JP7706804B2 - Payment device and program - Google Patents

Description

Article 30, paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies (1) Sales and implementation location: Nishimuta Co., Ltd., Aira Store (8 Wakimoto, Aira City, Kagoshima Prefecture) Sales and implementation date (publication date): June 5, 2019 <References> Printout of Nishimuta Co., Ltd.'s website (2) Exhibition name and location: Supermarket Trade Show 2020 Makuhari Messe (2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture) Exhibition date: February 12-14, 2020 <References> Printout of exhibition holding and overview document

The present invention relates to a settlement device and a program.

In recent years, so-called self-checkout registers, where customers register products and then make payments, have become widespread. For example, there is a self-checkout register where customers register products using a mobile terminal they carry and then make the payment at a payment device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). To explain this in more detail, for example, a barcode read by the mobile terminal is sent from the mobile terminal to a server, and the server registers the products. Then, once registration of all the products has been completed, a code corresponding to the registered details is displayed on the mobile terminal, and the code is read by a scanner in the payment device to make the payment.

In such self-service systems, it may be necessary to correct the registered details when making a payment, for example, if the quantity of products actually purchased differs from the quantity registered. In such cases, the customer presses a button to call a store clerk, who then makes the corrections.

JP 2016-219034 A

However, with conventional technology, if the payment process is carried out using the information before the corrections after the operation to call a store clerk is performed, the store clerk may then have to perform work according to the corrections, such as a refund. In addition, the time spent calling a store clerk may simply be waiting time for the customer. For this reason, the conventional technology has the problem that it is sometimes not possible to carry out payments efficiently.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that allows for efficient settlement.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a settlement device that acquires transaction information and performs settlement, and is equipped with: display means for displaying a settlement start button that accepts the start of settlement and a clerk call button that accepts a call of a clerk; prohibition control means for performing control to prohibit the acceptance of the start of settlement by the settlement start button when a call for a clerk is accepted by the clerk call button; and display control means for displaying the transaction information when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control, and controlling the display of the settlement start button based on whether the prohibition control is being performed by the prohibition control means, wherein the display control means displays the transaction information in a list, and when the prohibition control is being performed by the prohibition control means, displays a change acceptance button that accepts changes to the order of the list display .

1 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration of a shopping system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal 20. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal 20. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS terminal 20. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 30. An explanatory diagram showing an example of various information for each mobile terminal 30 managed by the transaction management device 15. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow when registering and settling products for each mobile terminal 30 in the shopping system 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a POS terminal 20 at the time of settlement. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display 409 of a mobile terminal 30. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are no reserved products. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are no reserved products. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are no reserved products. FIG. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are reserved products. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are reserved products. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the POS terminal 20 regarding the order of products displayed on a transaction information display 1011. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition of a screen displayed on the POS terminal 20 when a sort button 1014 is pressed. FIG.

(Embodiment)
(Network Configuration of Shopping System 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration of a shopping system 1 according to an embodiment. The shopping system 1 is an example of a payment system. The shopping system 1 can be introduced in various stores, such as supermarkets, home improvement stores, convenience stores, and various supply stores. In this specification, the terms "customer" and "client" are synonymous unless otherwise specified.

In FIG. 1, the shopping system 1 includes a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, a monitoring terminal 11, a transaction management device 15, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 20, and a mobile terminal 30. Each device and each terminal is connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network. Each device and each terminal is a computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc.

The store controller 10 manages the POS terminal 20 and various information required for transactions. For example, the store controller 10 stores a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN code), product name, and sales price for each product. In addition to the product master, the store controller 10 also stores various information such as inventory status, sales history, and deposit and withdrawal records.

The monitoring terminal 11 monitors the POS terminal 20. Specifically, the monitoring terminal 11 displays the status of the POS terminal 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controls the POS terminal 20.

