JP7699804B2 - Sales systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sales system and a program.

Semi-self-service sales systems, in which registration and payment are carried out on different devices, are becoming more common.

JP 2007-241688 A

However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not assume the semi-self-service sales system described above, so in a sales system where registration and payment are performed on different devices, it is not easy to purchase items such as shopping bags after registration.

The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are carried out on different devices.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a sales system that includes a registration device and a settlement device, the settlement device having a means for a customer to input a new purchase request for an item in addition to the products registered by the registration device, and the registration device having a display means for displaying, on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who input the purchase request into the input means, that a purchase request has been input into the input means.

1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a POS terminal according to the present embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example layout. FIG. 13 shows a payment type selection screen. FIG. 13 shows a shopping bag purchase screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a purchase request display. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed between the registration device and the settlement device. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing carried out between the registration device and the settlement device when the registration device registers a plastic bag. FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing carried out between the registration device and the settlement device when a purchase ticket is issued. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing carried out between the registration device and the settlement device when a purchase ticket is issued and the registration device registers a shopping bag. FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a network for explaining a sales system. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of displays on a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a settlement device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a settlement device.

First 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 sales system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, a store controller 10, and a management device 30, all of which are communicatively connected 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 store controller 10 is installed, for example, in the back yard of a store, and stores product master data and the like. The product master data is information in which product information for each product sold in the store is registered. For example, when performing product registration processing, the POS terminal 20 uses information such as the product name and price of the product registered using the product master data.

The management device 30 stores, for example, transaction results for the POS terminal 20. The management device 30 may also execute control to realize specific functions of the POS terminal 20 and the store controller 10. The management device 30 may be installed in the store, or may be provided as a cloud server outside the store.

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

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of 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 Figs. 2 and 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 reader 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, a communication unit 215, an imaging unit 216, and a sign pole 217. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

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

RAM 203 is a read/write memory that stores various information. For example, RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., product master data acquired from store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during registration processing, settlement information generated during settlement processing, etc.).

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. Furthermore, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing instead of the RAM 203.
Instead of the hard disk 204, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided.

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 reader 208 is capable of reading information from various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and executing processing corresponding to payment. The card reader 208 is also capable of reading information from membership cards, point cards, etc. The card reader 208 of this embodiment may be equipped with, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient that it is equipped with at least a card recognition unit.

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

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

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

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

The imaging unit 216 is provided to capture an image of a customer performing operations related to the transaction from a position on the customer's side. The captured image obtained by the imaging unit 216 can be used as a surveillance image for monitoring the customer performing the transaction. The POS terminal 20 can also store the captured image obtained by the imaging unit 216 in a storage device such as the hard disk 204.

The sign pole 217 is a part that lights up in a specific pattern and color to give specific notifications to store staff.

[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, the process from product registration in one transaction to settlement (payment) of the registered product.
In the following description, as a separate aspect from the classification of the four operating modes described above, 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. That is, in the normal mode, the clerk is in the registration mode and the customer is in the settlement mode. 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 purchased items of 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 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.).

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 dispenser 209 or by operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process based on the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

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.

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 customer after the customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer during the payment process. The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying. 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. The same applies to 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 executes the registration process and the settlement process. That is, in the full self-service mode, the customer is in both the registration mode and the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode from the overall 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).

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 reader 208 in the case of credit card payment. 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 reader 208).

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 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. That is, in the double scan mode, 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 of 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).

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 reader 208 in the case of credit card payment. 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 reader 208).

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. The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying. 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 operation mode for two or more POS terminals 20, in which the registration process is performed by the store clerk at at least one POS terminal 20, and the settlement process is performed by the customer at another POS terminal 20. That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more POS terminals 20 are in a registration-only mode, and the other one or more POS terminals 20 are in a settlement-only mode.

In the semi-self-service mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) of the 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.).

When the store clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the 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 reader 208. 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 reader 208).

When the registration process is completed on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, and the information required for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated on 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.

In the semi-self-service mode, after the store clerk has sent the registration information, he or she can register the next customer's purchase. Also, after the store clerk has sent the registration information, the store clerk may not be present.

Based on the above configuration, the item purchasing process will be described. The item purchasing process is a process executed when operating in semi-self mode, and is a process for purchasing an item between the completion of registration at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode and the completion of the payment process at the POS terminal 20 in the payment-only mode. In the following explanation, a shopping bag will be used as an example of an item.

Conventionally, because plastic bags are registered in a registration device, if a customer forgets to tell the registration device that they want to buy a plastic bag, they have to tell the store clerk who registers the items the next customer will purchase, or an attendant clerk, that they want to buy a plastic bag, or they have to line up again at the register to buy a plastic bag, so it was not easy to buy a plastic bag after registration.

One of the reasons why it was not easy to purchase plastic bags after registering was that customers could not freely access the bags, as they were stored behind the store clerk who operated the registration device or under the counter where the registration device was installed.

First, an example of the layout of the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode suitable for purchasing goods will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a layout using five POS terminals 20. In FIG. 5, the registration device 200a, the registration device 200b, the settlement device 300a, the settlement device 300b, and the settlement device 300c are all POS terminals 20. For convenience, in FIG. 5, the names are given according to the roles in the semi-self-service mode. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the registration device 200a and the registration device 200b, they are referred to as the registration device 200. Similarly, when there is no need to distinguish between the settlement devices 300a, 300b, and 300c, they are referred to as the settlement device 300.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), registration device 200a and registration device 200b are arranged in parallel in positions that form two rows of accounting wires (dashed lines in the figure). Specifically, registration device 200a is arranged on counter table 2a, and registration device 200b is arranged on counter table 2b arranged parallel to counter table 2a. Registration device 200a is installed in approximately the center of counter table 2a, and registration device 200b is installed in approximately the center of counter table 2b. When counter table 2a and counter table 2b are not particularly distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as counter table 2 below.

The counter table 2a and the counter table 2b can be moved by sliding the shopping basket 9. Note that the arrow A in FIG. 5(b) shows the state in which the shopping basket 9 slides on the counter table 2a.

In the above arrangement, if two store clerks operate registration devices 200 side by side (one store clerk operates registration device 200a and the other operates registration device 200b), a queue of shoppers waiting for registration processing will form on two parallel checkout lines (checkout line a, registration checkout line b).

