JP7653732B2 - Product sales data processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

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

There is known a product sales system that has a separate registration device (checker device) that performs product registration processing in response to product registration operations, and a settlement device (cashier device) that performs settlement processing in response to registered products (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By separating the registration device and the settlement device in this way, the waiting time of customers attempting to make a payment is shortened, and the efficiency of customer handling is improved.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-233963

For example, convenience stores generally use a POS (Point Of Sales) register that handles both product registration and payment. In convenience stores, a store clerk must meet with a customer for each transaction to register the product, receive cash from the customer, settle the payment upon presentation of various payment cards, and bag the products. This makes it difficult to improve the efficiency of customer service.
Although installing multiple POS terminals can improve the efficiency of customer handling in proportion to the number of terminals installed, this still means that product registration, settlement, bagging, etc. are performed for each customer sequentially at each POS terminal, so there is a limit to how much the efficiency of customer handling can be improved.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to improve the efficiency of customer handling in a product sales data processing system that has multiple product sales data processing devices that perform product registration processing and settlement processing.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a product sales data processing device that can be operated by a product registration operator and a customer, and includes a first operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the product registration operator, a second operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the customer regarding settlement, a checkout means capable of simultaneously executing a product registration process in response to operations performed by the product registration operator on the first operation reception means and a settlement process in response to operations on the second operation reception means, and an output means capable of outputting registration data reflecting the product registration results of the product registration process to another product sales data processing device before a predetermined condition is met.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a product sales data processing device operable by a product registration operator and a customer to function as a first operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the product registration operator, a second operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the customer regarding settlement, a checkout means capable of executing in parallel a product registration process in response to operations performed by the product registration operator on the first operation reception means and a settlement process in response to operations on the second operation reception means, and an output means capable of outputting registration data reflecting the product registration results of the product registration process to another product sales data processing device before a predetermined condition is met.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a product sales data processing system having multiple product sales data processing devices that perform product registration processing and settlement processing, the effect of improving the efficiency of customer handling can be obtained.

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installation of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition of an operation mode. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition of an operation mode. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed when registering a product. 11 is an example of registration information. This is an example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. 13 is another example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. 13 is another example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. 11 is a part of a flowchart in a modified example. This is an example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. 1 is an example of a receipt. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a POS terminal of a settlement transfer source in this embodiment in response to a first example of settlement transfer. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on a store clerk display unit of a settlement transfer source POS terminal in the present embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit of the source POS terminal of the settlement transfer in response to a settlement transfer instruction operation in this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit of the source POS terminal of the settlement transfer in response to a settlement transfer instruction operation in this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by a POS terminal of a settlement transfer destination in this embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a POS terminal of a settlement transfer source in this embodiment in response to a second example of settlement transfer.

<Embodiment>
[Example of POS system configuration]
Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 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 with each other via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to distinguish 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 can be installed in a variety of stores, but the following explanation uses an example in which the POS system 1 is installed in a convenience store.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Overview of each operation mode]
Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, double scan mode, and semi-self-service mode). Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a counting mode for counting and inquiring sales and inventory, a maintenance mode for when a store clerk or maintenance staff performs setting work or maintenance work, a training mode for when a new employee is trained, etc.
In this embodiment, the concept of "accounting" includes, for example, from product registration in one transaction to settlement (payment) of the registered products.

Figures 5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the normal mode. Figure 5 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, payment process) and the actions of people (clerks, customers) in the normal mode, and Figure 5 (B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the full self-service mode. Figure 6 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, payment process) and the actions of people (customers) in the full self-service mode, and Figure 6 (B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the double scan mode. Figure 7 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, payment process) and the actions of people (customers) in the double scan mode, and Figure 7 (B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the double scan mode. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the semi-self-service mode. FIG. 8(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, payment process) and the actions of a person (customer) in semi-self-service mode, and FIG. 8(B) and FIG. 8(C) are flow charts showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode.

In the following description, as a separate approach from the above-mentioned four operating mode classifications, the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process may be referred to as the registration mode, and the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process as the settlement mode.

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

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

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

In other words, in normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5(B), first, the clerk uses, for example, the clerk scanner unit 212 to scan the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After the clerk presses a subtotal key (for example, a subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or a subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), the customer uses, for example, the change dispenser 209 to settle the amount (step S50), and the process is completed.

The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is finalized), but may also insert coins into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process (top row of FIG. 5(A)).

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

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

[Full selfie mode]
The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the customer side performs the registration process and the settlement process, as shown in Fig. 6(A). That is, in the full self-service mode, the customer side is in both the registration mode and the settlement mode, as shown in Fig. 6(B). In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

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

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

In other words, in the full self-service mode, as shown in FIG. 6B, the customer side scans the product using the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES) and registers the product (step S21). After pressing a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205) (step S40: YES), the customer side settles the bill using the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

As described above, in the full self-service mode, 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 code can be scanned by the store clerk scanner unit 212. Also, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, various information (for example, the list described in FIG. 15) can be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.
For example, during operation in the full self-service mode, the clerk display unit 210 may display a screen similar to that displayed on the customer display unit 205 in accordance with the registration process and settlement process being performed on the customer side. In other words, the clerk display unit 210 may display a screen that is mirrored from the content displayed on the customer display unit 205. This allows the clerk to know what operations the customer is performing and the processing status of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode.

[Double scan mode]
The double scan mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is performed on both the clerk side and the customer side, and the settlement process is performed on the customer side, as shown in Fig. 7(A). That is, in the double scan mode, as shown in Fig. 7(B), both the clerk side and the customer side are in registration mode, and the customer side is in settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from registration to settlement.

In double scan mode, the clerk registers the purchased items on the clerk side (clerk scanner 212, clerk display 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer scanner 206, customer display 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for the purchased items through operations by the clerk (scanning with the clerk scanner 212, touching the clerk display 210, pressing the key operation unit 211, etc.) and operations by the customer (scanning with the customer scanner 206, touching the customer display 205) (upper part of FIG. 7(A)).

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

That is, in double scan mode, first, the product is registered on both the clerk side and the customer side. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the product is registered (step S11) by scanning with the clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), and then the product is registered (step S21) by scanning with the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES). After pressing a subtotal key (e.g., a subtotal key displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 or a subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) or a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205) (step S41: YES), the customer side performs settlement, for example, with the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

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 FIG. 7(A)). The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

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

In the semi-self-service mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) of the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 8 (A)).

When the store clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in settlement-only mode, checks the total amount of the purchased items on the store clerk display unit 210, and settles the payment by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. 8), the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 8), and the information required for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) is provided to the POS terminal 20 to which the customer has been moved.

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

That is, in the semi-self mode, initially, the clerk of the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode (POS terminal 20-1) registers the product. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the clerk scanner 212 scans the product (step S10: YES) to register the product (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (e.g., the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display 210 or the subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, a POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (either POS terminal 20-2 or POS terminal 20-3) is designated (step S31: YES), and the registration information is sent to the designated POS terminal 20 (step S32), completing the process in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8(C), after receiving the registration information (step S49: YES), the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (i.e., the POS terminal 20 specified by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) performs settlement on the customer side, for example, using the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and processing on the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode is completed.

After sending the registration information, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). After sending the registration information, the store clerk may not be present (lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

[Operation Mode Notification]
The POS terminal 20 notifies the current operation mode. For example, the current operation mode may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210. Specifically, a screen having an operation mode display field may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the current operation mode may be displayed in the operation mode display field on the screen. Also, a screen on which images (e.g., button-like images) corresponding to each operation mode are arranged may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the image corresponding to the current operation mode on the screen may be displayed in a different display mode (e.g., a display mode that is more noticeable than the display modes of other images) from images that do not correspond to the current operation mode. The operation mode may also be displayed on the customer display unit 205 in a similar manner.

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

[Operation mode transition]
Next, the transition (switching) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 transitions between operation modes in response to an explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk (such as an input on an operation mode setting screen or an operation of an operation mode setting button). The POS terminal 20 also transitions between operation modes in response to an operation other than an explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk (such as reading a store clerk code). The POS terminal 20 also transitions between operation modes based on predetermined conditions that are not dependent on a store clerk's operation (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to sending and receiving information such as commands between other terminals, etc.).

Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of transitions between operating modes. Figure 9 (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from normal mode to full self-service mode. Figure 9 (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from full self-service mode to double scan mode. Figure 10 (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode). Figure 10 (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode).

[Transition from normal mode to full self mode]
The flowchart in FIG. 9A starts when the POS terminal 20 (normal mode) is in an unused state (that is, when neither the store clerk nor the customer is using it).

Step S100: The measurement of the non-use time is started.
Step S101: It is determined whether or not use has been started by a store clerk or a customer. If use has not been started, the process proceeds to step S102. If use has been started, the process proceeds to step S104.

Step S102: Determine whether the non-use time has passed a predetermined time (for example, a preset 10 minutes). If the predetermined time has passed, proceed to step S103. If the predetermined time has not passed, return to step S101.
Step S103: The operation mode is changed from the normal mode to the full self mode.
Step S104: The measurement of the non-use time is ended, and the flow chart of FIG.

When the full self-service mode is entered, the store clerk may be notified that the mode has been entered (for example, by sending information to a terminal carried by the store clerk that there are products that have not been delivered). When the full self-service mode is entered, a message may be displayed on the customer display unit 205 instructing or requesting the customer to register by themselves.

Note that while Figure 9(A) shows the flow for transitioning from normal mode to full self mode, the flow for transitioning from double scan mode to full self mode may also be similar to that shown in Figure 9(A).