The transaction management device 15 is a server device that manages various information such as information about customers, information about stores, and information about products for each store. For example, the transaction management device 15 registers products for each customer (each mobile terminal 30) based on product information read by the mobile terminal 30. The information that the transaction management device 15 manages (generates and stores) will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

The POS terminal 20 is capable of executing a settlement process to settle (pay) for products registered on the mobile terminal 30. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 20 is also capable of executing a registration process to register products to be purchased (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "product registration") in addition to settlement processes. In addition to settling for products registered on the mobile terminal 30, the POS terminal 20 is also capable of settling for products registered on its own terminal or on other POS terminals 20 by being controlled to a full self-service mode or a checkout-only mode, which will be described later. Note that although FIG. 1 illustrates an example of multiple POS terminals 20, there may be only one.

The mobile terminal 30 is a portable communication device equipped with a display screen, such as a smartphone, tablet device, or mobile phone. The mobile terminal 30 is operated by a customer (such as a shopper who is a member of the store). The mobile terminal 30 is equipped with a communication unit, an imaging unit (camera), a touch panel, and the like. The mobile terminal 30 scans (reads) the barcode (product code) attached to the product and accepts the registration of the product. In other words, the mobile terminal 30 is equipped with a recognition function that recognizes the barcode attached to the product.

The recognition function of the mobile terminal 30 only needs to be capable of reading the product code attached to the product, and does not need to be able to identify the product from the read product code. In other words, when a barcode is present as an object in an image captured by the imaging function (an image acquired as a through image), the mobile terminal 30 only needs to be able to read the product code from the barcode.

The mobile terminal 30 may also be equipped with image recognition technology. Specifically, the mobile terminal 30 may be equipped with image recognition technology that extracts feature points from an image (through image, captured image) and recognizes the captured subject (object, etc.). For example, the mobile terminal 30 may use image recognition technology to identify (estimate) the captured product. By using such image recognition technology, the mobile terminal 30 may also be able to identify fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits that do not have barcodes.

Application software (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "this application") for registering and settling products related to the shopping system 1 is installed on the mobile terminal 30. By starting this application, the mobile terminal 30 can read the barcode attached to the product and send the read information to the transaction management device 15, thereby registering the product corresponding to the barcode. When settling, the mobile terminal 30 also displays a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) corresponding to the registered product. When the two-dimensional code is read by the POS terminal 20, it becomes possible to settling at the POS terminal 20. In the following, the two-dimensional code may be referred to as the "two-dimensional code for settling". Furthermore, registered products may be referred to as "registered products".

In this shopping system 1, there are a first purchasing method in which the user registers the product using the mobile terminal 30 and then settles the payment at the POS terminal 20, and a second purchasing method in which the user registers the product at the POS terminal 20 and then settles the payment at the POS terminal 20. Details will be described later, but the second purchasing method includes purchasing modes in normal mode, full self-service mode, and checkout-only mode.

In the normal mode, a purchase is made by a store clerk registering a product and then paying for it at the registered POS terminal. In the full self-service mode, a purchase is made by a customer registering a product and then paying for it at the registered POS terminal. In the checkout-only mode, a purchase is made by a store clerk registering a product and then paying for it at a POS terminal 20 different from the registered POS terminal 20.

(Example of Appearance of POS Terminal 20)
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Fig. 2(A), a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Note that the counter may also be placed on the left side of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side in Fig. 2(A). In other words, the counter may be placed on both sides of the POS terminal 20. A shopping basket can be placed on the counter.

The POS terminal 20 also includes a sign pole 216. The sign pole 216 can be lit, for example, in a predetermined color or in a predetermined flashing pattern. The sign pole 216 is provided at the highest position of the POS terminal 20, and the lighting pattern can be recognized even by store staff who are not around the POS terminal 20.

Next, the configuration of the POS terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 3(A) is a front view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a front view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

(Example of configuration of POS terminal 20)
An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 comprises a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, a voice output unit 214, a communication unit 215, and a sign pole 216. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 202 to control the operation of the POS terminal 20. The various programs include a settlement program according to this embodiment.
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 readable and writable 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. This information is, for example, registration information (registration data) generated during the registration process to register products, and settlement information generated during the settlement process to settle the registered products.

