify a transaction) is entered on a specified search screen, the POS terminal 20 (or the monitoring terminal) may display the terminal (terminal identification information, etc.) on which the process was performed and the operation mode (information that can identify the operation mode) for at least one of the registration process and the settlement process for the corresponding transaction.

In the following explanation, the first POS terminal 20-1 of the first POS terminal 20-1 to the third POS terminal 20-3 will be described as the own terminal (POS terminal 20). The operating mode of the second POS terminal will be described as the normal mode, and the operating mode of the third POS terminal 20-3 will be described as the full self-service mode.

(Screen display on POS terminal 20 in normal mode)
Next, the screen display of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode will be described. Figures 15 to 20 are examples of display of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. Specifically, Figures 15(A), 16(A), 17(A), 18(A), 19(A), and 20(A) are all examples of display of the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode (standard mode). Figures 15(B), 16(B), 17(B), 18(B), 19(B), and 20(B) are all examples of display of the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 in normal mode (standard mode).

Figure 15 (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. 15(A), the tab area T1 in the upper right corner of the screen is a tab corresponding to each display content (display screen). The POS terminal 20 can interrupt the registration process for the current customer (the reason for interruption may be to return to the store to add an item to the purchase), and perform the registration process for the next customer. In other words, based on the operation of the store clerk, the POS terminal 20 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. 15(A), there is one tab (tab area T1), but the POS terminal 20 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. 15(A)) is displayed. In addition, the tab area T1 is provided with a 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. 15(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).

Figure 15 (B) shows the display contents on the customer display unit 205 in the initial state. In other words, when the POS terminal 20 is displaying the registration screen on the store clerk display unit 210 as shown in Figure 15 (A), it displays the small screen (small window) SG01 on the customer display unit 205 superimposed on the settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in Figure 15 (B).

The small screen SG01 allows the customer to select a payment method. On the small screen SG01, the customer selects either cash, credit, or electronic money as the payment method. If the customer desires cash as the payment method, he or she may insert cash (a deposit) before selecting cash as the payment method on the small screen SG01. When any payment method is selected on the small screen SG01, the POS terminal 20 clears the small screen SG01. Also, when cash is inserted before a payment method is selected on the small screen SG01, the POS terminal 20 processes it as if cash was selected as the payment method, and clears the small screen SG01.

When the POS terminal 20 is displaying the registration screen shown in FIG. 15(A) on the clerk display unit 210 and a can of beer is registered by the clerk, the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 16(A) on the clerk display unit 210.

In FIG. 16(A), 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 is a button for specifying the 20-2 register (second POS terminal 20-2). When the store clerk wants to specify the second POS terminal 20-2 as the terminal to which 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 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 specifies 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 processing is to be performed on the POS terminal 20 that read the receipt (the POS terminal 20 on which the customer has had the receipt read).

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 Figs. 7 and 8), so there is a continuous process (e.g., registration process, customer service, etc.) and it is highly likely that the 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 the process can be simply performed 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. 16(A), the outline of the 20-3 register button BT13 corresponding to the 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 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 POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 16(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, it displays the small screen SG01 on the customer display unit 205 superimposed on the settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in FIG. 16(B). Note that in the settlement screen (deposit screen) of FIG. 15(B), no products were registered so the total amount was 0 yen, but in the settlement screen (deposit screen) of FIG. 16(B), a can of beer costing 215 yen has been registered so the total amount is 215.

When a customer inserts 500 yen while the registration screen of FIG. 16(A) is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 17(A) on the store clerk display unit 210.

Because the customer has inserted 500 yen, the number 500 is displayed in the display field HR01 in the upper right corner of the screen in FIG. 17(A). In addition, because the customer has inserted 500 yen, the payment is to be settled at the customer's own terminal (POS terminal 20-1), and so the buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13, and bill button BT15) used to settle at other terminals (POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3) are not displayed (are erased).

When the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 17(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, it displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) such as that shown in FIG. 17(B) on the customer display unit 205. Note that the small screen SG01 is cleared because the customer has inserted 500 yen.

When the POS terminal 20 is displaying the registration screen of FIG. 17(A) on the store clerk display unit 210 and the store clerk registers the second product (asparagus) and the third product (seaweed bento), and the customer then inserts an additional 500 yen, the store clerk display unit 210 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 18(A). As the customer has inserted an additional 500 yen, the display field HR01 in the upper right corner of the screen in FIG. 18(A) shows 1000.

When the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 18(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, it displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) such as that shown in FIG. 18(B) on the customer display unit 205.

When the POS terminal 20 is in a state where the registration screen of FIG. 18(A) is displayed on the clerk display unit 210 and the clerk operates the subtotal button BT10, the clerk display unit 210 displays a small screen (small window) SG02 superimposed on the registration screen as shown in FIG. 19(A), and displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in FIG. 19(B) on the customer display unit 205. The small screen SG02 notifies the clerk of settlement-related information (total amount, amount deposited in the device (deposit amount)).

When the customer operates the Finish (receipt) button BT40 while the settlement screen (deposit screen) of FIG. 19 (B) is displayed on the customer display unit 205, the POS terminal 20 displays the message screen MG1 superimposed on the registration screen as shown in FIG. 20 (A) on the store clerk display unit 210, and displays the settlement screen (change screen) as shown in FIG. 20 (B) on the customer display unit 205.

The message screen MG1 notifies the store clerk about the change. The POS terminal 20 erases the message screen MG1 that is displayed superimposed on the registration screen without the operation of the store clerk (for example, automatically after a predetermined time has passed). The POS terminal 20 may also erase the message screen MG1 that is displayed superimposed on the registration screen in response to the operation of the store clerk (such as touching the message screen MG1).

Although not shown in Figure 20 and subsequent figures, the POS terminal 20 displays a checkout screen similar to that shown in Figure 25 (E) and subsequent figures on the customer display unit 205, and displays a message corresponding to the checkout screen on the store clerk display unit 210.