[Transition from Full Self Mode to Double Scan Mode]
The flowchart in FIG. 9B starts constantly (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (full self-service mode).

Step S110: Determine whether the clerk code has been read by the clerk scanner unit 212. If the clerk code has been read, proceed to step S111. If the clerk code has not been read, the flowchart in Figure 9 (B) ends.

Step S111: The operation mode is changed from full self mode to double scan mode. The flow chart in FIG. 9(B) then ends.

[Transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (registration only mode)]
The flowchart in FIG. 10A starts constantly (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

Step S120: Determine whether or not an operation has been performed to declare a transition to semi-self mode (registration-only mode). For example, a button for declaring a transition to semi-self mode (registration-only mode) may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, and determine whether or not the button has been pressed (touched). If an operation has been performed, proceed to step S121. If no operation has been performed, the flowchart in FIG. 10 (A) ends.

Step S121: Determine whether there are any other POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode in the POS system 1. As described above, in the semi-self-service mode, at least one POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode and at least one POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode are required, so for example, if the POS terminal 20 is POS terminal 20-1, determine whether one of POS terminals 20-2, 20-3 is operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) and the other is operating in semi-self-service mode (settlement-only mode). If there are no other POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode, proceed to step S122. If there are other POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode, proceed to step S124.

Step S122: Determine whether or not another POS terminal 20 to be switched to the semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) has been specified. If so, proceed to step S123. If not, repeat the process of step S122.
Step S123: An instruction to switch to the semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) is transmitted to the other specified POS terminals 20.

Step S124: Determine whether processing is in progress. If processing is not in progress, proceed to step S125. If processing is in progress, repeat the processing of step S124.
Step S125: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (mode dedicated to registration), and the flow chart of FIG.

The operation of step S120 should not be possible if there are no other POS terminals 20 already operating in the semi-self-service mode and if there are no other POS terminals 20 that can switch to the semi-self-service mode.

[Transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (payment only mode)]
The flowchart in FIG. 10B starts constantly (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

Step S130: Determine whether or not an instruction to switch to semi-self mode (payment-only mode) has been received. If an instruction to switch has been received, proceed to step S131. If an instruction to switch has not been received, the flowchart in FIG. 10 (B) ends.

Step S131: Determine whether processing is in progress. If processing is not in progress, proceed to step S132. If processing is in progress, repeat the processing of step S131.
Step S132: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (payment only mode), and the flow chart of FIG.

Note that while FIG. 10(B) shows the flow for transitioning from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode), the flow for transitioning from full-self-service mode to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) may also be similar to that shown in FIG. 10(B).

[Display on both the store clerk side and customer side in double scan mode]
The double scan mode is a mode in which registration processing is performed on both the store clerk side and the customer side. Below, the displays on the store clerk side display unit 210 and the customer side display unit 205 during registration processing will be described.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when registering a product. The flowchart in Figure 11 starts continuously (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (double scan mode). The dashed rectangle P will be described later.

Step S400: Determine whether the product has been scanned by the store clerk scanner unit 212 or the like. In other words, determine whether the store clerk has scanned the product using the store clerk scanner unit 212, touched the store clerk display unit 210, or pressed the key operation unit 211 or the like. If the product has been scanned, proceed to step S401. If the product has not been scanned, proceed to step S410.

Step S401: The product is registered. When the product is registered, information indicating that the product has been registered by the store clerk is also registered (stored). Specifically, the registration category "1 (store clerk side)" is stored.
Step S402: The product is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 in the normal display mode.
Step S403: The product is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 in a display mode that is more emphasized than the normal display mode.

Step S410: Determine whether the product has been scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 or the like. In other words, determine whether the customer has scanned the product using the customer-side scanner unit 206 or touched the customer-side display unit 205. If the product has been scanned, proceed to step S411. If the product has not been scanned, return to step S400.

Step S411: The product is registered. When the product is registered, information indicating that the product has been registered by the customer is also registered (stored). Specifically, the registration category "2 (customer side)" is stored.
Step S412: The product is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 in a display mode that is more emphasized than the normal display mode.
Step S413: The product is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 in the normal display mode.

Step S420: Determine whether registration of all items to be purchased has been completed. In other words, determine whether either the subtotal key displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205 has been pressed. If registration of all items has been completed, proceed to step S421. If not, return to step S400.

Step S421: Settle the bill.
Step S422: A receipt is issued by the printing unit 213. The flowchart in FIG. 11 then ends. A receipt may be issued on which the products registered by the clerk and the products registered by the customer are printed in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from each other. For example, a mark such as an asterisk or star, or an underline may be added to either the products registered by the clerk or the customer. Also, for example, a receipt may be issued in which the printing area for the products registered by the customer and the printing area for the products registered by the clerk are separated. In other words, a receipt may be issued in which the products registered by the customer and the products registered by the clerk are printed in different areas.

Figure 12 is an example of registration information. Instead of the registration information shown in Figure 13, the POS terminal 20 may generate registration information as shown in Figure 12, for example. The registration information shown in Figure 12 stores the transaction number, transaction date and time, operation mode, product registrant, product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and registration category. The operation mode is information that indicates the current operation mode of the POS terminal 20 (at the time of generating the registration information). The product registrant is the registrant who registered the product. The registration category is information that indicates whether the product was registered by the store clerk or the customer. If the product was registered by the store clerk, registration category "1" is stored, and if the product was registered by the customer, registration category "2" is stored.

The registration information shown in FIG. 12 is an example of registration information generated when "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A" with product code "SC1111" is registered in step S411 (registration processing based on scanning by the customer, etc.) in FIG. 11, then "Star 4 (1 mm)" with product code "SC1023" is registered in step S401 (registration processing based on scanning by the store clerk, etc.), then "Mt. B natural water (1.5 L)" with product code "SC4788" is registered in step S411, then "Nori bento" with product code "SC6500" is registered in step S401, and then "C chocolate" with product code "SC3620" is registered in step S411.

In other words, the POS terminal 20 generates registration information of registration category "1 (store clerk side)" in the process of step S401 for the products scanned by the store clerk scanner unit 212 (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento). On the other hand, the POS terminal 20 generates registration information of registration category "2 (customer side)" in the process of step S411 for the products scanned by the customer scanner unit 206 (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Yama no Tennensui (1.5 L), C Chocolate).

Figure 13 shows examples of displays on the clerk side and customer side. Specifically, Figure 13 (A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Figure 13 (B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

For example, when "C Chocolate" is scanned by the customer scanner unit 206 in step S410 of FIG. 11, the POS terminal 20 refers to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in FIG. 12, displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 13(A) on the store clerk display unit 210 in step S412, and displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 13(B) on the customer display unit 205 in step S413.

As shown in FIG. 13(A), on the clerk's side (clerk's display unit 210), the products registered on the clerk's side (own side) (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento) are displayed in a normal manner (normal size), and the products registered on the customer's side (other party's side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5 L), C Chocolate) are displayed in an emphasized manner (enlarged size). The top part displays the last product registered on the clerk's side (Nori bento) (symbol NI). The bottom part also indicates that the current mode (double scan mode) is selected (symbol M).

As shown in FIG. 13(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered on the customer side (own side) (Japanese style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in a normal form (normal size), and the products registered on the store clerk side (other side) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori bento) are displayed in an emphasized form (enlarged size). The top part displays the last product registered on the customer side (C Chocolate) (symbol NI). The bottom part also notifies the user that the current mode (double scan mode) is selected (symbol M).

That is, based on the fact that the first product, "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A," has been scanned or the like on the customer side (step S410; YES), "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A" is highlighted on the staff side (staff display unit 210) (step S412), and "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A" is normally displayed on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S413). Next, based on the fact that the second product, "Star 4 (1 mm)," has been scanned or the like on the staff side (step S400; YES), "Star 4 (1 mm)" is normally displayed on the staff side (staff display unit 210) (step S402), and "Star 4 (1 mm)" is highlighted on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S403). Next, based on the third product, "Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5L)", being scanned or the like on the customer side (step S410; YES), "Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5L)" is highlighted on the clerk side (clerk display unit 210) (step S412), and "Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5L)" is normally displayed on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S413). Next, based on the fourth product, "Nori Bento", being scanned or the like on the clerk side (step S400; YES), "Nori Bento" is normally displayed on the clerk side (clerk display unit 210) (step S402), and "Nori Bento" is highlighted on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S403). Next, based on the fact that the fifth product, "C Chocolate", has been scanned by the customer (step S410; YES), "C Chocolate" is highlighted on the store clerk side (store clerk display unit 210) (step S412), and "C Chocolate" is displayed normally on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S413).

As shown in FIG. 13(A), the products registered by the clerk and the customer (large Japanese-style Yakisoba A, Star 4 (1 mm), Mt. B Mineral Water (1.5 L), Nori Bento, and C Chocolate) are displayed on the store clerk side in the order in which they were registered (large Japanese-style Yakisoba A → Star 4 (1 mm) → Mt. B Mineral Water (1.5 L) → Nori Bento → C Chocolate). Therefore, even if the clerk focuses only on the registered products (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento), the products (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento) are displayed in the order in which they were registered (Star 4 (1mm) → Nori Bento), and even if the customer focuses only on the registered products (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5L), C Chocolate), the products (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in the order in which they were registered (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A → Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5L) → C Chocolate). The same is true on the customer side (see FIG. 13B). The same is true in the display example of FIG. 14 (described later).