Payment devices 300a, 300b, and 300c are positioned so that the two rows of accounting wires (accounting wire a, accounting wire b) bend at approximately a right angle downstream of registration device 200 and merge.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, when the counter table 2a on which the registration device 200a is located, the counter table 2b on which the registration device 200b is located, and the payment devices 300 are viewed from the ceiling side, the payment devices 300 are positioned so that they form a roughly U-shape as a whole. In other words, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the payment devices 300 are positioned so that the shopper can carry out the payment process on (or near) a straight line connecting one end of the downstream side of the payment lead a of the counter table 2a (the shaded part in the figure) and one end of the downstream side of the payment lead b of the counter table 2b (the shaded part in the figure).

As shown in FIG. 5, a collection table 3 is disposed between the settlement device 300b and the settlement device 300c. The collection table 3 is equipped with a plastic bag holder 4 for holding plastic bags and a temporary placement table 5 for temporarily placing purchased items. The plastic bag holder 4 in FIG. 5(b) holds a plastic bag 8.

In other words, the payment device 300a is located near one end of the downstream side of the checkout lead of the counter table 2a. The payment device 300c is located near one end of the downstream side of the checkout lead of the counter table 2b. The payment device 300b and the collection table 3 are arranged side by side between the payment device 300a and the payment device 300c. The collection table 3 can also be equipped with a plastic bag holder 4 and a temporary placement table 5.

The layout shown in FIG. 5 allows a store clerk to hand over a shopping bag to a customer who is operating the settlement device 300. Next, examples of screens in the item purchase process will be described. In the following description, the registration device refers to the POS terminal 20 that operates in a registration-only mode, and the settlement device refers to the POS terminal 20 that operates in a settlement-only mode.

Figure 6 shows a payment type selection screen 510 that is displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the settlement device after the product has been registered. The payment type selection screen 510 is a screen that accepts the selection of either cash, credit card, or electronic money. In addition, by pressing the "Other payment" button 511 on the payment type selection screen 510, it is also possible to select other payment types (e.g., debit card, mobile payment, etc.).

The payment type selection screen 510 further includes a "Purchase plastic bag" button 512. The "Purchase plastic bag" button 512 is a button for purchasing a plastic bag at the payment device. When the "Purchase plastic bag" button 512 in FIG. 6 is selected, the screen switches to the "Purchase plastic bag" screen 520 in FIG. 7.

Plastic bag purchase screen 520 displays plastic bag images 521L, 521M, 521S including the size and price for each size of plastic bag. Below large plastic bag image 521L, there is a purchase quantity display area 522L that displays the number of purchased bags. Below medium plastic bag image 521M, there is a purchase quantity display area 522M that displays the number of purchased bags. Below small plastic bag image 521S, there is a purchase quantity display area 522S that displays the number of purchased bags.

On the left and right sides of each of purchase quantity display areas 522L, 522M, 522S, there are plus buttons to increase the number of bags of that size to be purchased, and minus buttons to decrease the number of bags of that size to be purchased. The customer touches the plus buttons for the required number of shopping bags of the required size. If too many plus buttons are touched and too many are required, the customer touches the minus buttons to specify the required number. When the customer selects decision button 523, a purchase request for the specified number of shopping bags is entered into the payment device.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when one large shopping bag is specified and the confirm button 523 is selected, a message is displayed in the registered item area 524 indicating that the large shopping bag has been registered. The number of items purchased and the total amount are updated accordingly. In this way, in response to the input of a purchase request, the settlement device registers the shopping bag as a new item and displays the registration result. When the customer selects the checkout button 525, the screen returns to the payment type selection screen 510 in FIG. 6.

In this way, registration can be performed at the payment device, eliminating the need for registration operations at the registration device, which saves the store clerk and other staff time compared to the past. In addition, by displaying the registration results, customers can recognize that they have been registered, so items can be registered without causing any anxiety to the customer.

At the checkout device, the fact that a request to purchase a plastic bag has been input is displayed on the registration device. The display of the fact that a request to purchase a plastic bag has been input is referred to as a purchase request display. The purchase request display will be explained using drawings. Figure 8 explains an example of the screen on the store clerk display unit 210 of the registration device until the fact that a request to purchase a plastic bag has been input is displayed on the registration device.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the purchase request display displayed on the clerk display unit 210 of the registration device. Figure 8 (A) shows the sub-plan screen 610 displayed on the clerk display unit 210. In the sub-plan screen 610 of Figure 8 (A), the first tab 611 indicating the current transaction with the customer is turned on, and the second tab 612 is turned off. The first tab 611 and the second tab 612 are tabs for displaying screens corresponding to different transactions. In addition, the clerk display unit 210 is provided with status areas 621a, 621b, and 621c. When there is no need to distinguish between the status areas 621a, 621b, and 621c, they are referred to as the status area 621.

The status area 621 is an area that shows the status of the settlement device. The status area 621 is composed of two areas, an upper one and an lower one, and the lower one shows the name of the settlement device. The upper one shows the status of the settlement device. If the settlement device is in the middle of settlement, the status shows "settlement", if it is idle, the status shows "online", if it cannot communicate with the registration device, the status shows "offline" (not shown), etc. When the small plan screen is displayed, the store clerk touches the status area 621 corresponding to the settlement device to be specified in order to specify the settlement device to be used for settlement by the current customer. At this time, only the settlement device corresponding to the status area 621 that shows "online" can be touched. In other words, if the settlement device is performing settlement processing, the registration device prohibits the transmission of registration data generated by the registration processing of the product to be purchased by the next customer to the settlement device. In addition, the registration device also prohibits the transmission of registration data to a settlement device whose status is "offline". Note that the status may be other than "settlement", "online", and "offline".

In FIG. 8, as an example to match the layout in FIG. 5, status area 621a corresponds to settlement device 300a. Status area 621b corresponds to settlement device 300b. Status area 621b corresponds to settlement device 300b. Status area 621c corresponds to settlement device 300c. In the case of FIG. 8(A), all settlement devices display "online." In this state, when the store clerk designates settlement device 300a as the settlement device where the current customer (referred to as the first customer) will make the payment, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 8(B), and it becomes possible to register products for the next customer.

The "next customer" here is an example of a customer other than the customer (first customer) who inputs a request to purchase a shopping bag in the settlement device 300a. Such a next customer means a customer whose product is registered by the store clerk in the registration device while the first customer is making a payment at the settlement device. Therefore, for example, if the customer following the first customer is making a payment at another settlement device while the first customer is making a payment or has completed payment, and the customer following the next customer (assuming the next customer) has a product registered by the store clerk in the registration device, then the next customer corresponds to another customer. Also, a next customer who has completed registering their product does not correspond to another customer from the perspective of the first customer. Note that if the next customer is also making a payment at the settlement device and the next customer is registering their product, then the next customer corresponds to another customer from the perspective of the first customer.