In the above explanation, the focus is on the overall processing in the POS terminal 20, and a state in which no processing is in progress (a state in which no product is registered, no cash is inserted, no payment type is selected, no gift certificates are registered, and no customer information is obtained) is referred to as the initial state; however, there may be cases in which the focus is on a portion of the processing and the state is referred to as the initial state. For example, the cash-inserted product registration state (a state in which products are registered, cash is inserted, no payment type is selected, no gift certificates are registered, and no customer information is obtained) cannot be called the initial state when the focus is on the overall processing, but it may be called the initial state when the focus is only on the state of the payment type selection. Also, it cannot be called the initial state when the focus is on the two states of the product registration state and the payment type selection state, but it may be called the initial state when the focus is on the two states of the payment type selection state and the gift certificate registration state.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20 displays the small screen SG02 superimposed on the registration screen (FIG. 19(A)). However, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20 may display (switch to) a small screen that displays the information displayed on the small screen SG02 instead of the registration screen.

(Screen display on POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode)
Next, the screen display of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode will be described. Figures 21 and 22 are examples of display on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. Specifically, Figures 21(A), 21(B), 22(A), 22(B), 23(A), 23(B), 24(A), 24(B), 25(A), 25(B), and 26(A) to 26(F) are all examples of display on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode.

In principle, the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode displays the same screen as that displayed on the customer display unit 205. By displaying the same screen as that displayed on the customer display unit 205 on the clerk display unit 210, when a clerk is present on the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode, the screen that the customer is operating in full self-service mode can be viewed on the clerk display unit 210, making it easier to assist the customer with registration and detect fraud. In this case, the clerk display unit 210 may display a next customer registration button that enables the next customer to be registered.

Figure 21 (A) shows the display contents of the registration start screen before the start of the registration process. As shown in Figure 21 (A), the registration start screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 includes a registration start button BT30 and a non-barcoded product registration start button BT31 on the right side of the screen. Both of these buttons are buttons for instructing the start of product registration. A customer operates the registration start button BT30 when starting product registration by registering a product with a barcode, and operates the non-barcoded product registration start button BT3 when starting product registration by registering a product without a barcode (hereinafter referred to as a "non-barcoded product"). Buttons BT35 to BT37 at the bottom left of the screen are buttons for switching the display language between English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively. Buttons BT35 to BT37 are displayed on various other screens, but all of them have the same functions.

Figure 21 (B) shows the display contents of the registration screen when product registration begins. When the registration start button BT30 is operated on the registration start screen shown in Figure 21 (A), the registration screen shown in Figure 21 (B) is displayed. On this registration screen, the message "Please register the product" is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen, urging the customer to register the product. In addition, below that, the message "Please hold the product's barcode close to the scanner to register" is displayed to explain to the customer how to register the product. When the registration screen is displayed, the customer scans the barcode attached to the product with the customer-side scanner unit 206, and the scanned product is registered.

Above the screen of buttons BT35 to BT37, preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42 are displayed, which display preset buttons for registering products without barcodes. Products without barcodes are classified into categories (items) according to the characteristics of each product, and before selecting a product, the user is prompted to select the category into which the product is classified. Here, products without barcodes are classified into the categories of "vegetables" and "prepared dishes". Of these, the first preset key display button BT41 is a button (key) for displaying preset keys for products classified as "vegetables", and the second preset key display button BT42 is a button (key) for displaying preset keys for products classified as "prepared dishes". Although there are only two preset key display buttons, the preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42, products without barcodes may be further classified and more preset key display buttons may be set. The preset key display buttons in the registration screen shown in FIG. 21 (B) can display up to six categories, but more categories may be displayed.

In addition, on the registration screen shown in FIG. 21(B), a message "For products without barcodes, please select the item below" is displayed above the first preset key display button BT41 and the second preset key display button BT42. This display prompts the customer who is registering a product without a barcode to operate the first preset key display button BT41 and the second preset key display button BT42. In this way, by displaying the preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42, even if the customer operates the registration start button BT30 on the registration start screen shown in FIG. 21(A) to start registering a product by scanning a barcode, the customer can register a product without a barcode without returning to the registration start screen. The method of registering a product without a barcode will be explained later.

Figure 22 (A) shows the display contents of the product registration in progress screen after product registration has begun. On the product registration in progress screen, the product name and price of the scanned product are displayed in the registered product display area HR11, and messages such as "Registering" and "Please place registered products in your shopping bag. Please wait until this screen disappears before registering the next product" are displayed in the message display area GA11. The POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process while the product registration in progress screen shown in Figure 22 (A) is displayed.

Figure 22 (B) shows the display contents of the registration screen after the product registration process is completed. On this registration screen, the product name, quantity, price, tax-inclusive price, and other information of the registered product are displayed in the registered product display area HR12. Figure 22 (B) shows an example in which two products, "tea" and "daifuku mochi", have been registered. Thereafter, each time a product is registered, additional registered products are displayed in the registered product display area HR12. In addition, the number of items purchased and the total (amount) displayed in the registered product display area HR12 increase according to the product that is added.

In FIG. 22(B), image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (second POS terminal 20-2) (specifically, that it is in normal mode). Image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (third POS terminal 20-3) (specifically, that it is in full self-service mode). The checkout button BT32 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for instructing the end of product registration. The customer operates the checkout button BT32 after product registration is complete. The store clerk call button BT33 is a button for calling a store clerk. The customer operates the store clerk call button BT33 when calling a store clerk (for example, when the customer needs the support of a store clerk). As shown in FIG. 21(B), these displays and buttons are not displayed when a product has not been registered, and are displayed on the registration screen after a product has been registered, but may be displayed when a product has not been registered.

Figure 23 (A) shows the product category selection screen after the barcode-free product registration start button BT31 shown in Figure 21 (A) is operated. In the product category selection screen, the preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42 are displayed in the center of the screen, and the message "Please select the product category" is displayed in the upper left of the screen. This message prompts the customer to select the product category. When the preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42 are pressed on the screen of Figure 23 (A), the screen of Figure 23 (B) is displayed, but the area of the preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42 may be moved to the top of the screen of Figure 23 (B) and displayed in a reduced size so that they can be selected. If there are many steps (number of touch operations) required to transition between screens required for operation, the operation becomes complicated and the operator may become confused because he or she does not know which screen he or she transitioned from. In this regard, by using a display method in which the areas of the preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42 are moved to the top of the screen in FIG. 23(B) and displayed in a reduced size so that they can be selected, the frequency of screen transitions can be reduced, and operability can be improved without complexity.