As shown in Fig. 13(A) and Fig. 13(B), the display format of the products registered by the store clerk (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento) and the products registered by the customer (Japanese-style large-portion Yakisoba A, Mt. B Mineral Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) is different, so in addition to the overall registration order (Japanese-style large-portion Yakisoba A → Star 4 (1mm) → Mt. B Mineral Water (1.5L) → Nori Bento → C Chocolate), the registration order by the store clerk (Star 4 (1mm) → Nori Bento) and the registration order by the customer (Japanese-style large-portion Yakisoba A → Mt. B Mineral Water (1.5L) → C Chocolate) are also easily recognizable. The same is true for the display example in Fig. 14 (described later).

In FIG. 13, the text is enlarged for emphasis, but instead of or in addition to enlarging the text, the text may be displayed in bold.

[Another display example 1]
The displays on the clerk side and customer side in double scan mode are not limited to those described using the display example in Fig. 13. Fig. 14 shows other display examples on the clerk side and customer side. Specifically, Fig. 14(A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Fig. 14(B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

For example, when "C Chocolate" is scanned by the customer scanner unit 206 in step S410 of FIG. 11, the POS terminal 20 may refer to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in FIG. 12 and display a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 14(A) on the store clerk display unit 210 in step S412, and display a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 14(B) on the customer display unit 205 in step S413.

As shown in FIG. 14(A), on the clerk's side (clerk's display unit 210), the products registered on the clerk's side (own side) (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento) are displayed in a normal format (normal size), and the products registered on the customer's side (other party's side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5 L), C Chocolate) are displayed in an emphasized format (with a star and the first character moved up by one). Note that moving up by one character means moving the start position of the display up by one character (moving it to the left, or closer to the left).

As shown in FIG. 14(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered on the customer side (own side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5 L), C Chocolate) are displayed in a normal format (normal size), and the products registered on the store clerk side (other side) (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento) are displayed in an emphasized format (with a star mark and the first character moved up by one).

In FIG. 14, three types of highlighting (character size, star mark, and character advance) are used, but instead of all three, one or two may be used. Also, other marks (such as asterisks) may be used instead of star marks. Also, instead of or in addition to the above, highlighting may be done using background color or underlining.

In the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the display examples of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, an example is described in which the products registered on your side are displayed in a normal manner and the products registered on the other side are displayed in a highlighted manner, but conversely, the products registered on the other side may be displayed in a normal manner and the products registered on your side may be displayed in a highlighted manner.

In addition, the store clerk display unit 210 may simply display which side the product was registered on, rather than highlighting either the product registered on your side or the product registered on the other side. For example, the word "store clerk" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on your side, and "customer" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the other side. Note that a badge-like image with "store clerk" displayed or a badge-like image with "customer" displayed may also be used.

Also, instead of or in addition to the above, the customer side display unit 205 may simply display which side the product was registered on, rather than highlighting either the product registered on the customer side or the product registered on the other side. For example, the word "Customer" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the customer side, and the word "Store clerk" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the other side.

[Another display example 2]
The displays on the clerk side and customer side in double scan mode are not limited to those described using the display examples in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 15 shows other display examples on the clerk side and customer side. Specifically, Fig. 15(A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Fig. 15(B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

When the fifth product, "C Chocolate", is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may display a registration screen as shown in FIG. 15(A) on the store clerk display unit 210 and a registration screen as shown in FIG. 15(B) on the customer display unit 205.

Figure 16 is a part of a flowchart corresponding to another display example 2. Specifically, Figure 16 (A) is an example in which the processing of rectangle P in the flowchart of Figure 11 has been swapped. In other words, the POS terminal 20 may execute step S1402 of the flowchart of Figure 16 (A) instead of step S402 of the flowchart of Figure 11, execute step S1403 of the flowchart of Figure 16 (A) instead of step S403 of the flowchart of Figure 11, execute step S1412 of the flowchart of Figure 16 (A) instead of step S412 of the flowchart of Figure 11, and execute step S1413 of the flowchart of Figure 16 (A) instead of step S413 of the flowchart of Figure 11.

In other words, for example, when "C Chocolate" is scanned by the customer scanner unit 206 in step S410 (Fig. 11), the POS terminal 20 may refer to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in Fig. 12, display a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 15 (A) on the store clerk display unit 210 in step S1412 (Fig. 16 (A)), and display a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 15 (B) on the customer display unit 205 in step S1413 (Fig. 16 (A)).

As shown in FIG. 15(A), the first area H1 on the clerk's side (clerk's display unit 210) displays products registered on the clerk's side (own side) in a normal manner (normal size) (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento) and the second area H2 on the clerk's side (clerk's display unit 210) displays products registered on the customer's side (other party's side) in an emphasized manner (enlarged size) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Yama no Tennensui (1.5 L), C Chocolate). In addition, to show the contents displayed in each area (first area H1, second area H2), the title "Clerk-registered products" is displayed at the top of the first area H1, and the title "Customer-registered products" is displayed at the top of the second area H2.

As shown in FIG. 15(B), the first area H1 on the customer side (customer display unit 205) displays products registered on the customer side (own side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5L), C Chocolate) in a normal manner (normal size), and the second area H2 on the customer side (customer display unit 205) displays products registered on the store clerk side (other party) in an emphasized manner (enlarged size) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori bento). In addition, to show the display contents in each area (first area H1, second area H2), the title "Products registered by customer" is displayed at the top of the first area H1, and the title "Products registered by store clerk" is displayed at the top of the second area H2.

As shown in FIG. 15(A), on the store clerk side, the products registered by the store clerk side (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori Bento) are displayed in the first area H1 in the order in which they were registered (Star 4 (1 mm) → Nori Bento), and the products registered by the customer side (Japanese-style large-portion Yakisoba A, Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5 L), C Chocolate) are displayed in the second area H2 in the order in which they were registered (Japanese-style large-portion Yakisoba A → Mt. B Natural Mineral Water (1.5 L) → C Chocolate). The same is true on the customer side (see FIG. 15(B)).

In FIG. 15, an example is described in which products registered on the user's side are displayed in the first area H1 (left area) and products registered on the other side are displayed in the second area H2 (right area). However, the opposite may be true, as shown in FIG. 16 (B), in which products registered on the user's side are displayed in the second area H2 (right area) and products registered on the other side are displayed in the first area H1 (left area).

Note that FIG. 16(B) replaces the processing of rectangle P in the flowchart of FIG. 11. In other words, the POS terminal 20 may execute step S2402 of the flowchart of FIG. 16(B) instead of step S402 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, execute step S2403 of the flowchart of FIG. 16(B) instead of step S403 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, execute step S2412 of the flowchart of FIG. 16(B) instead of step S412 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, and execute step S2413 of the flowchart of FIG. 16(B) instead of step S413 of the flowchart of FIG. 11.

Figure 17 shows examples of displays on the clerk side and customer side. Specifically, Figure 17 (A) is an example of a sub-plan screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Figure 17 (B) is an example of a sub-plan screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

For example, the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 13(A) on the clerk display unit 210 in step S412 of FIG. 11, and displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 13(B) on the customer display unit 205 in step S413. If it is determined in step S420 that registration of all products to be purchased is complete (step S420: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a settlement screen as shown in FIG. 17(A) on the clerk display unit 210 and a settlement screen as shown in FIG. 17(B) on the customer display unit 205. The customer checks the total amount on the settlement screen in FIG. 17(B) and settles the amount for all products to be purchased by inserting cash into the slot of the change machine 209 or by having the card recognized by the card recognition unit of the card settlement unit 208 (step S421).

As shown in FIG. 17(A), on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products registered on the clerk side (your side) are displayed in a normal manner, similar to the registration screen shown in FIG. 13(A), and the products registered on the customer side (the other party's side) are displayed in a highlighted manner. At the bottom, there is a button (symbol TG) for returning from the settlement screen to the registration screen.

As shown in FIG. 17(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered on the customer side (your side) are displayed in a normal manner, similar to the registration screen shown in FIG. 13(B), and the products registered on the salesclerk side (the other party's side) are displayed in a highlighted manner.

The sub-planning screen in FIG. 17(A)(B) is a sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen in FIG. 13(A)(B), and the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen in FIG. 14(A)(B) and the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen in FIG. 15(A)(B) are different from the sub-planning screen in FIG. 17(A)(B). Specifically, just as the display mode of the product on the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen in FIG. 13(A)(B) is similar to the display mode of the product on the registration screen in FIG. 13(A)(B), the display mode of the product on the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen in FIG. 14(A)(B) may be similar to the display mode of the product on the registration screen in FIG. 14(A)(B), and the display mode of the product on the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen in FIG. 15(A)(B) may be similar to the display mode of the product on the registration screen in FIG. 15(A)(B).

Figure 18 is an example of a receipt. For example, when "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Special Frankfurt" are both undelivered products in step S215 of Figure 12, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt such as that shown in Figure 18 (A). In the receipt shown in Figure 18 (A), asterisks are added to "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Special Frankfurt".

In addition, the POS terminal 20 may, for example, in step S422 of FIG. 11, issue a receipt in which asterisks are added to "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Nori bento" registered by the store clerk, as shown in FIG. 18(B). In addition, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt in which the products registered by the customer and the products registered by the store clerk are printed in different areas, as shown in FIG. 18(C).

[First example of settlement transfer]
In the normal mode, the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment is capable of simultaneously executing product registration processing according to the operation of a store clerk and settlement processing according to the operation of a customer. In this respect, compared to the case of a POS terminal in which the operation corresponding to product registration and settlement is performed by the store clerk, the time required for accounting for one transaction is shortened, and the efficiency of customer handling is improved.