Figure 8 (B) shows the registration screen 620 for the next customer. The status area 621a of the registration screen 620 shows that the settlement device 300a is in the process of settlement. On the registration screen 620, when the first customer is making a settlement and is registering products for the second customer, a request to purchase a shopping bag is input, and the screen transitions to the screen shown in Figure 8 (C).

Figure 8 (C) shows a registration screen 630 on which a purchase request display is displayed. The registration screen 630 shows a screen in which a purchase request display screen 632, indicating that a purchase request for a plastic bag has been input, is superimposed on the registration screen 620 of Figure 8 (B). The purchase request display screen 632 indicates that a bag L has been requested from the payment device 300a. The purchase request display screen 632 also displays "Please say something to the customer and hand bag L to payment device A." The "customer" in "Say something to the customer" refers to the second customer. "Say something to the customer" indicates that the registration operation for the second customer's product should be temporarily suspended so that a plastic bag can be handed over to the first customer, and a word of apology should be conveyed to the second customer.

Furthermore, as shown in the status area 621a of the registration screen 630 in FIG. 8(C), the type of bag for which the purchase request was input (bag L in FIG. 8(C)) is displayed in the status area corresponding to the payment device to which the purchase request was input. Displaying in this manner prevents the store clerk from mistakenly handing over the wrong type of bag. When the confirmation button 631 is selected by the store clerk, the purchase request display screen 632 is cleared. Furthermore, the status area displays "Online" instead of the bag type.

In this way, the registration process for the product to be purchased by the second customer is put on hold until the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632 is selected by the store clerk. This makes it impossible to perform the registration operation for the second customer, thereby preventing erroneous registration operation for the second customer while performing an operation such as handing a shopping bag to the first customer.

When the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632 is selected by the store clerk, the purchase request display screen 632 is cleared. However, control may also be performed to clear the purchase request display screen 632 when the store clerk touches the status area 621a on the registration screen 630.

The process flow explained in Figures 6, 7, and 8 above will be explained using sequence diagrams. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the process flow that takes place between the registration device and the settlement device. In Figure 9, the registration device generates registration data when the store clerk registers the product to be purchased by the first customer (step S101). The registration device transmits the registration data to the specified settlement device when the store clerk specifies the settlement device (step S102).

The settlement device that has received the registration data displays the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S103). When the first customer selects the "purchase plastic bag" button 512 on the payment type selection screen, the settlement device displays the "purchase plastic bag" screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S104).

The first customer specifies the number of bags to be purchased on the shopping bag purchase screen 520 and selects the OK button 523. This inputs a purchase request for the specified number of shopping bags to the payment device (step S105). The payment device notifies the registration device that the purchase request has been input (step S106). The payment device also adds the shopping bags to the registration data (step S108). The registration device receives the notification that the purchase request has been input and displays the purchase request display screen 632 (see FIG. 8C) superimposed on the registration screen (step S107). The store clerk, upon seeing this, hands the requested shopping bag to the first customer. When the store clerk selects the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632, the registration device resumes the registration process for the second customer that was on hold. When the customer selects the checkout button 525 on the shopping bag purchase screen 520, the payment device returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6), performs the payment process (step S109), and ends the process.

In the above-described Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, the checkout device registers the plastic bags, but the registration device may also register the plastic bags.

Figures 10(A) and 10(B) are sequence diagrams showing the flow of processing that takes place between the registration device and the settlement device when the registration device registers a shopping bag. In Figure 10(A), the registration device generates registration data when the store clerk registers the items purchased by the first customer (step S201). The registration device transmits the registration data to the settlement device specified by the store clerk (step S202).

The settlement device that has received the registration data displays the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S203). When the first customer selects the "purchase plastic bag" button 512 on the payment type selection screen, the settlement device displays the "purchase plastic bag" screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S204).

The first customer specifies the number of bags to purchase on the shopping bag purchase screen 520 and selects the confirm button 523. This inputs a purchase request for the specified number of shopping bags into the payment device (step S205). The payment device notifies the registration device that a purchase request has been input and of the registration data (step S206). The event in which the payment device returns the received registration data to the registration device is also called a "recall" because from the registration device's perspective it appears as if the registration data is being recalled.

The registration device is notified that a purchase request has been input, and displays a purchase request display screen 632 (see FIG. 8(C)) superimposed on the registration screen (step S207). A store clerk sees this and hands the requested shopping bag to the first customer. When the store clerk selects the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632, the registration device performs a registration process to additionally register the shopping bag to the recalled registration data (step S208). The registration device then transmits the registration data in which the shopping bag has been registered (step S209). The registration device then resumes the registration process for the second customer that was on hold. When the payment device notifies the user that a purchase request has been input, the type of shopping bag requested and the specified number of bags are also notified, allowing the registration device to recognize the type and number of bags to be registered.

When the customer selects the Check Out button 525 on the shopping bag purchase screen 520, the settlement device returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6), performs settlement processing based on the registration data sent by the registration device in step S209 (step S210), and ends the process.

In FIG. 10(B), the registration device generates registration data when the store clerk registers the product to be purchased by the first customer (step S221). The registration device transmits the registration data to the specified settlement device when the store clerk specifies the settlement device (step S222).

The settlement device that has received the registration data displays the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S223). When the first customer selects the "purchase plastic bag" button 512 on the payment type selection screen, the settlement device displays the "purchase plastic bag" screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S224).

The first customer specifies the number of bags to purchase on the shopping bag purchase screen 520 and selects the confirm button 523. This causes a purchase request for the specified number of shopping bags to be input to the payment device (step S225). The payment device notifies the registration device that a purchase request has been input (step S226). Unlike the process shown in FIG. 10(A), no registration data is sent here.

The registration device is notified that a purchase request has been input, and displays a purchase request display screen 632 (see FIG. 8(C)) superimposed on the registration screen (step S227). The store clerk sees this and hands the requested shopping bag to the first customer. When the store clerk selects the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632, the registration device performs a registration process to generate new registration data in which the requested shopping bag is registered (step S228). The registration device then transmits the new registration data in which the shopping bag is registered (step S229). The registration device then resumes the registration process for the second customer that had been put on hold. When the payment device notifies the user that a purchase request has been input, the type of shopping bag requested and the specified number of bags are also notified, allowing the registration device to recognize the type and number of bags to be registered.