Figure 23 (B) shows the product selection screen after the first preset key display button BT41 is operated. Of the preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42, when, for example, the first preset key display button BT41 is operated, the product selection screen shown in Figure 23 (B) where the category (item) corresponds to "Vegetables" is displayed. In addition, the tabs "1" to "7" (preset screen switching area) provided to the right of the preset key display section BT50 of the product selection screen shown in Figure 23 (B) correspond to the categories (items), with "1" corresponding to "Vegetables". By touching the areas "1" to "7" with a finger, the preset button screen can be switched to the corresponding category (item).

On this product selection screen, a preset key display section BT50 containing multiple preset keys is displayed. Furthermore, when the second preset key display button BT42 is operated, a product selection screen corresponding to the category (item) "Prepared dishes" is displayed. Similarly, when either the first preset key display button BT41 or the second preset key display button BT42 shown in FIG. 22(B) is operated, for example the first preset key display button BT41, the product selection screen shown in FIG. 23(B) is displayed. In other words, the screen (minor screen) for proceeding to checkout (screen for making payment) transitions to a screen where additional products can be registered.

The preset key display unit BT50 displays multiple preset keys, each of which has product information set in advance and displays an image of the product assigned to it. For example, the preset key display unit BT50 of the product selection screen shown in FIG. 23(B) displays preset keys for each product, namely "apple," "pear," "muscat," "seedless grapes," "banana," "large grapes," "peach," "tangerine," "pineapple," "melon," "kiwi," and "tomato." In addition, the preset key display unit BT50 does not display various keys such as "record confirmation," "bulk correction," "pause," "employee," "partial correction," "10 yen off," "30 yen off," "10% off," "20% off," "cancel," "A," "B," "C," "maintenance," and "self-maintenance" other than the "attendant call" button, in the mode in which the customer operates to register products (full self-maintenance mode), but displays them in the mode in which the store clerk operates (mode for correction, maintenance, etc.).

The product selection screen shown in FIG. 23(B) displays the message "- Vegetables - Please select product," encouraging the customer to select (specify) a product by operating (inputting) a preset key. When one of the preset keys displayed on the preset key display unit BT50 to which a product is assigned is operated, the product corresponding to the operated preset key is registered. For example, when the "apple" preset key is operated, "apple" is registered as the product.

In addition, on the product selection screen shown in FIG. 23(B), preset key display buttons BT41 and BT42 are displayed in the upper right corner of the screen, and a back button BT51 is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen. For example, when the second preset key display button BT42 is operated, a preset key display section showing the preset key for side dishes is displayed. Therefore, even when registering a product of a different category (item), registration can be performed without returning to the original screen. Furthermore, when the back button BT51 is operated, the original screen (the registration screen shown in FIG. 21(B) or FIG. 22(B)) is returned to.

Figure 24 (A) shows the registration quantity input screen after a product has been registered by operating the preset keys displayed on the preset key display unit BT50. The registration quantity input screen displays a product information display area HR21 and a product quantity display area HR22. The product information display area HR21 displays the name of the registered product, and the product quantity display area HR22 displays the unit and quantity (sales amount) of the product.

For example, when apples are registered as a product, the word "apples" is displayed in the product information display area HR21 of the registration quantity input screen shown in FIG. 24(A). The product quantity display area HR22 displays "quantity," which is the unit for counting the quantity of "apples," and also displays a predetermined initial value (default value), here "1." The registration quantity input screen shown in FIG. 24(A) also displays a back button BT51, a numeric keypad BT52, an enter key BT53, and language switching buttons BT35 to BT37. Of these, the numeric keypad BT52 is the quantity key. The upper left corner of the registration quantity input screen shown in FIG. 24(B) displays the message "Enter the quantity and press enter," prompting the customer to enter the number of products.

The initial value of the quantity display displayed in the product quantity display area HR22 may be determined for each product being registered, or may be uniform across products. For example, when the product being registered is "apples," the initial value of the quantity display may be "1," and when the product being registered is "tangerines," the initial value of the quantity display may be "5," or the initial value of the quantity display may be "1" regardless of the type of product.

In addition, in the quantity display, a unit is displayed along with the quantity. This unit may be different for each product, or may be uniform among products. For example, when the product to be registered is "apples", the unit of the quantity display may be "number of pieces", and when the product to be registered is "bananas", the unit of the quantity display may be "number of bunches" or "number of pieces". Furthermore, regardless of the type of product, the unit of the quantity display may be "number of pieces". It is preferable to determine these units in advance. As a method of setting these units in advance, they may be set in the product data registered in the product master. Furthermore, in the case where the product is photographed by an imaging means and the product is identified and specified, these units may be displayed when the product is photographed by the imaging means and identified and specified. The displayed unit may be displayed at the right end of the area displaying the input number. In this case, "pieces" may be displayed to the lower right of the input number "2". Other units include, for example, pieces, bundles, books, fences, bunches, cases, boxes, etc. If you set each unit in association with the product, the unit may be displayed when the product is specified with the preset button. When displaying the unit in the upper left corner, for example, the word "quantity" is displayed as shown in the figure, but other units such as number of bunches, number of sheets, number of bundles, number of pieces, number of fences, number of cases, number of boxes, etc. may be displayed according to the product.

Figure 24 (B) shows the registration quantity input screen after the numeric keypad BT52, which is a software keyboard displayed on the display unit, is operated. As shown in Figure 24 (A), after the initial value of the quantity display is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, when the numeric keypad BT52 is operated, a numerical value designated by the operation of the numeric keypad BT52 is entered, and the quantity display in the product quantity display area HR22 changes to the numerical value designated by the operation of the numeric keypad BT52. For example, when "1" is displayed as the "quantity" of "apples," if the numeric keypad BT52 is operated to specify the "2" key, the designated value of the number of "apples" becomes 2, as shown in Figure 24 (B), and the display of the "quantity" of "apples" changes from "1" to "2." After that, the enter key BT53 is operated to input the product and its quantity, and in this case, 2 apples are entered, completing the registration. In addition, when a product is specified (determined) using the preset keys, the numeric keypad BT52 is controlled to be displayed superimposed on the numeric input screen, and when the input of the numeric value is completed, it is controlled to be removed from the display of the numeric keypad BT52 display section.