However, in normal mode, the efficiency of customer handling may decrease in the following situations. For example, a customer (hereinafter referred to as "first customer") is currently starting to receive payment at the POS terminal 20-1 in which normal mode is set. The first customer is accustomed to paying at the POS terminal 20, for example. Therefore, the first customer starts to pay at the POS terminal 20-1 as soon as the store clerk starts to register a product at the POS terminal 20-1, without bothering the store clerk in particular.
However, the second customer waiting in line to receive the payment after the first customer (hereinafter referred to as the "second customer (next customer)") was, for example, an elderly person or a small child who was not accustomed to paying by himself/herself and was expected to have difficulty in paying.

In such a case, in this embodiment, the transaction corresponding to the first and second customers can be carried out as follows so as not to hinder the efficiency of customer handling.
In other words, the first customer, who is accustomed to performing the settlement operation himself, is asked to perform the settlement operation at the other POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-2 or POS terminal 20-3) that was in a suspended state once the product registration process at POS terminal 20-1 is completed.
At this time, the POS terminal 20-1, for example, in response to an operation by a store clerk (a settlement transfer instruction operation), transmits settlement instruction information including registration information reflecting the results of the product registration process to the other POS terminals 20. The POS terminal 20 that has received the registration information starts up from a dormant state, for example, in a settlement-only mode in a semi-self-service mode, and executes settlement processing based on the received settlement instruction information in response to the operation of the first customer.

Then, after the first customer moves to another POS terminal 20, the store clerk performs the product registration operation for the second customer at the POS terminal 20-1 while having the second customer perform the payment operation. At this time, the store clerk assists the second customer with the payment operation as necessary.
In this way, the settlement process at the other POS terminal 20 corresponding to the first customer and the process related to the transaction at the POS terminal 20-1 corresponding to the second customer (item registration process, settlement process) are carried out in parallel. This makes it possible to shorten the time from when the transaction for the first customer begins to when the transaction for the second customer ends, and to increase the efficiency of customer handling, compared to when the transaction for the second customer is carried out at the POS terminal 20-1 after the first customer has completed the settlement at the POS terminal 20-1.

Hereinafter, the act of the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred, having executed the product registration process as described above, sending (outputting) settlement instruction information to the POS terminal 20 to which the settlement is transferred, and causing the POS terminal 20 to which the settlement is transferred to execute the settlement process, will be referred to as "settlement transfer".
Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred and which is capable of transmitting settlement instruction information corresponding to the settlement transfer may not only be a POS terminal 20 in normal mode, but may also be, for example, a POS terminal 20 in which the double scan mode is set. In other words, a POS terminal 20 in which the double scan mode is set can transmit (output) to another POS terminal 20 registration information corresponding to the product registration process executed in response to the product registration operation by the store clerk and the customer, and cause the other POS terminal 20 to execute the settlement process.

Furthermore, the transmission of settlement instruction information from the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 to the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20 is possible until the settlement completion declaration operation is performed by the customer at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20. In other words, the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 accepts the settlement transfer instruction operation until the settlement completion declaration operation is performed, but does not accept the settlement transfer instruction operation after the settlement completion declaration operation is performed.
The settlement completion declaration operation corresponds to a customer declaring the completion of settlement. Specifically, when the settlement process reaches the stage where settlement is complete (for example, in the case of settlement by cash, the stage where a deposit equal to or greater than the payment amount has been deposited and change, etc. has been confirmed), the POS terminal 20 displays a settlement completion button on the customer side display unit 205 to allow the customer to confirm that settlement is complete. For example, in the case of settlement by cash, the customer operates the settlement completion button after confirming that change, etc. have been dispensed and settlement is complete. Such an operation on the settlement completion button is the settlement completion declaration operation.
At the stage when the settlement completion declaration operation is performed, the settlement process has already been completed in the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred, so there is no need to perform settlement transfer, and settlement transfer cannot be performed either.
On the other hand, since the POS system of this embodiment allows the transfer of the settlement amount until the settlement completion announcement operation is performed, the transfer of the settlement amount can be performed at any time as long as the settlement process of the settlement transfer source is not completed. As a result, for example, if a store clerk determines that the settlement transfer is necessary at his/her own discretion, he/she can perform the settlement transfer instruction operation to transfer the settlement amount at any time until the settlement completion announcement operation is performed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fact that settlement transfer is possible until the settlement completion declaration operation is performed means that, for example, in the case of settlement with a payment type of cash, the following situation may occur. That is, in the normal mode or double scan mode POS terminal 20, the customer can insert currency (cash) as a deposit for the payment amount as a settlement operation into the change dispenser 209 in parallel with the product registration process performed by the store clerk. For this reason, settlement transfer may be performed at the stage when the customer inserts currency of a part of the payment amount as a deposit at the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred.
In such a case, as a first example of settlement transfer in this embodiment, the customer can settle the bill by inserting the remaining coins as the deposit into the change dispenser 209 at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination. Specifically, when the payment amount is 500 yen, the settlement transfer is performed at the stage where the customer inserts 100 yen worth of coins as the deposit into the change dispenser 209 of the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source. In this case, the shortfall in the deposit against the payment amount is 400 yen. Therefore, the customer can settle the bill by continuing to insert coins as the deposit of 400 yen or more at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination.
In this manner, in this embodiment, the deposit deposited at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 is carried over to the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20. As a result, even if the payment amount was deposited at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 before the settlement transfer, the customer can properly settle the payment at the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20.

An example of the processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 19. The figure shows a product registration process in response to a store clerk's operation and a settlement process in response to a customer's operation, which are executed by the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred in response to the same transaction. The POS terminal 20 in this embodiment is capable of executing the product registration process and the settlement process in parallel after the product registration process has started.

First, an example of the procedure of the product registration process executed by the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source will be described.
Step S501: The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a product registration operation has been performed by a store clerk corresponding to each product type, for example.
Step S502: When a product registration operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 executes a product registration process according to the product type, quantity, etc. specified by the product registration operation.
Step S503: If it is determined in step S501 that the product registration operation has not been performed, or after the product registration process has been executed in step S502, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not an operation to end the product registration (product registration end operation) has been performed. The product registration end operation may be, for example, a subtotal operation. If it is determined in step S503 that the product registration end operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S501.

During product registration, in which the processing of steps S501 to S503 is looped, the store clerk display unit 210 displays a product registration screen corresponding to the product registration operation.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. As shown in FIG.
Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. Specifically, Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 during the product registration process. More specifically, Fig. 20 shows an example of the product registration screen when the third item product "potage soup" is registered.
That is, the product registration screen in the figure has a registered product area 330. The registered product area 330 is an area in which products registered corresponding to one customer (one transaction) are displayed. In the registered product area 330 in the figure, it is shown that "Loco Moco Bowl" is registered as the first item in the first position, "Beef Bowl" is registered as the second item in the second position, and "Potage Soup" is registered as the third item in the third position.

At the top of the product registration screen in Fig. 20, a selection area is provided for each customer (each transaction). The selection area 300 is also called, for example, a tab. In the figure, an example is shown in which one selection area 300 corresponding to one customer is arranged.
The selection area 300 displays information 304 (value "1") indicating that the first customer is being displayed, the current deposit amount (the amount of change that the customer has deposited (inserted) into the change machine 60 up to now) 301, the current total amount (the total amount of all items registered as purchased items by the customer up to now, also known as the payment amount) 302, and a character 303 (a cat in Figure 20) to distinguish the customer from other customers.

In addition to or instead of the above, the selection area 300 may display the difference between the deposit amount (deposit amount) 301 and the total amount 302 .
Specifically, for example, if the deposit amount 301 does not reach the total amount 302, the shortfall amount obtained by subtracting the deposit amount 301 from the total amount 302 may be displayed as the difference amount.
Furthermore, if the deposit amount 301 exceeds the total amount 302, the excess amount obtained by subtracting the total amount 302 from the deposit amount 301 may be displayed as the difference amount.
Moreover, instead of or in addition to the above, status information indicating whether or not the transaction (payment) has been completed may be displayed in the selection area 300. The same applies to the selection area 320 (described later) for the second customer.

At the bottom of the product registration screen in Figure 20, there are a deposit return key 305, a fishing machine status key 306, and a temporary closing key 308.

The deposit return key 305 is a key related to the return of money deposited in the change machine. By operating the deposit return key 305, money deposited in the change machine 60 can be dispensed.

The change machine status key 306 is a key related to the status of the change machine 60. For example, the status of the change machine 60 may be displayed as "near end", "depositing", "dispensing change", etc. In the example shown in the figure, a badge (or label, or tag) 307 saying "near end" is displayed on the change machine status key 306 to indicate that the change machine 60 is near end. Operating the change machine status key 306 displays detailed information about the state of the change machine (for example, details about the near end, such as the denomination that is near end and the number of coins remaining).

The provisional closing key 308 is a key for suspending (temporarily pausing) processing. By operating the provisional closing key 308, processing that is being executed can be suspended.
For example, when a customer who has registered a product leaves the POS terminal 20 and goes to the sales floor to add a product, when there is only a little receipt paper left or when there is no more, or when there is only a little change left (near the end) or when there is no more change, the process is suspended.
The provisional closing is released by a predetermined operation. For example, the provisional closing may be released by operating the provisional closing key 308 again. That is, by operating the provisional closing key 308, all the products registered in the registered product area 330 are deleted, and the data of the products deleted from the registered product area 330 is temporarily stored. This causes the transaction to be temporarily suspended (i.e., provisional closing). Then, when a customer who has left the POS terminal 20 returns while waiting for the next customer's product registration, the product indicated by the product data stored corresponding to the returning customer is displayed again in the registered product area 330 by pressing the provisional closing key 308 again. This releases the suspension (provisional closing) of the transaction, and the transaction corresponding to the returning customer can be resumed.
In addition, in a mode in which multiple processes are not prohibited from being provisionally fastened at the same time, when multiple processes are provisionally fastened, the provisional fastening of a specific process may be released by operating the provisional fastening key 308 after identifying the process for which the provisional fastening is to be released.