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

The customer display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer display unit 205 displays various information to customers and receives various inputs from customers.
The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads various information. For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically reads a two-dimensional code displayed on the mobile terminal 30 when a payment is made. In this embodiment, the customer-side scanner unit 206 can also optically read a barcode (product code, etc.) attached to a product or a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on a bill (registered trademark). In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 may also read a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, preferential coupons) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.). The registration of a product is not limited to registration by reading a code by the customer-side scanner unit 206. For example, a preset key (a button for ordering a product) corresponding to the product may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, and the product may be registered by operating (pressing) the preset key by the customer.

The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that uses various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card payment unit 208 is equipped with a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information from various cards. The read information is used to settle the registered goods. The card recognition unit can also recognize information to be used in settling the registered goods this time, for example, when using points held on a point card. The card recognition unit can also recognize information that is not used in settling the registered goods this time, for example, when adding points to a point card.

The card payment unit 208 in this embodiment includes a card recognition unit, a display unit, and an operation unit, but is not limited to these as long as it includes at least the card recognition unit. The card recognition unit in this embodiment is compatible with contact cards (IC cards, magnetic cards), but is not limited to this. For example, the card recognition unit may be compatible with non-contact cards (IC cards) instead of or in addition to a card recognition unit compatible with contact cards.

The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism, and has an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins. The change machine 209 calculates the amount inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. The change machine 209 faces the customer side, and accepts various operations and cash insertion from customers. The change machine 209 has a sensor that detects banknotes and coins inserted into the input port. The sensor detects that banknotes or coins have been inserted into the input port, and detects the number of banknotes by denomination. The card settlement unit 208 and the change machine 209 form a settlement unit.

The store clerk display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk. The store clerk display unit 210 displays various information to the store clerk and accepts various inputs from the store clerk.

The key operation unit 211 includes various keys (hardware keys, buttons). The key operation unit 211 accepts various inputs from the store clerk. Specifically, the key operation unit 211 includes a mode switching button 211a, a collective switching button 211b, and an accounting-only mode switching button 211c. The mode switching button 211a is a button for switching the operation mode, which will be described later. The collective switching button 211b is a button for switching the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 collectively, by being operated on a specific POS terminal 20 (for example, a POS terminal 20 to which a store manager or the like is logged in). The accounting-only mode switching button 211c is a button for switching to the "accounting-only mode", which will be described later.

The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads various types of information. For example, the store clerk scanner unit 212 optically reads barcodes attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk nametags. In addition to the above, the store clerk scanner unit 212 may also read codes printed on bills, gift certificates, and various cards.

Note that product registration is not limited to registration by reading a code using the store clerk's scanner unit 212. For example, a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) may be placed on the key operation unit 211, and the product may be registered by the store clerk operating (pressing) that key. The POS terminal 20 may also display a preset key corresponding to the product on the store clerk's display unit 210, and the product may be registered by the store clerk operating that preset key.

The printing unit 213 prints and outputs various media (receipts, bills, etc.). The printing unit 213 can change the direction of the media issuing port. Specifically, the printing unit 213 has a rotatable mechanism, and is configured so that the media issuing port faces from the store clerk side to the customer side, and from the customer side to the store clerk side. The orientation of the media issuing port may be manually changeable, or may be automatically changeable in response to a change in the operating mode. The printing unit 213 may be equipped with a sensor that detects whether the orientation of the printing issuing port is correct. In the following, a change in the operating mode may sometimes be referred to as a transition in the operating mode.

The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance, warning sounds, etc. The audio guidance and warning sounds relate to, for example, product registration and payment.
The communication unit 215 is an interface for sending and receiving information with other devices (the store controller 10, the monitoring terminal 11, the transaction management device 15, and other POS terminals 20).

The sign pole 216 is, for example, a lamp or an LED (light emitting diode) and can be lit in a predetermined color or in a predetermined flashing pattern. Depending on the lighting pattern of the sign pole 216, it can indicate that it is in use or issue a warning.