Furthermore, when a very large number is specified using the numeric keypad BT52 when registering the number of products, the specified number is not displayed as is, but instead an initial value is displayed. For example, if "apples" is selected as the product to be registered and "100" is specified as the quantity, it is inferred that the user is not trying to purchase 100 apples, but has made an operation error on the numeric keypad BT52. In this way, when an operation error on the numeric keypad BT52 is suspected, the initial value is displayed instead of the number actually specified. For example, if a quantity of 1000 is to be specified when the product to be registered is "apples", the initial value "1" is displayed as the quantity display, rather than "1000".

When displaying an initial value when a large numerical value is specified, for example, the initial value may be displayed when the specified numerical value exceeds a predetermined upper limit. In this case, the upper limit may be a fixed value, or may be determined for each product. For example, the upper limit may be set to 10 for apples, which are often sold in relatively small numbers, and 100 for gyoza, which are often sold in relatively large numbers.

A determination that a numerical value exceeding the upper limit has been specified may be made when the numerical value is specified, or when the numerical value is specified and the enter key BT53 is operated. If it is determined that the upper limit has been exceeded when a numerical value is specified, the numerical value may be displayed in product quantity display area HR22 without being displayed as an initial value. Alternatively, if a numerical value is specified and it is determined that the upper limit has been exceeded when the enter key BT53 is operated, the numerical value may be displayed in product quantity display area HR22, and then the display in product quantity display area HR22 may change to the initial value upon operation of enter key BT53. For example, when controlling so as not to exceed an upper limit, and restricting input to digits such as the ones digit, tens digit, hundreds digit, etc., and there is a setting to restrict input to digits of the tens digit and above, for example, when "2000" is entered, the input of "2" is permitted, but once the tens digit, "0", is entered, the input of any further numbers is prohibited, the input value of the entered "0" is discarded (restricted), an error is issued, the input value is set to the initial value of "1", and "1" is displayed on the display.

In addition to this control, the initial value may be a system in which a predetermined number of digits of the actually entered number is adopted as the set value. In this case, if the control for limiting the number of digits described above is set, for example, when "2000" is entered, the input of "2" is permitted, but when the tens digit "0" is entered, the input of subsequent numbers is prohibited, the input value of the entered "0" is discarded, an error is notified, and the number "2" entered as the initial value, which is the ones digit, is set as the input value and "2" is displayed on the display unit. In this way, for example, if a customer tries to enter "2" but mistakenly enters "20," the number that the customer would have wanted can be set as the input value without forcing the customer to enter "2" again, thereby reducing the number of input operations.

In addition, in the case of control so that the upper limit is not exceeded, and control is performed to limit the input value when the "Enter" button is pressed after a numerical value is input, when "2000" is input and the "Enter" button is pressed, the input value of "000" above the tens digit is discarded, an error is notified, the input value is set to the initial value of "1", and "1" is displayed on the display. Note that if the initial value is a system in which a predetermined number of digits of the numerical value actually input is adopted as the set value, the number displayed on the display will be "2" instead of "1".

It is also possible to control the input value restrictions so that they are different between the customer side and the store clerk side. In this case, the numbers (or number of digits) entered by the customer are limited to a certain extent, but when the store clerk enters a number, there is a high possibility that the number (or number of digits) entered will be larger (higher) than that entered by the customer. Therefore, different controls are implemented so that there are fewer (smaller) restrictions on the input values entered by the customer side and more (larger) restrictions on the input values entered by the store clerk. By implementing such control, it is possible to improve the input operability and reliability of the customer and store clerk sides of the accounting device, as well as to increase work efficiency.

The reason for differentiating the input value limits between the customer side and the store clerk side may be that products with sales restrictions may be sold. For example, if there is a product with sales restrictions with a limit of five per person set in the product data, the upper limit for the customer side may be "5 units" and the upper limit for the store clerk side may be "15 units". For example, if a customer is allowed to input the registered quantity of the purchased product without an upper limit on the number of units when purchasing a product with sales restrictions as a purchase item, there is a high possibility that the products with sales restrictions prepared will not be distributed evenly among multiple customers, which is likely to cause complaints due to unfairness between customers. Therefore, for example, on the customer side, when registering the above-mentioned product with sales restrictions of up to five per person, the upper limit of the input value that the customer can input is set to "5 units" by controlling the input quantity not to exceed "5".

However, in terms of the relationship between the number of products with sales restrictions prepared and the number of customers, even if more than the upper limit of "5" is sold to one customer, it is possible that the products with sales restrictions will be distributed evenly to multiple customers. For example, at the request of a customer, the store clerk may be able to allow the purchase of a number of products with sales restrictions that exceeds the upper limit by registering it on the store clerk's side. In this case, by allowing the store clerk to enter a number greater than "5", the store clerk can sell a number of products that exceeds the upper limit at his or her discretion. In this case, there is no need to set an upper limit on the number of registered items entered by the store clerk, but if products with sales restrictions are sold without an upper limit on the number of registered items, there is a possibility that the products with sales restrictions prepared will not be distributed evenly to multiple customers if a large number is sold to one customer. Therefore, the store clerk can control the input of a certain number, for example, "15", so that a number greater than the upper limit of the input value cannot be entered, and the possibility of the products with sales restrictions not being distributed evenly to multiple customers can be reduced by setting the upper limit of the input value to "15".

When the input value limits are different between the store clerk and the customer, the initial value displayed when the input value limit is exceeded may be the same for both the store clerk and the customer, or may be different. For example, when registering a product with a sales limit of up to five per person, if the upper limit for the customer's input is set to "5" and the upper limit for the store clerk is set to "15", when a value that exceeds the upper limit is input on the customer's side, "1" may be displayed as the initial value, or "5" may be displayed as the initial value assuming that the product will be sold in units of five. In this case, when a value that exceeds the upper limit is input on the store clerk's side, the same "1" or "5" as on the customer's side may be displayed as the initial value, or another number such as "15" may be displayed as the initial value.

In the above example, the upper limit of the number of registered items is set by controlling the upper limit of the input based on the number of items sold for a sales-restricted item. However, the upper limit may be controlled based on conditions other than the number of items sold. For example, the limit on the number of items sold for a sales-restricted item may be converted into a limit on the number of people. In this case, the number of customers lining up to purchase a sales-restricted item may be input and restricted. For example, in the above example, the limit for a sales-restricted item is set to five items per person, so the number of people lining up multiplied by five may be set as the upper limit, and when a store clerk enters the number of people, the upper limit of the input value may be controlled by multiplying it by the limit number.