The settlement device performs a summing process to sum the new registration data with the registration data received in step S222 (step S230). This combines the plastic bag into a single registration data. The customer selects the Check Out button 525 on the plastic bag purchase screen 520, and the screen returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6), where the settlement process is performed based on the registration data summed in the summing process of step S230 (step S231), and the process ends.

In the sequence diagrams of Figures 10(A) and 10(B) described above, as shown in steps S209 and S229, the registration data generated by the registration process in steps S208 and S228 is sent to the settlement device. Normally, the settlement device is not permitted to send registration data during settlement processing, but when a request to purchase a plastic bag is input, the registration data generated by the registration process in step S208 is permitted to be sent to the settlement device. In this way, the registration device is able to register the plastic bag for which a purchase request has been input at the settlement device. Also, items can be registered even if the settlement device does not have a registration function.

If the purchase request display screen 632 is also cleared when the store clerk touches the status area 621a of the registration screen 630, in step S208, the registration device performs a registration process to additionally register the shopping bag to the recalled registration data.

Furthermore, based on the registration data received in step S206, the registration device may display a registration screen for the first customer. This registration screen is displayed as a different screen (e.g., a screen corresponding to the second tab 612) from the registration screen for the next customer. On the registration screen, the registration device displays a screen for registering a plastic bag requested by the customer (e.g., a preset button for registering a plastic bag, or a screen similar to the plastic bag purchase screen 520 described in FIG. 7).

At this time, since the first customer has specified the type and quantity of plastic bags to be purchased, the bags and quantity to be purchased may be displayed as defaults, allowing the store clerk to register the bags with a single operation. After registering the bags, the store clerk selects the subtotal button to display the subtotal screen, and specifies the settlement device that sent the registration data. This allows the settlement device to carry out settlement processing based on the registration data in which the plastic bags have been registered. In this way, when the registration screen for purchasing plastic bags is displayed on the registration device, the purchase request display screen 632 may not be displayed, and additional plastic bags may not be registered even if the store clerk touches the status area 621a.

The settlement device may allow the customer to purchase a plastic bag at the settlement device after completing the settlement. After completing the settlement, the settlement device goes into the idle state described above. In this state, the settlement device waits for registration data from the registration device. In this idle state, the settlement device displays a plastic bag purchase button 512 (see FIG. 6). This allows the customer to purchase a plastic bag even after completing the settlement.

When the purchase plastic bag button 512 is selected, the process may proceed from step S104 in FIG. 9 or from step S224 in FIG. 10(B). That is, the registration of the plastic bag may be performed at the payment device or at the registration device. In either case, the customer is handed the plastic bag by the store clerk.

In this case, payment for the plastic bag is required, and as a payment method, for example, the payment device displays a screen from which a payment method can be selected and allows the customer to select the payment method for the plastic bag registered in the registration device or the payment device itself. In addition to the screen from which the payment method can be selected, the type and price of the plastic bag registered at the customer's selection is displayed, and the payment for the plastic bag is made using the selected payment method. In this way, even if a customer remembers that they want to buy a plastic bag after completing payment at the payment device, they can still purchase the bag without having to get back in line at the register or at the service counter to buy a plastic bag.

In the embodiment described above, a shopping bag is handed over by a store clerk during checkout, but the checkout device may also issue a purchase ticket for purchasing a shopping bag. This purchase ticket is, for example, a purchase ticket for receiving a shopping bag from a bag supply device that sells shopping bags.

The bag supplying device will now be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the bag supplying device 703. The bag supplying device 703 includes a purchase ticket receiving device 750. The purchase ticket receiving device 750 includes an acceptance port 751 for accepting purchase tickets. When a customer inserts a purchase ticket into the acceptance port 751, the bag supplying device 703 supplies a shopping bag. The bag supplying device 703 will now be described in detail.

When a customer inserts a purchase ticket into the receiving port 751, the bag supply device 703 is instructed to purchase a plastic bag R. This instruction signal is output to the bag storage unit 730 (described later) of the bag supply device 703, and the plastic bag R is automatically supplied from the bag storage unit 730.

A temporary storage table 715 is installed on the extension or above the placement table 714. The temporary storage table 715 is a flat platform on which fragile products such as bread and egg cartons are temporarily placed. It is adjusted so that fragile products can be stored at the top by storing other rigid or heavy products at the bottom side of a shopping bag or a personal bag. Chopstick rest boxes 716 for storing spoons, chopsticks, etc. may be installed on the top, bottom, or sides of the temporary storage table 715. In the figure, the chopstick rest box 716 is installed below the temporary storage table 715. In addition, since the temporary storage table 715 is installed on the extension of the placement table 714, the placement table 714 can be used widely.

The bag supply device 703 is composed of a bag locking device 703A and a bag storage device 703B. In the bag locking device 703A, a pair of first supports 717 are erected at both ends of the loading platform 714, and a guide plate 718 is connected to the upper ends of the first supports 717. The tip side of the upper surface 718a of the guide plate 718 is formed as a gently sloping surface 718b to guide the movement of the plastic bags dispensed from the bag storage section 730 described below.

A pair of arms 719 are connected to the vertical middle of the first support 717, extending horizontally forward, i.e., above the platform 714. A locking portion 720 for hanging a plastic bag or a reusable bag is connected to the tip of each arm 719 and stands upward. The locking portions 720 of the arms 719 are each curved outward, making it easier to lock the handle of a plastic bag or a reusable bag in an open state. The pair of arms 719 and the locking portions 720 together form the bag hanging portion 721.

Next, the bag storage device 703B will be described. A base 724 having a generally H-shape in plan view and consisting of, for example, two legs 722 and a connecting plate 723 connecting the legs 722 is provided at the bottom of the bag storage device 703B. Casters 725 are connected to the underside of each leg 722, making the bag storage device 703B movable. A pair of second support columns 727 are provided standing upward from each leg 722, and a generally rectangular box-shaped bag storage section 730 is connected and supported at the upper end of the second support columns 727.
13, a stack of plastic bags R is stored in bag storage section 730, and can be automatically dispensed one by one from opening 731 installed on the bottom surface by a known automatic dispensing mechanism (not shown). It is preferable to form opening 731 in a shape that is inclined forward so that plastic bags R dispensed from opening 731 can easily flow below it toward arm section 719 in the front.