(Operation Mode of POS Terminal 20)
Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 operates in one of a number of operation modes. The multiple operation modes include, for example, a normal mode (face-to-face self-service mode), a checkout-only mode, and a full self-service mode. These operation modes are related to registration processing and settlement processing during normal business operations.

(Normal mode)
The normal mode is an operation mode in which the product registration on the sales clerk side is enabled and the product registration on the customer side is disabled. In other words, the normal mode is an operation mode in which the registration process on the sales clerk side is executed without executing the registration process on the customer side. In the product registration on the sales clerk side, the sales clerk scanner unit 212, the sales clerk display unit 210, and the key operation unit 211 are used to register the product.

In addition, in normal mode, settlement is possible, such as inserting currency (banknotes and coins) and reading various cards. Specifically, in normal mode, for example, it is possible to accept operations for settlement with cash (inserting currency into the change dispenser 209).

In normal mode, registration information can be transmitted to other POS terminals 20. Transmitting registration information to other POS terminals 20 means transmitting the registration information generated in the registration process to other POS terminals 20 that can execute the checkout process. The registration information may be transmitted directly from the POS terminal 20 to the other POS terminals 20, or may be transmitted indirectly to the other POS terminals 20 via other devices such as the store controller 10 or the monitoring terminal 11. In the following description, the transmission of information between the devices is not described in detail, but it may be transmitted directly or indirectly, as with the transmission of registration information.

In addition, in normal mode, it is possible to issue a receipt. Issuing a receipt means that the registration information generated in the registration process is coded and printed on a print medium (receipt). Other POS terminals 20 can carry out the settlement process by reading the code on the receipt.

In addition, in normal mode, it is also possible to receive registration information from other POS terminals 20. That is, in normal mode, it is possible to execute the settlement process based on the registration information generated in other POS terminals 20. Note that, when the POS terminal 20 receives registration information in normal mode, it may switch to the accounting-only mode. Similarly, when the POS terminal 20 reads the code on the bill in normal mode, it may switch to the accounting-only mode. After switching to the accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, it may return from the accounting-only mode to the normal mode automatically or with the permission of the store clerk. Also, even after switching to the accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, it may remain in the accounting-only mode. Note that, in normal mode, the reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20 may be disabled, the reading of the bill may be disabled, or both of these may be disabled.

(Accounting only mode)
The accounting-only mode is an operating mode in which the registration process is not performed on the terminal itself, but rather the settlement process is performed solely based on the registration information registered on another terminal (the mobile terminal or the POS terminal 20). Specifically, the accounting-only mode is an operating mode in which the reading of the two-dimensional settlement code displayed on the mobile terminal 30, the reception of registration information from another POS terminal 20, the reading of the bill, the insertion of coins, etc. are enabled, and product registration on the store clerk's side and the customer's side is disabled.

In the accounting-only mode, when the POS terminal 20 reads the two-dimensional settlement code from the mobile terminal 30, it queries the transaction management device 15 for registration information corresponding to the mobile terminal 30, receives the registration information from the transaction management device 15, and performs the settlement process. Also, in the accounting-only mode, the POS terminal 20 receives registration information generated in the registration process of another POS terminal 20, and performs the settlement process. Note that the registration information received from another POS terminal 20 may be received directly from the sender (the transaction management device 15 or another POS terminal 20), or may be received indirectly from the sender via another device such as the store controller 10 or the monitoring terminal 11. Note that in the following explanation, the reception of information between each device will not be described in detail, but it may be received directly or indirectly, as with the reception of registration information.

In addition, in the accounting-only mode, the POS terminal 20 reads the code (encoded information) printed on the receipt and performs the settlement process. Note that the accounting-only mode is an operating mode that does not execute the registration process, i.e., does not generate registration information, and therefore disables the sending of registration information to other POS terminals 20 and the issuance of receipts.

(Full selfie mode)
The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which product registration on the customer side is enabled. In other words, the full self-service mode is an operation mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side. In product registration on the customer side, product registration is performed using customer-side scanner unit 206 and customer-side display unit 205.

In addition, in the full self-service mode, it is possible to enable product registration by the store clerk. In other words, the full self-service mode is an operating mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side, but also allows registration processing on the store clerk side. In the full self-service mode, product registration by the store clerk may be disabled.