As another example, there are so-called time sales that are valid for a certain period (time) during sales promotions such as set sales and special sales. For example, in a promotion where all products in the store are discounted for a certain period, for example between 10:00 and 11:00, the end of the specified time is determined based on the system time when scanning for product registration begins or when closing is performed. For this reason, if a customer or store clerk is slow to operate the cash register, a line may form in front of the cash register, and the specified time may end while customers are waiting in line. If the specified time ends while customers are waiting in line, customers may complain.

In anticipation of such a situation, the customer's input control may set the number of items at "1", but the clerk's control may switch from quantity control to control of the number of people waiting, and the upper limit control may be limited by inputting the number of people. In this case, the clerk will input the number of people waiting, and the input value will be different because the control will be different from the customer's input control. For example, if there are 20 customers lined up at the register, the clerk will input "20 people". In this way, when the customer and clerk controls are different, the clerk may input a different number than the customer, and the input number (or number of digits) may be controlled. In this case, the system is configured with a sales promotion means that discounts or discounts products registered on the customer's side within a specified period, and a sales control switching means that switches the control of the sales promotion means on the clerk's side from time control to quantity control and allows the limit number to be input.

At least one of the customer and the store clerk may be provided with a shopping bag number input means for inputting the number of shopping bags to be provided to the customer, and at least one of the customer and the store clerk may limit the number of shopping bags input. In recent years, an increasing number of stores have started charging for shopping bags to protect the environment, and an increasing number of companies are promoting their environmental protection efforts. However, if customers were allowed to input an unlimited number of shopping bags, even if they were charged, the purpose of environmental protection would not be achieved. Therefore, the weight and dimensions (length, width, height) of each product registered in the product master are stored in the product data, and each time a product is registered, the weight of each product is added to the total weight of the purchased products in the transaction, or the product dimensions (length, width, height) are added to calculate the volume of the required shopping bag. Then, the size and number of shopping bags may be calculated from the total weight or total volume to limit the input value.

In this case, the input value may be controlled for each size of shopping bag by matching the total weight or total volume of the purchased items with the calculated size of the shopping bag (e.g., large, medium, small, etc.). The input value for each size of shopping bag may be controlled using both the total weight and the total volume (cumulative volume). For example, since there are bulky but lightweight items, and small but heavy items, control may be performed using both the total weight and the total volume (cumulative capacity).

The size and quantity of shopping bags that can be input by the customer is controlled to an upper limit (input prohibited) based on the total weight or total volume (cumulative capacity) of the purchased items, or the total weight and total volume (cumulative capacity), but the store clerk may cancel the input control and control input values that exceed the calculated upper limit, unlike the customer's input. This allows the store clerk to perform irregular processing, so that, for example, if the product data for a target product does not store the product's weight or product dimensions (length, width, height) (for example, the product weight or both or either of the product dimensions (length, width, height) are not stored), the size and number of shopping bags cannot be correctly determined from the registered products. Therefore, since there is a possibility that the customer will not be able to input the correct input value, the input value is controlled so that the store clerk can input the correct size and number of shopping bags. In this case, a store clerk is called (as an alert process, the screen display, the sign pole flashing, turning on or off, or a notification is given to a terminal carried by the store clerk), and control may be performed so that the store clerk can input. This allows store clerks to properly input the size and quantity of shopping bags, ensuring a smooth transaction.

In addition, when a numerical value exceeding the upper limit is once specified, an initial value is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, and then a numerical value exceeding the upper limit is again specified, the initial value is also displayed in the product quantity display area HR22. In this case, it may be considered that a numerical value exceeding the upper limit was specified intentionally, rather than due to an operational error. For this reason, when a numerical value exceeding the upper limit is once specified, an initial value is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, and then a numerical value exceeding the upper limit is again specified, the specified numerical value may be displayed in the product quantity display area HR22. In addition, when a numerical value exceeding the upper limit is once specified, an initial value is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, and then a numerical value exceeding the upper limit is again specified, if the numerical values exceeding the respective upper limits are the same, the numerical value may be displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, and if they are different, the initial value may be displayed in the product quantity display area HR22. In addition, when a number exceeding the upper limit is once specified, and then an initial value is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, and then a number exceeding the upper limit is again specified, even if the specified number is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, if an abnormally large number, for example 10,000 units, is specified, the initial value may be displayed. A second upper limit may be set to determine whether a number is abnormally large.

In addition, when the clear key on numeric keypad BT52 is operated when registering the number of products, the number displayed in product quantity display area HR22 is erased. At this time, pressing "0" on numeric keypad BT52 will result in registering 0 products, but since it is not possible to register 0 products, this is considered to be an incorrect specification. Therefore, if "0" on numeric keypad BT52 is pressed when no number is displayed in product quantity display area HR22, "0" will not be displayed.

Figure 25 (A) shows the product registration screen after the enter key BT53 is operated when the number of products is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22 on the registration quantity input screen shown in Figure 24 (B). On the product registration screen, the registered product "apples" and their price are displayed in the registered product display area HR11, and messages such as "Registering" and "Please place registered products in your shopping bag. Please wait until this screen disappears before registering the next product" are displayed in the message display area GA11. The unit and quantity of the product may also be displayed in the registered product display area HR11.

Figure 25 (B) shows the registration screen after registration of a product without a barcode is complete. This registration screen shows an example in which two items, "tea" and "apples," have been registered in the registered product display area HR12. Thereafter, the registration process is completed by operating the checkout button BT32, and the payment process is carried out.

Figure 26 (A) shows the display contents of 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 25 (B)), the POS terminal 20 displays the payment method selection screen as shown in Figure 26 (A).

Figure 26 (B) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see Figure 26 (A)), the POS terminal 20 displays the deposit screen as shown in Figure 26 (B).

Figure 26 (C) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when deciding the deposit amount. For example, when cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted, the POS terminal 20 displays the deposit screen as shown in Figure 26 (C).

Figure 26 (D) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (change screen) displayed when dispensing change. For example, when the End (receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (Figure 26 (C)), the POS terminal 20 displays the change screen as shown in Figure 26 (D).