The next customer registration key 309 is a key that a store clerk operates to start a transaction for a second customer (next customer) before the accounting process (including a series of processes from registration to settlement) corresponding to the transaction of the first customer is completed.
By operating the next customer registration key 309, the POS terminal 20 displays the product registration screen corresponding to the next customer on the top screen, and becomes ready to accept operations by the store clerk regarding the transaction of the next customer.
Here, the transaction-related processing in this embodiment includes product registration processing, processing in response to completion of product registration in response to subtotal key operation, settlement processing, and the like.
The next customer registration key 309 in this embodiment is included in the declaration means in this embodiment. The declaration means in this embodiment includes a function of a control unit that displays the next customer registration key 309 and declares the start of a transaction corresponding to a second customer in response to receiving an operation on the next customer registration key 309.

Returning to FIG.
Step S504: After the product registration completion operation is performed in step S503, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the customer has already performed a settlement completion declaration operation corresponding to the same transaction as the current product registration completion operation.
Step S505: If it is determined that the settlement completion announcement operation has not been performed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the settlement transfer instruction operation has been performed by the store clerk. If it is determined that the settlement transfer instruction operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S504.

A specific example of the settlement transfer instruction operation will be described with reference to Fig. 21. The figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 when the settlement completion operation has not yet been performed at the stage when the product registration completion operation (e.g., the subtotal operation) has been performed.
In the figure, a window 500 is shown superimposed on the product registration screen.
The window 500 in the figure has a total column 501, a change deposit column 502, a deposit cancellation key 505, a provisional closing key 508, a next customer registration key 509, and a settlement transfer key 510.

The total amount when the subtotal key is operated is displayed in the total column 501. In the example shown in the figure, "1490 yen" in the total column 501 indicates that the total amount when the subtotal key is operated is 1490 yen.
The deposit amount at the time of operating the subtotal key is displayed in the deposit amount column 502. In the example shown in the figure, "500 yen" in the deposit amount column 502 indicates that the deposit amount at the time of operating the subtotal key is 500 yen.

The deposit cancellation key 505 is a key that is operated to cancel a deposit. When the deposit cancellation key 505 is operated, the control unit stops the settlement process and ejects the deposited money (500 yen in the example shown in the figure) from the change machine 60, but the previous display in the registered product area 330 continues.

Next customer registration key 509, like next customer registration key 309 on the product registration screen, is a key that is operated to start processing a second customer before processing of a first customer is completed. When next customer registration key 509 is operated, the control unit displays the product registration screen for the second customer.

The provisional closing key 508 is a key for suspending (temporarily pausing) a process. By operating the provisional closing key 508, a process in progress can be suspended. In other words, when the provisional closing key 508 is operated, the registered product that has been displayed in the registered product area 330 is erased, and the product data of the erased product is stored. In other words, the transaction corresponding to the registered product is temporarily suspended (provisionally suspended). In addition, in this case, the amount deposited by the customer (500 yen in the example shown in the figure) is paid out by the change machine 60. After this, when the provisional closing key 508 is operated again, the suspension of the transaction is released, and the registered product based on the product data of the corresponding transaction is displayed again in the registered product area 330.

The settlement transfer key 510 is a button that is operated by a store clerk when the store clerk wishes to transfer a settlement to another POS terminal 20, with the POS terminal 20 currently being operated being the settlement transfer source.
When the store clerk operates the settlement transfer key 510 to transfer the settlement, the display on the store clerk side display unit 210 transitions from Fig. 21 to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 shows an example in which the display has transitioned to a state in which window 600 is arranged in place of window 500 on the same product registration screen as Fig. 21.
The window 600 is a screen for specifying (selecting) the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20. The window 600 in the figure shows an example in which the POS terminal 20-1 of the POS terminals 20-1 to 20-3 is the settlement transfer source.

In the window 600 in Fig. 22, selection keys KY21, KY22 corresponding to the POS terminals 20-2, 20-3 other than the POS terminal 20-1 are arranged. Furthermore, status areas AR21, AR22 are arranged corresponding to the selection keys KY21, KY22. The status areas AR21, AR22 are areas that show the state (status) of the corresponding POS terminal 20. In the example in the figure, the status area AR21 shows that the POS terminal 20-2 is in a suspended state. Furthermore, the status area AR22 shows that the POS terminal 20-3 is in use in some mode, and is near-end (the number of coins as change is below a certain level).
Here, the selection key KY22 corresponding to the POS terminal 20-3 in use is shown to be inoperable by being displayed, for example, as grayed out. Note that the selection key KY22 corresponding to the POS terminal 20-3 may be made not to be displayed.

For example, by looking at window 600 in the figure, the store clerk can see that POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 can be selected as the settlement destination. The store clerk then performs an operation to select POS terminal 20-2 as the settlement destination. That is, the store clerk operates selection key KY21.
The settlement transfer instruction operation in this embodiment is an operation on the settlement transfer key 510 (FIG. 21) in the window 500 and an operation on the selection keys (KY21, KY22) in the window 600.
When the store clerk needs to cancel the settlement transfer while window 600 is displayed, he or she can do so by operating cancel key KY23 arranged on window 600.

Returning to FIG.
Step S506: If it is determined in step S505 that a settlement transfer instruction operation has been performed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not deposit record information exists (is stored) corresponding to the same transaction as the current product registration processing in steps S501 to S503.
When the customer selects cash as the payment type for this transaction and inserts (deposits) currency (cash) as a deposit into the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal 20 generates deposit record information indicating the amount of the inserted currency as the deposit amount, and stores the generated deposit record information. Therefore, if the deposit record information exists, it means that the deposit of the deposit for payment in cash has already begun.
On the other hand, if a customer selects cash as the payment method but has not yet started to deposit currency as a deposit, no deposit record information exists. Also, if a customer selects a payment method other than cash, such as credit card, electronic money, or gift certificate, no deposit record information exists.

Step S507: If it is determined in step S506 that a deposit record exists, the POS terminal 20 transmits settlement instruction information including registration information, payment type designation information, and deposit record information to the POS terminal 20 selected as the settlement transfer destination.
The registration information is information that reflects the results of the product registration process corresponding to the current transaction. The payment type designation information is information that indicates the payment type designated in the customer's checkout operation corresponding to the current transaction. The deposit record information is information that was determined to exist in step S506. The deposit record information includes, for example, information indicating the amount deposited and a breakdown of the deposited currency (denomination and number of each denomination).
In addition, when the deposit record information exists, the payment type designation information indicates that the payment type is cash. In other words, if the deposit record information exists, the payment type is cash. Therefore, the settlement instruction information transmitted in step S507 does not need to include the payment type designation information.

Step S508: If it is determined in step S506 that no deposit record exists, the POS terminal 20 transmits settlement instruction information including the registration information and the payment type designation information to the POS terminal 20 selected as the settlement transfer destination.
There may be cases where a settlement transfer instruction operation is performed before the customer performs an operation to specify the payment type. In this case, the settlement instruction information sent in step S508 does not need to include payment type specification information. In this case, the settlement instruction information includes registration information, but does not include either deposit record information or payment type information. When such settlement instruction information is received, the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination accepts an operation to specify the payment type as a settlement operation, and then executes settlement processing so that the settlement is made according to the specified payment type.

According to the process in the figure, when the settlement completion declaration operation is performed, the process ends without executing the processes in and after step S505. In other words, after the settlement completion declaration operation is performed, the settlement transfer instruction operation cannot be performed. In other words, settlement transfer is possible at the stage before the settlement completion declaration operation is performed.

Next, an example of the procedure of the settlement process executed by the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 will be described with reference to the same figure.
Step S521: The settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 also determines whether or not a settlement type designation operation has been performed in the settlement operation performed on the customer side.
Step S522: When a payment type designation operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 performs settings so that payment can be made by the payment type designated by the payment type designation operation.

Step S523: Also, during the loop process of steps S521 to S526, if a payment type designation operation has been performed in step S521 to designate cash as the payment type, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not coins (cash) have been inserted (deposited) into the change dispenser 209 as a deposit.

Step S524: If it is determined in step S523 that a deposit has been made, the POS terminal 20 executes a deposit handling process.
As part of the deposit processing, the POS terminal 20 acquires information on the denomination and number of coins deposited in the change dispenser 209, for example, and calculates the deposit amount. The POS terminal 20 also updates the deposited amount by adding the deposited amount to the amount deposited so far. As part of the deposit processing, the POS terminal 20 also generates deposit record information including information indicating the deposited amount in response to the first deposit, and updates the deposit record information in response to the second and subsequent deposits so that the updated deposited amount is reflected.

In the process shown in the figure, an example is given of a case where a customer who pays with cash deposits a deposit after specifying cash as the payment type using a payment type designation operation. However, for example, if a deposit is made without specifying a payment type, the POS terminal 20 may determine that the cash payment type was specified when the deposit operation was first performed.

Step S525: While the loop process of steps S521 to S526 is being executed, the customer can proceed with the payment operation. Then, when the payment is completed, the customer can perform an operation to declare the completion of payment. Then, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the operation to declare the completion of payment has been performed.

Step S526: If it is determined that the settlement completion declaration operation has not been performed, the POS terminal 20 further determines whether or not a settlement transfer has been performed. The execution of the settlement transfer here is the transmission of settlement instruction information in step S507 or step S508. If a settlement transfer has not been performed, the process returns to step S521.