Furthermore, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the settlement process can be performed at the terminal itself. Specifically, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the insertion of coins is enabled, and the transmission of registration information to other POS terminals 20 and the issuance of accounting tickets are disabled.

Furthermore, like the accounting-only mode, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the reading of the two-dimensional settlement code displayed on the mobile terminal 30, the reception of registered information from other POS terminals 20, and the reading of receipts are all enabled. In other words, like the accounting-only mode, in the full self-service mode, the settlement process can be performed based on registered information registered by the mobile terminal 30 and registered information generated by other POS terminals 20.

In the full self-service mode, the POS terminal 20 may switch to the accounting-only mode when it reads the two-dimensional settlement code displayed on the mobile terminal 30 or when it receives registration information. Similarly, in the full self-service mode, the POS terminal 20 may switch to the accounting-only mode when it reads the code on a bill. After switching to the accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, the POS terminal 20 may automatically return from the accounting-only mode to the full self-service mode. Even after switching to the accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, the POS terminal 20 may remain in the accounting-only mode. In the full self-service mode, the reading of the two-dimensional settlement code may be disabled, the reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20 may be disabled, and the reading of bills may be disabled.

In the following, "self-payment" refers to payment by the customer without the intervention of a store clerk (without a store clerk being nearby). Specifically, self-payment is payment made in the cashier-only mode or the full self-payment mode.

(Switching between operation modes)
Next, a description will be given of switching of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 switches the operation mode in response to a mode switching operation, an operation to read a store clerk code, a mode switching command, or the like.

To be more specific, the POS terminal 20 switches between operating modes in response to an explicit mode switching operation by a store clerk to switch between operating modes. The mode switching operation is the operation of the mode switching button 211a (see FIG. 3(B)). The POS terminal 20 also switches between operating modes in response to other operations that are different from the mode switching operation, such as, for example, reading a store clerk code.

The POS terminal 20 also switches its operating mode in response to a mode switching command from another POS terminal 20, the monitoring terminal 11, a mobile terminal, etc. The POS terminal 20 may also switch its operating mode in response to a time-related condition. The time-related condition may be, for example, the time elapsed since the last operation or a fixed time according to a schedule.

The POS terminal 20 may also be configured to switch operating modes when a process starts. The start of a process may be, for example, when a settlement process based on registration information received from another POS terminal 20 starts, or when a settlement process based on reading a bill is started.

The POS terminal 20 may also switch operating modes when a process ends. The end of a process may be, for example, when a settlement process based on registration information received from another POS terminal 20 ends, or when a settlement process based on reading a bill ends.

In addition to the above modes, there are also other operating modes such as tally mode, maintenance mode, and training mode. The tally mode is used to tally and inquire about sales and inventory. The maintenance mode is used when store clerks or maintenance personnel perform setup and maintenance work. The training mode is used when new store clerks are trained.

(Regarding the settlement-related function of the shopping system 1 according to the present embodiment)
Next, the settlement-related functions of the shopping system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The shopping system 1 includes a settlement device and a registration device. The settlement device is a device where a customer makes a settlement, such as a POS terminal 20. The registration device is a device where a customer registers products, such as a mobile terminal 30 or a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the registration device will be described as a mobile terminal 30.

The POS terminal 20 settles the registered transaction information. Settlement here mainly refers to self-settlement. The transaction information includes the registration information and information related to settlement (such as information on deposit and change). The registration information may be, for example, registration information registered on the mobile terminal 30, registration information registered by the POS terminal 20 (own terminal), or registration information registered on another POS terminal 20.

The POS terminal 20 includes a start reception unit, a call reception unit, a prohibition control unit, a display control unit, a detection unit, a cancellation reception unit, and a change reception unit. The start reception unit, the call reception unit, the prohibition control unit, the display control unit, the detection unit, the cancellation reception unit, and the change reception unit are realized by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal 20. In other words, the CPU 201 executes the settlement program to realize the functions of each unit.