Figure 26 (E) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when change has been removed. For example, when change has been removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal 20 displays a receipt screen such as that shown in Figure 26 (E). The POS terminal 20 may be provided with a sensor such as a photosensor near the outlet, and may determine that change has been removed when the sensor recognizes an object (presumably a customer's hand). Figure 26 (F) shows the pause screen displayed when in pause mode (pause state).

After displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 26(E)), the POS terminal 20 displays the registration start screen (FIG. 21(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 to be made, the screen may transition from the deposit screen (FIG. 26(C)) to the receipt screen (FIG. 26(E)) without displaying the change screen (FIG. 26(D)).

(Product Registration Processing in POS Terminal 20 in Full Self-Service Mode)
Next, the product registration process of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode will be described.
Step S111: The registration start screen shown in Fig. 21 (A) is displayed on the customer side display unit 205. When the registration start screen is displayed, the POS terminal 20 has not yet started the product registration process, and starts the product registration process when the registration start button BT30 or the barcode-free product registration start button BT31 is operated.
Step S112: Determine whether the registration start button BT30 has been pressed. If the registration start button BT30 has been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S113, and if the registration start button BT30 has not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S121.
Step S113: The POS terminal 20 displays the registration screen shown in Fig. 21 (B) on the customer side display unit 205. The customer operates the buttons displayed on the registration screen or scans the product, thereby registering the product.

Step S114: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the preset key display buttons BT41, BT42 shown in Fig. 21 (B) have been pressed. Here, the POS terminal 20 judges whether either the first preset key display button BT41 or the second preset key display button BT42 has been pressed, or whether neither preset key display button has been pressed. If the preset key display buttons BT41, BT42 have not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S115, and if the preset key display buttons BT41, BT42 have been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S123.
Step S115: The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the barcode has been scanned. The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the barcode attached to the product has been scanned (read) by the customer-side scanner unit 206. If it is determined that the barcode has been scanned, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S128, and if it is determined that the barcode has not been scanned, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S116.

Step S116: The POS terminal 20 judges whether the Checkout button BT32 shown in Fig. 22(B) or 25(B) has been pressed. If it is determined that the Checkout button BT32 has been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S117, and if it is determined that the Checkout button BT32 has not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 returns to step S114 and continues the product registration process.
Step S117: The POS terminal 20 ends the product registration process and performs the payment process based on the pressing of the checkout button BT32. In the payment process, the POS terminal 20 sequentially displays the screens shown in Figures 26 (A) to (F), and the payment process is performed by the customer performing operations according to the screen display. In this way, the product registration process in the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode is completed.

Step S121: The POS terminal 20 determines whether the non-barcoded product registration start button BT31 has been pressed on the registration start screen shown in Fig. 21 (A). If it is determined that the non-barcoded product registration start button BT31 has not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 returns to step S112 and determines whether the registration start button BT30 has been pressed. By repeating the processes of steps S112 and S121, the POS terminal 20 waits for the start of registration processing. If it is determined that the non-barcoded product registration start button BT31 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S122.
Step S122: The POS terminal 20 displays the product category selection screen shown in Fig. 23 (A) on the customer display unit 205. The customer presses a preset key display button for displaying a preset key corresponding to the product to be purchased from among the multiple preset key display buttons BT41, BT42 displayed. After the preset key display button BT41, BT42 included in the product category selection screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 is pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S123.

Step S123: The POS terminal 20 displays the product selection screen shown in Fig. 23(B) on the customer display unit 205. The product selection screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 includes multiple preset keys corresponding to products without barcodes. The customer presses a preset key corresponding to the product to be purchased from the multiple preset keys displayed on the preset key display unit BT50. When the back button BT51 is pressed, the screen returns to the registration start screen shown in Fig. 21(A) and is displayed on the customer display unit 205. When the back button BT51 is pressed, the screen may return (transition) to another screen, such as the registration screen shown in Fig. 22(B).
Step S124: The POS terminal 20 determines whether any of the multiple preset keys has been pressed. If it is determined that a preset key has been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S125. If it is determined that a preset key has not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 repeats the process of step S126.

Step S125: The POS terminal 20 displays the registration number input screen shown in FIG. 24(A) on the customer display unit 205. The POS terminal 20 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 28 as a process for displaying the registration number input screen. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration number input screen display performed by the POS terminal 20.

Step S211: The POS terminal 20 checks the product selected on the product selection screen shown in Fig. 23(B). This product is the product that corresponds to the preset key pressed by the customer among the preset keys included in the product selection screen shown in Fig. 23(B).
Step S212: The POS terminal 20 determines the unit of measure according to the selected product. For example, if the selected product is "apples", the POS terminal 20 determines the unit of measure to be "number of pieces", and if the selected product is "bananas", the POS terminal 20 determines the unit of measure to be "number of bunches".
Step S213: The POS terminal 20 displays a registration quantity input screen using the determined unit on the customer display unit 205. If the POS terminal 20 determines that the unit is "quantity", it displays the word "quantity" in the product quantity display area HR22 shown in Fig. 24 (A). This ends the process of displaying the registration quantity input screen (step S125).

In addition, when the back button BT51 is pressed on the registration quantity input screen shown in FIG. 24(A), the screen returns to the product selection screen shown in FIG. 23(B) and is displayed on the customer side display unit 205. Note that when the back button BT51 is pressed on the registration quantity input screen shown in FIG. 24(A)(B), the screen may be configured to return (transition) to another screen, such as the registration screen shown in FIG. 22(B).

Step S126: The POS terminal 20 performs a registration number input process. The POS terminal 20 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 29 as the registration number input process. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration number input process performed by the POS terminal 20.

Step S311: The POS terminal 20 displays an initial value of "1" in the product quantity display area HR22 of the registration quantity input screen shown in Fig. 24 (A). This initial value is a predetermined value. When registering a product without a barcode, unlike when registering a product with a barcode, the product quantity must also be entered. Here, the quantity of the product is specified and input.
Step S312: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the clear key of the numeric keypad BT 52 has been operated. The clear key is operated, for example, by the customer. If it is judged that the clear key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S313. If it is judged that the clear key has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S314.