Step S527: If it is determined in step S525 that a settlement completion declaration operation has been performed, or if a settlement transfer has been performed in step S526, a settlement completion process is executed.
If it is determined in step S525 that the settlement completion declaration operation has been performed, the settlement transfer is not performed, and the product registration process and the settlement process are completed in one POS terminal 20. In this case, as the settlement completion process in step S527, for example, if change is given for a payment type of cash, the POS terminal 20 ejects the coins as change from the change dispenser 209 and issues a receipt from the printing unit 213. The POS terminal 20 also stores a history of the results corresponding to the settlement process completed by the terminal itself.
Furthermore, when it is determined in step S526 that the settlement transfer has been executed, the POS terminal 20 may, for example, cancel the settlement process up to that point as the settlement termination process of step S527. Alternatively, in this case, the POS terminal 20 may, for example, store settlement history information indicating that the process was interrupted by the settlement transfer, including a record of deposits and the like up until the settlement transfer is executed as the settlement termination process of step S527.

Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Step S601: The POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination waits, for example in a suspended state, to receive settlement instruction information transmitted from the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source.
Step S602: In response to receiving the settlement instruction information, the POS terminal 20 starts up, for example, in a settlement-only mode.

Step S603: If the received settlement instruction information includes payment type designation information, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the payment type indicated by the payment type designation information is cash or not.
As described above, if the payment instruction information includes the deposit record information, the payment type is cash, so the payment type designation information does not need to be included. In step S603, if the received payment instruction information does not include the payment type designation information but does include the deposit record information, the POS terminal 20 may determine that the payment type is cash in step S603. In this case, the process of step S604 described next may be skipped and the process may proceed to step S605 described below.
In addition, if the settlement transfer is performed at a stage before the payment type designation operation is performed on the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source, the deposit record information and the payment type designation information are not included in the settlement instruction information. In this case, in the process of step S603, the POS terminal 20 displays the payment type designation operation screen and recognizes the payment type designated by the payment type designation operation performed on the payment type designation operation screen. Then, it is determined whether the payment type designated by the payment type designation operation is cash or not.

Step S604: If it is determined that the payment type indicated by the payment type designation information is cash, the POS terminal 20 further determines whether the settlement instruction information includes deposit record information.

Step S605: If it is determined in step S604 that the deposit record information is included, the POS terminal 20 calculates the amount to be paid by the customer (remaining payment amount) according to the settlement performed by the customer. In step S605, the POS terminal 20 obtains the total amount corresponding to all products registered by the product registration process based on the registration information included in the received settlement instruction information. The POS terminal 20 obtains the deposited amount indicated in the deposit record information included in the received settlement instruction information. The deposited amount is the amount of the payment amount corresponding to the total amount that has already been deposited as a deposit amount at the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred. The POS terminal 20 calculates the remaining payment amount by subtracting the deposited amount from the total amount.

Step S606: The POS terminal 20 accepts the remaining payment amount calculated in step S605 and executes the settlement process. When the settlement process is completed, for example, the POS terminal 20 accepts an operation to declare the completion of settlement by the customer, and in response to the operation to declare the completion of settlement, dispenses money as change and issues a receipt.
The deposited amount printed on the receipt may be the sum of the amount deposited into the POS terminal 20 of the transfer source and the amount deposited into the POS terminal 20 of the transfer destination. Alternatively, the deposited amount printed on the receipt may be a breakdown of the amount deposited into the POS terminal 20 of the transfer source and the amount deposited into the POS terminal 20 of the transfer destination.

Step S607: Also, at the stage where the settlement process is completed at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination, for example, the theoretical balance for this settlement process is treated as the total amount corresponding to all the products registered by the product registration process having been deposited into the change dispenser 209. On the other hand, since the amount actually deposited at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination is the remaining payment amount, the actual balance is the total amount minus the deposited amount. In other words, when the settlement process according to the remaining payment amount is performed at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination, a discrepancy occurs between the theoretical balance and the actual balance.
Therefore, the POS terminal 20 in this case executes a withdrawal process so that the cash according to the currency breakdown indicated by the deposit record information is treated as having been withdrawn to the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source. As a result, the remaining payment amount in the total payment amount is also managed as having been deposited as the theoretical balance, and the theoretical balance and the actual balance are consistent. The POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source also manages the cash according to the currency breakdown indicated by the deposit record information as having been deposited from the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination by the process of step S607, so that the theoretical balance and the actual balance are consistent. In this case, the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source may store transaction information that treats the deposit made before the settlement transfer as a deposit (change replenishment) from the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination.
Alternatively, instead of performing the withdrawal process as described above, the POS terminal 20 to which the settlement is transferred may include in the transaction information indicating the result of its own settlement process information information indicating that cash has been deposited in correspondence with the transaction according to the currency breakdown indicated in the deposit record information at the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred.
Furthermore, as described above, the results of deposits and withdrawals and processing carried out to eliminate the discrepancy between the theoretical balance and the actual balance may be reflected in a report that outputs actual results such as sales.

Step S608: If it is determined in step S604 that the deposit record information is not included, the POS terminal 20 calculates the amount to be paid by the customer (remaining payment amount) according to the settlement performed by the customer from now on. In step S608, the POS terminal 20 obtains the total amount corresponding to all products registered by the product registration process based on the registration information included in the received settlement instruction information. The POS terminal 20 regards the obtained total amount as the calculation result of the payment amount.

Step S609: The POS terminal 20 accepts the remaining payment amount calculated in step S608 and executes the settlement process. In step S609, when the settlement process is to end, for example, an operation to declare the end of settlement by the customer is accepted, and in response to the operation to declare the end of settlement, coins are dispensed as change and a receipt is issued.

Step S610: If it is determined in step S603 that the specified payment type is not cash, the POS terminal 20 executes a settlement process corresponding to the specified payment type other than cash.

The method for eliminating the discrepancy between the theoretical balance and the actual balance that occurs due to the existence of a deposited amount is not limited to the example of the process of step S607.
For example, in order to resolve the discrepancy, for example, during closing processing of the POS terminal 20, a notification may be sent to a store clerk to deposit or withdraw cash between the settlement transfer destination and settlement transfer source POS terminals 20. The notification may be sent by at least one of the settlement transfer destination and settlement transfer source POS terminals 20.
When the clerk receives the notification, the POS terminal 20 of the transfer source executes a withdrawal process for the cash deposited in the transfer source POS terminal 20 of the total amount, and performs an operation to deposit the withdrawn cash in the transfer destination POS terminal 20.
Alternatively, on the other hand, the store clerk who receives the notification performs operations to withdraw from the POS terminal 20 of the destination of the settlement transfer the amount of cash that was deposited into the POS terminal 20 of the destination of the settlement transfer, and to deposit the withdrawn cash into the POS terminal 20 of the source of the settlement transfer.

[Second example of settlement transfer]
Next, a second example of the settlement transfer of this embodiment will be described. In the first example of the settlement transfer, if the customer has already made a deposit operation at the time when the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 transmits the settlement instruction information, the deposit record information is included in the settlement instruction information. As a result, when the customer settles at the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20, the deposit is made in an amount corresponding to the remaining payment amount obtained by subtracting the amount already deposited at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 from the payment amount (total amount of merchandise).
In contrast, in the second example of settlement transfer, if a customer has already made a deposit operation at the time when the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 transmits the settlement instruction information, the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 is made to dispense the deposited currency. In this case, the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 transmits settlement instruction information that does not include the deposit record information.
The customer removes the money withdrawn from the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 and moves to the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20. When making a settlement at the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20, the customer deposits a deposit for the payment amount corresponding to the total price of the registered products.
Even in the case of the second example configuration, in the case where the settlement transfer is carried out after the customer has started to deposit funds at the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement transfer is to be made, settlement involving payment in cash can be properly carried out at the POS terminal 20 to which the settlement transfer is to be made.

With reference to the flowchart in Figure 24, we will explain an example of the steps of the product registration process and the settlement process executed by the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred in response to the second example of the settlement transfer.

First, the product registration process executed by the POS terminal 20 from which the payment is transferred will be described. In the figure, the processes in steps S701 to S705 are the same as those in steps S501 to S505 in FIG. 19.

Step S706: If it is determined in step S705 that the clerk has performed a settlement transfer instruction operation, the POS terminal 20 sends settlement instruction information including the registration information and payment type designation information to the POS terminal 20 designated as the settlement transfer destination. Even in this example, if the settlement transfer instruction operation is performed before the payment type designation operation is performed, the settlement instruction information does not need to include the payment type designation information. In this case, the payment type designation operation may be performed at the POS terminal 20 designated as the settlement transfer destination.

Next, an example of the procedure for settlement processing executed by the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement is transferred will be described with reference to the same figure. In the same figure, the processing of steps S721 to S725 is the same as steps S521 to S525 in FIG. 19.

Step S726: If it is determined in step S725 that the settlement completion announcement operation has not been performed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a settlement transfer instruction operation has been performed in the product registration process. If it is determined that the settlement transfer instruction operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S721.
Step S727: If it is determined in step S726 that the settlement transfer instruction operation has been performed, the POS terminal 20 executes a money dispensing process corresponding to the deposit executed in response to step S723. If the deposit has not yet been made at the time when the settlement transfer instruction operation is performed, step S727 may be skipped.
As the money dispensing process in step S727, the POS terminal 20 ejects the money deposited up to the present time from the change dispenser 209. Furthermore, when performing the money dispensing process, the POS terminal 20 may erase the deposit record information showing the history of deposits up to this point. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 may update the deposit record information showing the history of deposits up to this point by adding further history related to dispensing, without erasing it.