13(a) and (b), the bag storage section 730 is divided into a base section 732 and an opening/closing lid section 733. The opening/closing lid section 733 can be opened forward, toward the customer, via a hinge section 734 provided at the lower end of the opening side of the base section 732. Moreover, the opening/closing lid section 733 is formed with an outer diameter dimension larger than that of the base section 732, and is formed so as to cover the opening 732a of the base section 732 in the closed state. Also, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a locking arm 735 is fixed to the opening/closing lid section 733, protruding in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 733a, and a bundle of plastic shopping bags R can be locked to the locking arm 735 through a hole. Moreover, the locking arm 735 may have a hook 735a formed at the tip to prevent the plastic shopping bags R from being accidentally removed.

When closed, the opening/closing lid 733 is integrated with the opening 732a of the base 732, allowing a stack of plastic bags R to be stored inside. In the stored state, a single plastic bag R can be dispensed from an opening 731 provided on the underside of the base 732 by an automatic dispenser mechanism (not shown) in the bag storage section 730. The opening/closing lid 733 is held in a horizontal position in the open state via the hinge section 734. In this position, the opening/closing lid 733 is disposed above the arm section 719, and is configured so as not to interfere with the bag hanging section 721 below.

Therefore, when the opening/closing lid portion 733 is opened to a horizontal position, an additional stack of plastic bags R can be replenished and stored through the opening 733b. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, when the opening/closing lid portion 733 is closed to the base portion 732, a window portion 736 is formed on one side surface 733c of the opening/closing lid portion 733, through which the remaining amount of plastic bags R inside can be visually confirmed. Alternatively, a sensor may be provided that detects the remaining amount of plastic bags R and issues a warning when there is only a small amount remaining.

Furthermore, the front surface 733a of the opening/closing lid portion 733 in the bag storage section 730 has a display section 738. A poster for advertising or the like may be affixed to the display section 738, or a display device may be attached to display information, image advertisements, or the like. A second display section 739 equipped with, for example, one or two LED lamps is provided below the display section 738. The second display section 739 allows the supply position of the plastic shopping bag R, etc. to be recognized.
In addition, a store clerk can easily replenish stacks of plastic bags R by opening the opening/closing lid 733 of the bag storage unit 730. The bag storage device 703B of this bag supply device 703 is movable by casters 725 provided on the base 724. When the bag storage device 703B is not in use, it can be removed to another location.

In this embodiment, a bag hook 721 consisting of an arm 719 and a locking portion 720 is disposed below and in front of a guide plate 718 installed below an opening 731 on the underside of the bag storage section 730. The plastic bag R unwound from the opening 731 of the bag storage section 730 is guided by the inclined surface 718b of the guide plate 718 and easily flows between the pair of arms 719 in front of it.

When a customer inserts a purchase ticket into the receiving opening 751, an instruction is given and one plastic bag R is automatically dispensed downward from the opening 731 on the underside of the bag storage section 730. It is also possible to supply multiple plastic bags. For example, after the first plastic bag R is pulled out, the second plastic bag R is dispensed partway from the opening 731, and after the second bag is pulled out, the third bag is dispensed partway, and so on.

When the plastic bag R is dispensed from an opening (not shown) of the bag storage section 730, it is guided by the inclined surface 718b of the guide plate 718 and flows out between a pair of arms 719 installed below the opening. A customer can pick up the dispensed plastic bag R and use the handles to engage the locking sections 720 of the two arms 719 to widen the opening of the plastic bag R. In this state, the bottom of the plastic bag R is located above the platform 714. Moreover, because the plastic bag R flows out between the pair of arms 719, the customer can smoothly lock it into the locking sections 720.

The store clerk can check whether the number of plastic bags R in the bag storage section 730 has decreased during use through a window 736 provided on the side 733c of the opening/closing lid section 733. When the number of plastic bags R in the bag storage section 730 is decreasing and it is about to run out, the opening/closing lid section 733 can be opened to a horizontal position by tilting it forward around a hinge section (not shown). This exposes the plastic bags R remaining in the opening/closing lid section 733, so that the stack of plastic bags R can be replenished by passing the hole through a locking arm (not shown). The opening/closing lid section 733 can then be rotated and engaged with the base section 732 to return it to its original position.

In this case, the opening and closing of the opening and closing lid portion 733 and the refilling of the plastic bags R can be performed from the front side of the bag storage portion 730, making the work of the store clerk easier. Note that a notification when the amount of plastic bags R in the bag storage portion 730 has decreased may be displayed on the display portion 738, or the second display portion 739 may be displayed in a different color than normal or may flash, etc.

As described above, the bag supply device 703 according to this embodiment can automatically supply the required number of plastic bags R from the bag storage section 730. Moreover, the plastic bags R are fed out from the opening 731 on the bottom surface of the bag storage section 730, and flow out between the pair of arms 719 provided in front via the inclined surface 718b of the guide plate 718 below. This allows the customer to smoothly grab the supplied plastic bag R and hang the gripping portion on the locking portion 720 of the arm portion 719 to widen the opening.

In addition, when the number of plastic bags R in the bag storage section 730 decreases, the opening and closing lid section 733 can be opened forward to replenish the plastic bags R, making the operation easy. Moreover, the amount of plastic bags R can be checked through the window section 736 on the side surface 733c of the bag storage section 730.

The purchase ticket described above may have a code such as a barcode or two-dimensional code written on it. In this case, the bag supply device 703 is configured to include a scanner for reading the code. Alternatively, the bag supply device 703 may be provided with a device that allows payment with cash, credit card, or electronic money, and payment may be made with cash, credit card, or electronic money. If cash, credit card, or electronic money is used, a purchase ticket is not required.

Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing carried out between the registration device and the settlement device when issuing a purchase ticket. In Figure 12, the registration device generates registration data when the product to be purchased by the first customer is registered by the store clerk (step S301). The registration device transmits the registration data to the settlement device specified by the store clerk (step S302).

The settlement device that has received the registration data displays the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S303). When the first customer selects the "purchase plastic bag" button 512 on the payment type selection screen, the settlement device displays the "purchase plastic bag" screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S304).

The first customer specifies the number of bags to purchase on the shopping bag purchase screen 520 and selects the confirm button 523. This inputs a purchase request for the specified number of shopping bags to the settlement device (step S305). The settlement device adds the shopping bags to the registration data (step S306). When the customer selects the checkout button 525 on the shopping bag purchase screen 520, the settlement device returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) and performs settlement processing (step S307). The settlement device issues a purchase ticket using the printing unit 213 (step S308) and ends the process.

Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing that takes place between the registration device and the settlement device when a purchase ticket is issued and the registration device registers a shopping bag. In Figure 13, the registration device generates registration data when the store clerk registers the items purchased by the first customer (step S401). The registration device transmits the registration data to the settlement device specified by the store clerk (step S402).