Step S313: The POS terminal 20 erases the quantity, for example "1", displayed in the product quantity display area HR22 of the registration quantity input screen shown in Fig. 24 (A). After erasing the quantity displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, the POS terminal 20 does not display a numerical value such as "0", and the product quantity display area HR22 becomes in a state where no numerical value is displayed.
Step S314: The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a numeric value has been input. If a numeric value has been input, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S315. If a numeric value has not been input, the POS terminal 20 returns to step S312 and determines whether or not the clear key has been operated.

Step S315: The POS terminal 20 judges whether the number entered using the numeric keypad TB 52 is "0". If it is determined that the entered number is "0", the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S316. If it is determined that the entered number is not "0", the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S317.
Step S316: The POS terminal 20 does not display the input value (=0) entered using the numeric keypad TB52 in the product quantity display area HR22. In this way, the POS terminal 20 prohibits the entry of "0" as the number of products sold. Therefore, the product quantity display area HR22 remains in a state where no numerical value is displayed. The POS terminal 20 returns to step S312 and determines whether the clear key on the numeric keypad TB52 has been operated.

Step S317: The POS terminal 20 judges whether the numerical value inputted by the numeric keypad TB 52 exceeds the upper limit. If it is judged that the inputted value exceeds the upper limit, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S318. If it is judged that the inputted value does not exceed the upper limit, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S319.
Step S318: The POS terminal 20 displays "1" without displaying the input value entered using the numeric keypad TB52 in the product quantity display area HR22. When the input value entered using the numeric keypad TB52 exceeds the upper limit, it is likely that this is due to an operational error by the customer, and that the actual number of items purchased is different. In this case, by not displaying the input value entered using the numeric keypad TB52, it is possible to prevent operational errors and other factors from interfering with the smooth registration of non-barcoded products. Furthermore, by entering the initial value "1" as the quantity to be displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, it is possible to increase the possibility that the quantity is the same as the quantity of items actually purchased. In this way, the registration quantity input process (step S126) ends.
Step S319: The POS terminal 20 displays the input value entered using the numeric keypad TB 52 in the product quantity display area HR22, thus completing the registration quantity input process (Step S126).

Step S127: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the decision key BT53 has been pressed. If it is judged that the decision key has not been pressed, the POS terminal 20 returns to step S126 and repeats the registration number input process. If it is judged that the decision key has been pressed, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S128.
Step S128: The POS terminal 20 performs the product registration process based on the registered contents. During the product registration process, the POS terminal 20 displays the product registration screen shown in Fig. 22 (A) on the customer side display unit 205. The product registration screen is displayed until the product registration process is completed.
Step S129: The POS terminal 20 judges whether the product registration process is complete. If it is judged that the product registration process is complete, the POS terminal 20 returns to step S113 and displays the registration screen shown in Fig. 22 (B) on the customer side display unit 205. If it is judged that the product registration process is not complete, the process of step S129 is repeated. The product registration process in the POS terminal 20 is completed in, for example, about a few seconds.

In this way, in the above POS system 1, when registering a product without a barcode on the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode, the customer operates the preset key to select the product and inputs the quantity of the product. At this time, if a number exceeding the upper limit is specified when entering the quantity of the product, the specified number is not displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, and an initial value, for example "1", is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22. The upper limit here is set to a number that is so large that the specified number is unlikely to be the purchase quantity when purchasing the product. This makes it possible to prevent the input of the number of products that are unlikely to be purchased by the customer, making it possible to smoothly register products without code information (products without barcodes) and to smoothly transact with the customer.

In addition, in the above POS system 1, the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode prohibits the entry of "0" as the number of items sold. Since the number of items sold is never 0, when "0" is specified by operating the numeric keypad BT52, it is highly likely that this is due to a customer's operational error or an operation intended to commit fraud. For this reason, by prohibiting the entry of "0" as the number of items sold, input errors (operational errors) and fraud can be suppressed.

In addition, in the above-mentioned POS system 1, when the quantity of a non-barcoded product is input on the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode, for example, if the product is "apples", the unit is displayed as "number of pieces". This makes it less likely that the customer will misunderstand the product quantity, and input errors can be reduced.

(Modification)
In the above example, when inputting a product without a barcode, if the specified numerical value exceeds a predetermined upper limit when specifying the quantity of the product, an initial value for the quantity is displayed. In contrast, if the specified numerical value exceeds a predetermined number of digits when specifying the quantity of the product, an initial value may be displayed. For example, the predetermined number of digits may be three, and the initial value may be displayed when the third digit is specified by operating the numeric keypad BT52. In this case, too, it is possible to prevent input of the number of products that are unlikely to be purchased by a customer, so that it is possible to smoothly register products without code information (products without a barcode) and to smoothly transact with customers.

In the above example, the product without a barcode is a single product, but it may also be a so-called set product that combines multiple types of products. If the product without a barcode is a set product, and the quantity of each product that makes up the set product can be selected, it may be possible to input these quantities. Furthermore, when inputting the quantity for each product, it may be possible to prevent the registration of the next product from starting until the input of the quantities of all products is complete, or it may be possible to complete the registration of some products in a set product, then register the other products, and then register (input the quantities of) the other products in the set product.

In the above example, when the quantity of the specified product exceeds the upper limit and the initial value is displayed in the product quantity display area HR22, a warning sound may be emitted from the audio output unit 214 or a warning display may be displayed on the customer side display unit 205. By issuing such a warning, the customer can be made aware that the specified value and the displayed value are different. In addition, such a warning sound may be issued or a warning display may be displayed before the initial value is displayed. Furthermore, when a warning display is performed before the initial value is displayed, the warning display may display a message such as "The specified value has been exceeded. Please re-enter" and a confirmation button may be displayed, and when the confirmation button is pressed, the initial value may be displayed. Similarly, when a value is not displayed in the product quantity display area HR22 and "0" is not displayed by operating the "0" key on the numeric keypad BT52, a warning sound may be issued from the audio output unit 214 or a warning display may be displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

In the above example, when specifying the quantity of a product, the customer can freely specify the quantity, but the POS terminal 20 may guide (instruct) the customer as to the quantity of the product to be specified. For example, the quantity may be specified based on the number of digits or the upper limit value set for each product. For example, when the number of digits set is two, a one- or two-digit number may be specified and selected, and when the upper limit value is ten, the numbers 1 to 10 may be limited to be displayed. Alternatively, the number to be specified may be highlighted on the numeric keypad BT52, for example, to guide the customer to specify the quantity. In these cases, the quantity can be input according to the characteristics of the product.