Step S728: After the processing of step S727, or if it is determined in step S725 that a settlement completion declaration operation has been performed, the POS terminal 20 executes a settlement completion process.

In the second example of the settlement transfer, the currency dispensing process corresponding to a deposit is configured to dispense all of the deposited currency. In this case, if the currency deposited by a customer already contains a mixture of bills and coins, the currency dispensing process dispenses the same number of bills and coins as the currency deposited. However, some customers, for example, have no objection to receiving bills, but may be reluctant to receive coins because they are troublesome to handle.
Therefore, as a currency dispensing process corresponding to a deposit, the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source may dispense only paper money and may not dispense coins by treating them as having been deposited. In this case, the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination may perform settlement according to the deposit for the remaining payment amount obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the coins already deposited at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source from the payment amount corresponding to the total amount of the registered products.

<Modification>
The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be changed or modified as appropriate, for example, as in the modified examples below.

[First Modification]
[About operation modes]
The POS terminal 20 switches to full self-service mode if it is left unused for a certain period of time (see FIG. 9A), but when a store clerk is using it (except for the operation to set it to full self-service mode), the switch to full self-service mode may be prohibited.

Although the full self-service mode is switched to the double scan mode by reading the clerk code (see FIG. 9(B)), the full self-service mode may be switched to the double scan mode by touching the display screen of the clerk display unit 210 instead of reading the clerk code. Note that when operating in the full self-service mode, a screen on which buttons corresponding to each clerk are arranged may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the clerk may be identified according to the button touched on the screen. Also, the full self-service mode may be switched to the double scan mode by operating the key operation unit 211. Note that buttons corresponding to each clerk may be arranged on the key operation unit 211, and the clerk may be identified according to the button operated on the key operation unit 211.

Furthermore, after sending a transition instruction to another POS terminal 20, a POS terminal 20 operating in normal mode will transition to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) after the processing is completed if the POS terminal 20 is currently processing (see FIG. 10(A)), but it may also be forced (immediately) transitioned to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) after sending a transition instruction. For example, if a transition instruction is sent while a customer is performing a settlement process on the customer side, the mode may immediately transition from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode), while the ongoing settlement process may be allowed to continue until it is completed.

Furthermore, after receiving a transition instruction from another POS terminal 20, a POS terminal 20 operating in a normal mode or the like will transition to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) after the processing is completed if the POS terminal 20 is currently processing (see FIG. 10(B)), but may also forcibly (immediately) transition to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) after receiving a transition instruction. For example, if a transition instruction is received while a store clerk is performing a registration process on the store clerk's side, the mode may immediately transition from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode), while the ongoing registration process may be allowed to continue until it is completed.

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

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

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

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

In addition, when a customer is using the POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode, the transition to normal mode may be restricted. For example, when a customer is processing a payment in full self-service mode, the transition to normal mode may be permitted, and when a customer is processing a registration in full self-service mode, the transition to normal mode may be prohibited (at least an immediate transition may be prohibited).

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

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

As an example of notifying the operation mode, the POS terminal 20 displays the operation mode on the display unit (clerk display unit 210, customer display unit 205), but the manner of notifying the operation mode is not limited to this. For example, the POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a PATLITE (registered trademark) or a display board (or a PATLITE or a display board is connected to the POS terminal 20), and the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be notified by the PATLITE or the display board. The POS system 1 may also be equipped with a PATLITE or a display board (or a PATLITE or a display board is connected to the LAN 11), and the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 in the store may be notified by the PATLITE or the display board. By using a PATLITE or a display board, the operation mode can be seen even from a distance (apart from the clerk display unit 210).

[Second Modification]
[Display etc. in double scan mode]
In the above flow chart (see FIG. 11), when either the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205 is pressed (step S420: YES), the subtotal screen (see FIG. 17) is displayed. In other words, product registration is completed by either the clerk side (subtotal key) or the customer side (registration completion key). However, the manner in which product registration is completed (the operation to display the subtotal screen) is not limited to this.

For example, the subtotal screen may be displayed only when the clerk's subtotal key is pressed. In other words, the customer may not perform any operation to complete the product registration, and only the clerk may perform the operation to complete the product registration. In this mode, the customer display unit 205 may display the registration completion key in a display mode indicating that the operation is invalid (e.g., grayed out, etc.), or the registration completion key may not be displayed at all.

The subtotal screen may also be displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed. In other words, if the clerk's subtotal key is pressed first (when the subtotal key is pressed), the subtotal screen may be displayed when the customer's registration completion key is pressed, and if the customer's registration completion key is pressed first (when the registration completion key is pressed), the subtotal screen may be displayed when the clerk's subtotal key is pressed.

In a mode in which a subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed, when either the subtotal key or the registration completion key is pressed, the fact that the key was pressed may be notified to the other. For example, if the subtotal key is pressed first, the customer display unit 205 may display a message indicating that the subtotal key has been pressed (i.e., that the clerk has operated to register the product. For example, a message such as "The clerk has completed product registration"). On the other hand, if the registration completion key is pressed first, the clerk display unit 210 may display a message indicating that the registration completion key has been pressed (i.e., that the customer has operated to register the product. For example, a message such as "The customer has completed product registration").

Furthermore, when the subtotal key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying on the customer display unit 205 that the subtotal key has been pressed, the display mode of the registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205 may be highlighted (blinking, etc.) until the registration completion key is pressed. Similarly, when the registration completion key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying on the store clerk display unit 210 that the registration completion key has been pressed, the display mode of the subtotal key displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 may be highlighted (blinking, etc.) until the subtotal key is pressed.

In a mode in which the subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed, pressing of the registration completion key may be prohibited (e.g., grayed out, hidden, etc.) until the subtotal key is pressed, and pressing of the registration completion key may be permitted after the subtotal key is pressed (e.g., displayed in a manner that allows pressing). Alternatively, pressing of the subtotal key may be prohibited until the registration completion key is pressed, and pressing of the subtotal key may be permitted after the registration completion key is pressed.

In a mode in which the subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed, if the clerk's subtotal key has been pressed but the customer's registration completion key has not yet been pressed, the clerk may enter a state of provisional completion of registration and allow product registration. In other words, when the clerk presses the subtotal key, the other party (customer) may be notified that the subtotal key has been pressed, but even after the subtotal key has been pressed, the clerk may be allowed to register (additionally register) products that have not yet been registered by the customer until the subtotal screen is displayed (before the customer's registration completion key is pressed).

Note that if a product is registered after the clerk has performed an operation to complete product registration (if a product is registered when registration is provisionally completed), the clerk must complete the product registration again (press the subtotal key) in order to display the subtotal screen. In other words, after a product is registered, the subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk presses the subtotal key again and the customer presses the registration completion key. Note that, instead of the above, the clerk may not need to complete the product registration again. In other words, after a product is registered, the subtotal screen may be displayed when the customer presses the registration completion key even if the clerk does not press the subtotal key again.

After the subtotal key is pressed but before the registration completion key is pressed, the store clerk may be able to additionally register the customer's product as described above, but as explained in FIG. 21 (A), the store clerk may be able to register the next customer's product. After the subtotal key is pressed but before the registration completion key is pressed, the store clerk display unit 210 may be able to declare (specify) whether to additionally register the customer's product or to register the next customer's product. For example, the declaration may be made by a button displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.

In the double scan mode, when the same product is scanned on the customer side and the clerk side, the fact that the same product has been scanned on both the customer side and the clerk side may be notified. For example, a message such as "The same product has been scanned" or "This is the xxth scan" may be displayed on the display unit. The message may be displayed at least on the clerk side. In other words, when the same product is scanned on the customer side and the clerk side, the message is always displayed on the clerk side display unit 210, but the message may or may not be displayed on the customer side display unit 205. For example, when the clerk side scans an item that is the same as an item already scanned on the customer side, a message may be displayed on the clerk side display unit 210, and when the clerk side scans an item that is the same as an item already scanned on the customer side, a message may be displayed on the customer side display unit 205 and the clerk side display unit 210. Also, for example, depending on the setting operation (or switching operation) of the clerk, it may be controlled whether or not to display the above-mentioned message on the customer side display unit 205.

In the above, during product registration (registration screen) and after registration (sub-screen), the clerk display unit 210 displays the product registered on your side (clerk side) and the product registered on the other side (customer side) in different display formats (see Figures 13(A), 14(A), 15(A), and 17(A)), and the customer display unit 205 displays the product registered on your side (customer side) and the product registered on the other side (clerk side) in different display formats (see Figures 13(B), 14(B), 15(B), and 17(B)), but the display formats on the clerk display unit 210 and the customer display unit 205 are not limited to this.

For example, the clerk display unit 210 may display products registered on the user's side (clerk side) without displaying products registered on the other side (customer side), and the customer display unit 205 may display products registered on the user's side (customer side) without displaying products registered on the other side (clerk side). Alternatively, the clerk display unit 210 may display products registered on the user's side (clerk side) and products registered on the other side (customer side) in different display modes as shown in FIG. 13 (A), and the customer display unit 205 may display products registered on the user's side (customer side) without displaying products registered on the other side (clerk side). Alternatively, the clerk display unit 210 may display products registered on the user's side (clerk side) without displaying products registered on the other side (customer side), and the customer display unit 205 may display products registered on the user's side (customer side) and products registered on the other side (clerk side) in different display modes as shown in FIG. 13 (B).