The settlement device that has received the registration data displays the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S403). When the first customer selects the "purchase plastic bag" button 512 on the payment type selection screen, the settlement device displays the "purchase plastic bag" screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S404).

The first customer specifies the number of bags to purchase on the shopping bag purchase screen 520 and selects the confirm button 523. This inputs a purchase request for the specified number of shopping bags to the payment device (step S405). The payment device notifies the registration device that a purchase request has been input and the registration data (step S406).

The registration device is notified that a purchase request has been input, and displays a purchase request display screen 632 (see FIG. 8(C)) superimposed on the registration screen (step S407). When the store clerk selects the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632, the registration device performs a registration process to additionally register the plastic bag to the recalled registration data (step S408). The registration device then transmits the registration data in which the plastic bag has been registered (step S409). The registration device then resumes the registration process for the second customer that was on hold.

When the customer selects the Check Out button 525 on the shopping bag purchase screen 520, the settlement device returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) and performs settlement processing based on the registration data sent by the registration device in step S409 (step S410). The settlement device issues a purchase ticket using the printing unit 213 (step S411) and ends the process.

In this way, by having the settlement device issue a purchase ticket, the settlement device does not need to register the item, and therefore does not need to have a registration function, so the purchase of items can be handled using only the settlement function.

In the first embodiment described above, the registration device was a POS terminal 20, but it may be a registration-only terminal that does not have a settlement function and only has a registration function.

In the first embodiment, the plastic bag is handed over by the store clerk who performs the registration operation, but this is not limited to this. For example, a management device capable of communicating with the POS terminal 20 may be provided. Then, when a purchase request is input at the checkout device, a purchase request display screen indicating that a purchase request for a plastic bag has been input may be displayed on the management device. This may allow a store clerk watching the management device or an attendant store clerk guiding customers around the store to hand over the plastic bag to the customer.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, a semi-self-service sales system has been described as a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed in different devices. Another sales system different from the semi-self-service sales system will be described with reference to FIG. 14 .

Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram of a network to explain a sales system 801. The sales system 801 shown in Figure 14 includes a headquarters server 810, a cloud server 820, a store controller 830 (e.g., a server, etc.), a transaction status management device 840 (e.g., a personal computer, etc.), a registration settlement device 850, a settlement device 851, and a mobile terminal 860.

The sales system 801 can be introduced into various business types (supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, home centers, home appliance retailers, etc.). The following description will be given assuming that the sales system 801 is introduced into a supermarket S. In FIG. 14, the dashed line T indicates the inside of the supermarket S (product display area, accounting area, back yard, etc.). As shown in FIG. 14, the store controller 830, the transaction status management device 840, the registration settlement device 850, and the settlement device 851 are installed in the supermarket S. These are connected to each other so that they can communicate via a LAN 819 (which may be wired or wireless). A mobile terminal 860 is present in the store. The headquarters server 810 and the cloud server are installed outside the store (for example, at the head office or a data center).

In FIG. 14, the number of each device (terminal) is an example. For example, in FIG. 14, "..." is shown to the right of the transaction status management device 840, but the number of transaction status management devices 840 installed in the store may be one or more. Also, for example, in FIG. 14, two mobile terminals 860 are shown, but the number of mobile terminals 860 used in the store changes depending on the number of customers.

The registration and settlement device 850 is used by a store clerk or a customer. Specifically, the registration and settlement device 850 registers products based on the operation of the store clerk or the customer, and settles the registered products based on the operation of the customer.

The mobile terminal 860 is used by the customer. Specifically, the mobile terminal 860 registers products based on the customer's operation. The mobile terminal 860 may be owned by the customer or may be loaned by the store. The mobile terminal 860 may be used while attached to a shopping cart (not shown).

The settlement device 851 is used by a customer. Specifically, the settlement device 851 settles the account for the product registered by the mobile terminal 860 based on the customer's operation. In other words, the sales system 801 provides a service (sometimes referred to as service A) in which the customer registers the product by himself using the mobile terminal 860 and settles the account using the settlement device 851.

The headquarters server 810 is a server that manages the entire sales system 801. The headquarters server 810 stores, for example, various setting information (e.g., product master, special sale file, etc.) and various performance information (e.g., sales performance information, product sales performance information, etc.). The headquarters server 810 communicates with the cloud server 820 and the store controller 830. The headquarters server 810 may also communicate with other devices (e.g., a transaction status management device 840, a registration settlement device 850, a settlement device 851, etc.). The headquarters server 810 may be composed of multiple servers.

Cloud server 820 is a server that provides service A. Cloud server 820 stores, for example, various information necessary for the operation of service A (e.g., product master, transaction information (also referred to as cart information), etc.). Cloud server 820 communicates with headquarters server 810 and mobile terminal 860. Cloud server 820 may also communicate with other devices (e.g., store controller 830, transaction status management device 840, settlement device 851, etc.). Cloud server 820 may be composed of multiple servers.

The store controller 830 is a device that mainly controls the sending and receiving of information between devices within the store and devices outside the store. In other words, the store controller 830 communicates with each device within the LAN 819 (e.g., the registration settlement device 850, the settlement device 851, etc.) and each device outside the LAN 819 (e.g., the headquarters server 810). For example, the store controller 830 receives product master data and sale files from the headquarters server 810 and supplies them to the registration settlement device 850 and the settlement device 851.

The transaction status management device 840 is a device that mainly manages (monitors and controls) devices within the store. For example, the transaction status management device 840 communicates with each device within the LAN 819 and monitors the processing status, operation status, etc. of each device within the LAN 819. The transaction status management device 840 may also communicate (directly or via the store controller 830) with devices outside the store (e.g., the headquarters server 810, the cloud server 820) and refer to transaction information (cart information) stored in the cloud server 820, for example.

Figure 15 shows an example of the display of the mobile terminal 860. Figure 15 (A) is a transaction start screen (menu screen) for service A. When using (registering) service A, the mobile terminal 860 displays the transaction start screen as shown in Figure 15 (A). Various buttons are arranged on the transaction start screen. For example, the transaction start screen has a shopping start button BT600 that accepts a shopping start instruction arranged on it.

Figure 15 (B) is a registration screen (initial registration screen) that is displayed after the shopping start button BT600 is operated on the transaction start screen in Figure 15 (A). The upper side of the registration screen is a captured image display area HR601 that mainly displays captured images. The lower side of the registration screen is a registration information display area HR602 that mainly displays product registration information.