In the above example, the preset keys and numeric keypad are displayed on the customer display unit 205, but other configurations are also possible. For example, a key operation unit (preset keys) consisting of hard keys may be provided near the customer display unit 205, and assigned to and used for products without barcodes. Also, a numeric keypad consisting of hard keys may be provided near the customer display unit 205, and this numeric keypad may be used. Furthermore, the code information attached to the product may be code information other than a barcode, such as code information such as a QR code (registered trademark).

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 also displayed, but 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.

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, and 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 among these, 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, it 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 (switch to) a small screen that displays the information displayed on the small screen SG02 instead of 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.

In addition, when the customer display unit 205 is not performing registration processing or settlement processing, advertisements may be displayed on the customer display unit 205. When displaying advertisements on the customer display unit 205, the advertisements may be displayed in an appropriate manner. For example, when the operating mode is normal mode, advertisements may be displayed on the entire customer display unit 205 until product registration begins, and when product registration begins, advertisements may be displayed small in a corner of the customer display unit 205 or advertisement display may be terminated.

In addition, when the operating mode is the semi-self mode, an advertisement may be displayed on the customer display unit 205 after the settlement process is completed and before registration information is received from another POS terminal 20. After that, when registration information is received, a small advertisement may be displayed in a corner of the customer display unit 205, or the advertisement display may be terminated.

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).

Supplementary Notes 1 to 8 are disclosed below.
(Appendix 1)
a product input means for inputting a product to be registered;
a quantity input means for inputting the sales quantity of the commodity inputted by the commodity input means by operating a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity;
Equipped with
said quantity input means, when the value of the sales quantity input by operating said quantity keys exceeds a predetermined number of digits or a predetermined value, discards the value of the sales quantity input by operating said quantity keys and inputs a preset value as the sales quantity of the commodity;
A product sales data processing device comprising:

The configuration in Appendix 1 allows transactions with customers to be carried out smoothly.

(Appendix 2)
the quantity input means prohibits input of less than 1 as the sales quantity of the product;
2. A product sales data processing device as described in appendix 1.

The configuration in Appendix 2 can reduce input errors and fraud.

(Appendix 3)
the quantity input means permits input of less than 1 when correcting the sales quantity of the product;
3. A product sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

The configuration of Appendix 3 allows input errors, etc. to be smoothly corrected or amended.

(Appendix 4)
the quantity input means causes the user to input the sales quantity of the commodity based on a number of digits or a predetermined value set for each of the commodities;
A product sales data processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 4, the quantity can be input according to the characteristics of the product.
(Appendix 5)
The quantity input means includes a store clerk quantity input means provided on the store clerk side and a customer quantity input means provided on the customer side,
The predetermined number of digits or the predetermined value is different between the store clerk side quantity input means and the customer side quantity input means.
A product sales data processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.

The configuration of Appendix 5 can improve the ease and reliability of input operations for customers and store clerks, as well as improve work efficiency.

(Appendix 6)
a display means for displaying the sales quantity input by the quantity input means,
The display means displays the unit of the product inputted by the product input means together with the sales quantity inputted by the quantity input means.
A product sales data processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.

The configuration in Appendix 6 displays the units appropriate for the product, preventing input errors.

(Appendix 7)
Computer,
a product input section for inputting products to be registered;
a quantity input section for inputting the sales quantity of the commodity inputted in the commodity input section by operating a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity;
Function as a
when the value of the sales quantity input by operating the quantity keys exceeds a predetermined number of digits or a predetermined value, the quantity input unit discards the value of the sales quantity input by operating the quantity keys and inputs a preset value as the sales quantity of the product.
program.

The configuration of Appendix 7 allows transactions with customers to be carried out smoothly.

(Appendix 8)
a product input step for inputting a product to be registered;
a quantity input step of inputting the sales quantity of the commodity inputted in the commodity input step by operating a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity;
a step of discarding the sales quantity value input by operating the quantity keys and inputting a preset value as the sales quantity of the product when the sales quantity value input by operating the quantity keys exceeds a predetermined number of digits or a predetermined value in the quantity input step.

The configuration of Appendix 8 allows transactions with customers to be carried out smoothly.

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).

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

Claims (4)

a product input means for inputting a product to be registered;
a quantity input means for inputting the sales quantity of the commodity inputted by the commodity input means by operating a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity;
a determination means for determining whether or not the number of digits of the sales quantity value input by operating the quantity key exceeds a predetermined number of digits;
a display means for discarding the excess sales quantity value when the judgment means judges that the number of digits is exceeded , displaying a value preset for each product , and prompting the user to input the sales quantity into the quantity input means , and for displaying the sales quantity inputted into the quantity input means when the judgment means judges that the number of digits is not exceeded;
A product sales data processing device comprising: a product input means for inputting a product to be registered;
a quantity input means for inputting the sales quantity of the commodity inputted by the commodity input means by operating a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity;
Equipped with
said quantity input means, when the value of the sales quantity input by operating said quantity keys exceeds a predetermined value, discards the value of the sales quantity input by operating said quantity keys, displays a value set for each commodity, and prompts the user to input the sales quantity of the commodity;
A product sales data processing device comprising: Computer,
a product input section for inputting products to be registered;
a quantity input section for inputting the sales quantity of the commodity inputted in the commodity input section by operating a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity;
a determination unit that determines whether or not the number of digits of the sales quantity value input by operating the quantity key exceeds a predetermined number of digits;
a display unit which, when it is determined by the determination unit that the number of digits exceeds a predetermined number, discards the excess sales quantity value , displays a value that is preset for each product , and causes the sales quantity to be input to the quantity input unit , and, when it is determined by the determination unit that the number of digits does not exceed the predetermined number, displays the sales quantity inputted in the quantity input unit;
A program that functions as a Computer,
a product input section for inputting products to be registered;
a quantity input section for inputting the sales quantity of the commodity inputted in the commodity input section by operating a quantity key for inputting the sales quantity;
Function as a
when the value of the sales quantity input by operating the quantity keys exceeds a predetermined value, the quantity input unit discards the value of the sales quantity input by operating the quantity keys, displays a value set for each product, and prompts the user to input the sales quantity of the product;
program.

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