The clerk display unit 210 may be able to declare (designate) whether or not an item registered on the other side (customer side) is to be displayed on the customer's side (the clerk display unit 210). Alternatively or in addition to the above, the clerk display unit 210 may be able to declare (designate) whether or not an item registered on the customer's side (the clerk side) is to be displayed on the other side (the customer display unit 205). Alternatively or in addition to the above, the customer display unit 205 may be able to declare (designate) whether or not an item registered on the other side (the clerk side) is to be displayed on the customer's side (the customer display unit 205). In either case, the declaration may be made by a button displayed on the screen, etc.

In addition, during product registration, the product registered on your side and the product registered on the other side may be displayed in different display areas, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, and after product registration, the product registered on your side and the product registered on the other side may be displayed in a common display area, for example, as shown in FIG. 17. In other words, when transitioning from the registration screen to the subtotal screen by pressing the subtotal key or the like, the product registered on your side and the product registered on the other side that were displayed in different display areas on the registration screen before pressing the subtotal key or the like may be displayed in a common display area on the subtotal screen after pressing the subtotal key or the like. In addition, when transitioning from the subtotal screen to the registration screen by pressing the registration screen button (symbol TG in FIG. 17(A)), the product registered on your side and the product registered on the other side that were displayed in a common display area on the subtotal screen before pressing the registration screen button may be displayed in different display areas on the registration screen after pressing the registration screen button.

The clerk display unit 210 may be able to declare (designate) whether the product registered on the user's side and the product registered on the other side are displayed in different display areas or in a common display area during or after product registration on the clerk display unit 210 or the customer display unit 205. In place of or in addition to the above, the customer display unit 205 may be able to declare (designate) whether the product registered on the user's side and the product registered on the other side are displayed in different display areas or in a common display area during or after product registration on the customer display unit 205. In either case, the declaration may be made by a button displayed on the screen, etc.

[Third Modification]
[Regarding analysis, etc.]
In the POS system 1, an electronic journal may be stored and utilized for various analyses. The electronic journal may include various information shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 12, etc., and output information shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 18, etc. (including information about customers). For example, the POS terminal 20 (or the store controller 10) may store an electronic journal for each transaction, and analyze the operating status of each operation mode (e.g., operating time of each mode by time period and day of the week, by person in charge, or unconditionally), sales record of products (e.g., number of items sold, etc.), operation status of vouchers (e.g., number of vouchers issued, ratio of vouchers issued to number of items sold, time required for delivery of products after issuance of vouchers, etc.), and registration status of clerks and customers in double scan mode (ratio of number of registered products of clerks and customers, etc., may be by clerk, or by customer if customer attributes (gender, age, etc.) can be grasped based on membership numbers, etc.). The analysis results may be output as a list or the like.

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

[Fourth Modification]
In the above, the current operating mode of the POS terminal 20 itself is displayed (for example, symbol M in Figure 17), but the current operating modes of other POS terminals 20 may also be displayed by, for example, obtaining information regarding the operating modes of other POS terminals 20 via the LAN 11.

[Fifth Modification]
In the POS terminal 20 of the above embodiment, for example, the display surface of the customer-side display unit 205 faces the opposite side to the display surface of the clerk-side display unit 210, and the change dispenser 209 can be operated on the side facing the display surface of the customer-side display unit 205. In other words, the POS terminal 20 of the above embodiment is positioned so that the clerk and the customer face each other.
However, the POS terminal 20 may be configured such that the clerk display unit 210, the customer display unit 205, the change machine 209, etc. are positioned so that, for example, the directions of the clerk and the customer when they are standing directly in front of each other and facing each other are approximately perpendicular to each other.

[Overview of the embodiment]
(1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device (e.g., POS terminal 20) that can be operated by a product registration operator (e.g., a store clerk) and a customer, and is equipped with a first operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the product registration operator, a second operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the customer regarding settlement, a payment means capable of simultaneously executing a product registration process in response to operations performed by the product registrant on the first operation reception means and a settlement process in response to operations on the second operation reception means, and an output means for outputting registration data (registration information) reflecting the product registration results obtained by the product registration process to another product sales data processing device before a predetermined condition is met.
According to the above configuration, the POS terminal 20 can perform the product registration operation on the clerk side and the settlement operation on the customer side in parallel. In addition, in this embodiment, the settlement transfer can be performed by the clerk's operation until the customer performs the settlement completion declaration operation. As a result, for example, if the second customer (next customer) is not familiar with the settlement operation, the settlement transfer is performed for the transaction of the first customer, and the first customer is asked to perform the settlement operation at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination. In parallel with the settlement operation of the first customer, the clerk can proceed with the transaction for the next customer at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination. As a result, in a POS system having multiple POS terminals 20 where product registration processing and settlement processing are performed, the efficiency of customer handling is improved.

(2) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device as described in (1), wherein the specified condition is that an operation corresponding to a declaration of completion of settlement (e.g., an operation declaring completion of settlement) is performed on the second operation receiving means.
According to the above configuration, the transfer of the settlement amount can be executed as long as it is before the customer completes the settlement at the POS terminal 20 from which the settlement amount is transferred.

(3) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device as described in (1) or (2), wherein when the output means outputs the registered data when currency is deposited into a deposit/withdrawal section provided for use by customers, the output means outputs deposit record information regarding the deposited currency together with the registered data.
According to the above configuration, if the settlement transfer is performed at a stage where the customer has started to deposit money at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 but has not yet completed the deposit, the customer can settle the payment at the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20 as follows. That is, the customer can settle the payment by making a deposit according to the remaining payment amount obtained by subtracting the amount deposited at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 from the total amount of the registered products. As a result, the settlement can be properly completed at the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20 even after the deposit of currency as a deposit in response to a cash settlement at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20.

(4) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device as described in any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a dispensing control means for controlling the dispensing of the deposited coins from the front-loading dispensing section when the output means outputs registered data when coins are deposited into a deposit/withdrawal section provided for use by customers.
According to the above configuration, if the settlement transfer is performed at a stage where the customer has started to deposit money at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 but has not yet completed the deposit, the deposited currency is refunded. The customer can settle the payment at the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 by depositing a deposit for the payment amount corresponding to the newly registered total amount of the products. This allows the settlement to be properly completed at the settlement transfer destination POS terminal 20 even after the settlement transfer source POS terminal 20 has deposited currency as a deposit in response to a cash settlement.

The same POS terminal 20 may be configured to select either the settlement according to the configuration in (3) or the settlement according to the configuration in (4) as appropriate. For example, when issuing a settlement transfer instruction operation, a store clerk may be able to select whether the settlement transfer will be performed according to the configuration in (3) or the settlement according to the configuration in (4).

(5) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device as described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein when an operation to specify a payment type is performed on the second operation receiving means and then the output means outputs registration data, payment type specification information indicating the specified payment type is output together with the registration data.
According to the above configuration, if a payment type designation operation is performed at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source at a stage before the settlement transfer is performed, the payment type designated by the payment type designation operation is notified to the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source. In this case, the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer source can execute the settlement process with the notified payment type even if it does not accept the payment type designation operation. In other words, if the customer has already performed a payment type designation operation at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination when making settlement at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination, there is no need to perform a payment type designation operation again at the POS terminal 20 of the settlement transfer destination.

(6) One aspect of this embodiment is a program for causing a computer serving as a product sales data processing device operable by a product registration operator and a customer to function as a first operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the product registrant, a second operation reception means for receiving operations performed by the customer regarding settlement, a checkout means capable of executing in parallel a product registration process in response to operations performed by the product registrant on the first operation reception means and a settlement process in response to operations on the second operation reception means, and an output means capable of outputting registration data reflecting the product registration results of the product registration process to another product sales data processing device before a predetermined condition is met.

The above-described POS system 1, POS terminal 20, and other functions may be realized by recording a program on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the above-described POS system 1, POS terminal 20, and other processes. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, WAN, LAN, and other communication lines such as a dedicated line. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, and storage devices such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside and accessible from a distribution server to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device, the format in which it is stored in the distribution server does not matter. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

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

Claims (3)

A merchandise sales data processing device is connected to a first type of other merchandise sales data processing device that operates as an operation mode only for settlement, which executes a settlement process in response to a customer's operation based on registration data transmitted from another device and reflecting the registration results of merchandise through merchandise registration processing, and a second type of other merchandise sales data processing device that operates as an operation mode in a full self-service mode in which a registration means that executes a merchandise registration process in response to a customer's operation and a settlement means that executes a settlement process in response to the customer's operation are operated, and which is capable of registering merchandise in response to a store clerk's operation and transmitting the registration data to the other merchandise sales data processing device,
A product sales data processing device comprising a display means for displaying an identifiable display of a corresponding operating mode and a corresponding status for each button that is displayed for each other connected product sales data processing device and is used to transmit registration data. the display means displays, as a status of the first type other merchandise sales data processing device, that the device is in use when a settlement process is being performed;
2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein, as the status of the second type other product sales data processing device, if the device is in the process of registration, a message indicating that registration is in progress is displayed, and if the device is in the process of settlement, a message indicating that settlement is in progress is displayed. a computer as a merchandise sales data processing device connected to a first type of other merchandise sales data processing device that operates as an operation mode dedicated to settlement, in which settlement processing is performed in response to a customer's operation based on registration data transmitted from another device and reflecting the registration results of merchandise through merchandise registration processing, and a second type of other merchandise sales data processing device that operates as an operation mode full self-service mode in which a registration means that performs merchandise registration processing in response to a customer's operation and a settlement means that performs settlement processing in response to the customer's operation are operated, the computer registering merchandise in response to a store clerk's operation and transmitting the registration data to the other merchandise sales data processing device;
A program for causing the buttons displayed for each of the other connected product sales data processing devices and used for transmitting registration data to function as a display means for identifiably displaying the corresponding operation mode and the corresponding status .

Images