Figure 15 (C) is the registration screen when the barcode attached to the product (loaf of bread) is imaged on the registration screen of Figure 15 (B). In other words, when a customer registers a desired product (a product to be purchased), the barcode attached to the product is read as shown in Figure 15 (C).

Figure 15 (D) is a registration screen after product registration is complete (registration screen after product registration). Specifically, the mobile terminal 860 transmits the product code obtained from the barcode to the cloud server 820. The cloud server 820 references the product master and obtains the product name "Bread" and the price "¥220" based on the product code. The cloud server 820 stores the product information (product code, product name "Bread", quantity "1", price "¥220", etc.) as transaction information (cart information) for the transaction, and transmits the product information (product name "Bread", price "¥220", etc.) to the mobile terminal 860. Having received the product information from the cloud server 820, the mobile terminal 860 reflects the product information of the product in the registration information display area HR602. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(D), the mobile terminal 860 displays the registered information for the product (product name "bread", quantity "1", price "¥220") (symbol a), and displays the total information (estimated total "1 item ¥220") (symbol b). The mobile terminal 860 displays part of the registered information (quantity) as a quantity button BT603. The quantity button BT603 is a button for changing the quantity.

After registering a product (one item of product), the mobile terminal 860 also displays an operable button BT604 for proceeding to checkout, which accepts checkout instructions, as shown in FIG. 15 (D). When the customer wishes to proceed to checkout (checkout) (when product registration is complete), the customer operates the button BT604 for proceeding to checkout.

Figure 15 (E) is a registration screen after the registration of the second product (Oolong Tea) is completed, following the scene in Figure 15 (D). That is, the mobile terminal 860 transmits the product code obtained from the barcode attached to the second product to the cloud server 820. The cloud server 820 refers to the product master and obtains the product name "Oolong Tea" and the price "¥150" based on the product code. The cloud server 820 stores the product information (product code, product name "Oolong Tea", quantity "1", price "¥150", etc.) as transaction information for the transaction, and transmits the product information (product name "Oolong Tea", price "¥150", etc.) to the mobile terminal 860. The mobile terminal 860, which has received the product information from the cloud server 820, reflects the product information for the second product in the registration information display area HR602. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(E), the mobile terminal 860 displays (adds) the registration information for the product (product name "Oolong Tea", quantity "1", price "¥150") and displays (updates) the total information (estimated total "2 items ¥370").

Figure 15 (F) shows a two-dimensional code display screen that is displayed after the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 is operated, following the scene in Figure 15 (E). The two-dimensional code display screen shows a two-dimensional code 805 for checkout. The two-dimensional code 805 for checkout is a two-dimensional code of information required to execute the checkout process. For example, the two-dimensional code 805 for checkout is a two-dimensional code of transaction identification information (cart identification information) that identifies the transaction information of the transaction from among multiple pieces of transaction information stored in the cloud server 820. Note that the information that is two-dimensionally coded does not have to be transaction identification information, as long as the transaction information of the transaction can be obtained after reading. For example, the two-dimensional code 805 for checkout may be a two-dimensional code of location information of the transaction information of the transaction (a storage location in the sales system 801, such as a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)).

The two-dimensional code display screen also has an estimated total display area HR606 and a back button BT607. In the example of FIG. 15(F), the estimated total display area HR606 displays the estimated total of "2 items, 370 yen." The back button BT607 is a button for returning to shopping (restarting shopping). When the back button BT607 is operated, the mobile terminal 860 displays a registration screen (the registration screen displayed immediately before the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 is operated) instead of the two-dimensional code display screen.

Figure 15 (G) shows how the settlement device 851 reads the settlement two-dimensional code 805. After completing product registration, the customer has the settlement device 851 read the settlement two-dimensional code 805 displayed on the mobile terminal 860, as shown in Figure 15 (G).

The settlement device 851 displays a settlement start screen before settlement starts (e.g., in standby state), and when the settlement two-dimensional code 805 is read on the settlement start screen, it displays a product list screen.

(Example of display of settlement device 851)
16 and 17 are examples of displays on the settlement device 851. Specifically, Fig. 16 is an example of a settlement start screen displayed on the settlement device 851. Fig. 17 is an example of a product list screen displayed on the settlement device 851. The settlement start screen shown in Fig. 16 will be described below starting from the top of the screen.

The upper part of the settlement start screen is provided with an input method display area HR11 and an input method switching button BT13, similar to the screen (registration screen, etc.) on the customer side display unit 205 of the registration settlement device 850, and messages MS12 and MS14 are displayed.

A message MS100 is displayed instructing the user to read the two-dimensional checkout code 805 (QR code (registered trademark) in the figure) displayed on the mobile terminal 860. Below the message MS100, an image GA110 is displayed showing how to read the two-dimensional checkout code 805 (appearance). When the two-dimensional checkout code 805 is read, the screen transitions to the product list screen shown in FIG. 17.

Below the message MS100, a store clerk call button BT50 and a shopping bag purchase button BT51 are provided, similar to the screen (registration screen, etc.) of the registration and settlement device 850. When the shopping bag purchase button BT51 is operated (touched), the screen transitions to a shopping bag purchase screen (not shown) similar to that shown in FIG. 7.

Figure 17 is an example of a product list screen displayed on the settlement device 851. The product list screen shown in Figure 17 is described below.

Below messages MS12 and MS14, a message MS120 is displayed instructing the user to check the details of the product registered using the mobile terminal 860, and to press the checkout button if there are no problems with the details.

Below the message MS120 are a total information display area HR21, a quantity by price range display area HR22 showing the quantity of products by price range, and a registration information display area HR24. By reading the settlement two-dimensional code 805, the settlement device 851 requests transaction information for the transaction from the cloud server 820, and based on the transaction information acquired (received) from the cloud server 820, displays the total information of the products registered in the transaction in the total information display area HR21, displays the quantity of products by price range in the quantity by price range display area HR22, and displays the registration information of each product in the registration information display area HR24.

A checkout button BT130 is provided below the registration information display area HR24 to allow the user to finish checking the product and proceed to checkout. When the checkout button BT130 is operated (touched) (i.e., when the checkout button BT130 in FIG. 17 is operated), the screen transitions to a payment type selection screen (not shown) similar to that in FIG. 6.

In the sales system described above, where products are registered on the mobile terminal 860 and payment is made on the settlement device 851, unlike the case described using the POS terminal 20, no store clerk is involved in the registration operation. Therefore, when a purchase request is input on the settlement device 851, a purchase request display screen indicating that a purchase request for a plastic bag has been input may be displayed on the transaction status management device 840. This allows a store clerk watching the transaction status management device 840 or an attendant store clerk guiding customers around the store to hand over a plastic bag to the customer. A bag supply device may also be provided in the sales system 801. In this case, a purchase ticket is issued from the settlement device 851, allowing the customer to purchase a plastic bag from the bag supply device.

In the second embodiment described above, the fact that the shopping bag has been registered at the checkout device may be recorded in the journal.

The embodiments will be summarized below.
[Name of invention] Sales system and program [Technical field]
The present invention relates to a sales system and a program.
[Background technology]
Semi-self-service sales systems in which a store clerk registers products at a registration device and a customer makes a payment at a payment device are becoming widespread.
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Documents]
[Patent Document 1] JP 2007-241688 A [Summary of the Invention]
[Problem to be solved by the invention]
When registration and checkout are carried out on different devices, it is not easy to purchase items such as shopping bags at the time of checkout.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed in different devices.

[Means for solving the problems]
(1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a sales system that is one aspect of the present invention is a sales system that includes a registration device and a settlement device, wherein the settlement device has an input means by which a customer inputs a new purchase request for an item in addition to the products registered by the registration device, and the registration device has a display means that displays, on a registration screen for a customer other than the customer who input the purchase request into the input means, that a purchase request has been input into the input means.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technique suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed in different devices.

(2) In the configuration of (1) above, the settlement device includes a registration means for registering the new item in response to the purchase request being input to the input means, and a display means for displaying a registration result by the registration means.
According to the above configuration, since registration is possible at the settlement device, it is not necessary to perform the registration operation at the registration device, which reduces the work of store clerks, etc., compared to the conventional method. Also, since the registration result is displayed to the customer, the customer can recognize that the item has been registered, so the item can be registered without causing the customer any anxiety.

(3) In the configuration of (1) above, the registration device is provided with a transmission means for prohibiting transmission of registration data generated by the registration process of the product purchased by the different customer to the settlement device when the settlement device is performing settlement processing, and for permitting transmission of the registration data generated by the registration process of the product to the settlement device when a purchase request is input to the input means.
According to the above configuration, an item can be registered even if the settlement device does not have a registration function.

(4) In any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, the registration device includes a holding means for holding the registration process of the product to be purchased by the different customer when the purchase request is input to the input means.
According to the above configuration, the registration operation for the second customer cannot be performed, which can prevent erroneous registration operation for the second customer while performing an operation such as handing a shopping bag to the first customer.

(5) In the above configuration (1), the settlement device further includes an issuing means for issuing a purchase ticket for purchasing the item in response to the purchase request being input to the input means.
According to the above configuration, since the settlement device does not need to register items, there is no need to provide a registration function in the settlement device, and therefore the purchase of items can be handled using only the settlement function.

(6) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a registration device to function as a first computer and for causing the settlement device to function as a second computer in a sales system including a registration device and a settlement device, the program causing the second computer to function as an input means for a customer to input a new purchase request for an item in addition to the products registered by the registration device, and the program causing the first computer to function as a display means for displaying, on a registration screen for a customer other than the customer who input the purchase request into the input means, that a purchase request has been input into the input means.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technique suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed in different devices.

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

1...Sales system, 2...Counter stand, 3...Collection stand, 4...Plastic bag holder, 5...Temporary placement stand, 8...Plastic bag, 9...Shopping basket, 10...Store controller, 20, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3...Terminal, 30...Management device, 200...Registration device, 204...Hard disk, 205...Customer side display unit, 206...Customer side scanner unit, 208...Card reader, 209...Change machine, 210...Store clerk side display unit, 211...Key operation unit, 212...Store clerk side scanner unit, 213...Printer Printing unit, 214...audio output unit, 215...communication unit, 216...imaging unit, 217...sign pole, 300...payment device, 510...payment type selection screen, 511...button, 512...purchase plastic bag button, 520...purchase plastic bag screen, 523...decision button, 524...registered product area, 525...checkout button, 610...sub-screen, 611...first tab, 620...registration screen, 621...status area, 630...registration screen, 631...confirmation button, 632...purchase request display screen surface, 703...bag supply device, 703A...bag locking device, 703B...bag storage device, 714...placement table, 715...temporary placement table, 716...chopstick rest box, 717...first support, 718...guide plate, 719...arm portion, 720...locking portion, 721...bag hanging portion, 722...leg portion, 723...connecting plate, 724...base portion, 725...caster, 727...second support, 730...bag storage portion, 731...opening, 732...base portion, 732a...opening, 733...opening/closing lid portion, 733a... Front, 733a...front, 733b...opening, 733c...side, 734...hinge, 735...locking arm, 735a...hook at tip, 736...window, 738...display, 739...second display, 750...purchase ticket acceptance device, 751...acceptance port, 801...sales system, 810...headquarters server, 820...cloud server, 830...store controller, 840...transaction status management device, 850...registration settlement device, 851...settlement device, 860...mobile terminal

Claims (6)

A sales system including a registration device and a settlement device,
The settlement device includes:
an input means for inputting a new purchase request for an article by a customer in addition to the products registered by the registration device;
The registration device includes:
a display means for displaying information indicating the size of the article on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who input the purchase request into the input means, as if the purchase request had been input into the input means;
A sales system with The settlement device includes:
a registration means for registering the new item in response to the purchase request being input to the input means;
A display means for displaying a registration result by the registration means;
The sales system according to claim 1 , comprising: The registration device includes:
The sales system of claim 1 further comprising a transmission means for prohibiting the transmission of registration data generated by the registration process of the product purchased by the different customer to the settlement device when the settlement device is performing settlement processing, and for allowing the transmission of registration data generated by the registration process of the item to the settlement device when a purchase request is input to the input means. The registration device includes:
4. The sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a reservation unit which reserves registration processing of the product to be purchased by said different customer when said purchase request is input to said input unit. The settlement device includes:
2. The sales system according to claim 1, further comprising issuing means for issuing a purchase ticket for purchasing the item in response to the purchase request being input to the input means. A program for causing a sales system including a registration device and a settlement device to function as a first computer and for causing the settlement device to function as a second computer, comprising:
The second computer,
functioning as an input means for inputting new purchase requests for goods by customers in addition to the goods registered by the registration device;
The first computer,
A program for functioning as a display means for displaying information indicating the size of the item on a registration screen for a customer other than the customer who input the purchase request into the input means, as if a purchase request had been input into the input means.

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