(Regarding prohibition control)
The start acceptance unit accepts the start of settlement. The start acceptance unit accepts the start of settlement, for example, by display. Specifically, the start acceptance unit accepts the start of settlement, for example, by a start settlement button (checkout button) displayed on the customer side display unit 205. The start settlement button is, for example, a button that is displayed at a stage prior to carrying out settlement processing. The settlement processing includes accepting the selection of a payment type, accepting the insertion of cash, reading information from various cards, paying out change, issuing receipts, etc. The start acceptance unit may accept the start of settlement by a hard key.

The call reception unit receives a call for a store clerk. The call reception unit receives a call for a store clerk, for example, via a store clerk call button displayed on the customer side display unit 205. The store clerk call button is, for example, a button that is displayed prior to the settlement process.

The prohibition control unit performs control (hereinafter referred to as "prohibition control") to prohibit the start reception unit from accepting a payment start request when the call reception unit accepts a call for a store clerk. Specifically, the prohibition control is control to prohibit the reception of the payment start button. For example, the prohibition control unit performs control to disable the operation of the payment start button. Note that if the start reception unit is configured as a hardware key, the prohibition control unit may lock the hardware key to prohibit the reception of the payment start button.

When a call for a store clerk is accepted by the call acceptance unit, the POS terminal 20 issues a notification that a store clerk will be called. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 displays a screen indicating the notification on the display unit of the monitoring terminal 11 or another POS terminal 20, or lights up the sign pole 220 in a lighting mode indicating the notification.

The display control unit displays the transaction information when prohibition control is being performed by the prohibition control unit. Specifically, when prohibition control is being performed, that is, when the settlement start button is not displayed, the display control unit causes the customer side display unit 205 to display a list display screen of the transaction information.

The display control unit controls the display of the start reception unit based on whether or not prohibition control is being performed by the prohibition control unit. Specifically, the display control unit hides the start settlement button when prohibition control is being performed, and displays the start settlement button when prohibition control is not being performed. The display control unit is not limited to hiding the start settlement button when prohibition control is being performed, and may display the start settlement button in a different manner depending on whether or not prohibition control is being performed. For example, when prohibition control is being performed, the display control unit may display the start settlement button in a dark color indicating that the button is prohibited, or may display letters or symbols indicating that the start settlement button is invalid.

(Removal of prohibition control)
The detection unit detects operations by the store clerk. The operations by the store clerk include operations related to authentication of the store clerk and operations related to correction of registered products. Operations related to authentication of the store clerk include, for example, an operation in which the store clerk has the store clerk scanner unit 212 read a store clerk code attached to the store clerk's name tag, and an operation in which the store clerk inputs store clerk identification information into the key operation unit 211. Operations related to correction of registered products include, for example, operations that can be changed by the store clerk, such as changing the quantity of registered products.

The prohibition control unit releases the prohibition control when the detection unit detects an operation by a store clerk. Specifically, the prohibition control unit releases the prohibition control when an operation related to correcting a registered product is completed. The prohibition control unit may also release the prohibition control when an operation related to authenticating a store clerk is performed. Releasing the prohibition control means re-enabling (for example, displaying) the checkout start button.

(About canceling a call to a store attendant)
The cancellation acceptance unit accepts the cancellation of a call when the call acceptance unit accepts a call to a store clerk. The call acceptance unit is, for example, a call cancel button displayed on the customer side display unit 205. The call cancel button is displayed after the store clerk call button is pressed.

The prohibition control unit releases the prohibition control when the cancellation of the call to a store clerk is accepted by the cancellation acceptance unit. Specifically, the prohibition control unit re-enables the checkout start button when the customer presses the call cancel button. In addition, the prohibition control unit stops the notification that a store clerk will be called when the cancellation acceptance unit accepts the cancellation of the call to a store clerk.

(Regarding prohibition control when reserved items are included)
The prohibition control unit performs prohibition control when the transaction information registered by the mobile terminal 30 includes information that requires confirmation by a store clerk. Information that requires confirmation by a store clerk is, for example, information indicating a reserved product. A reserved product is a product that requires a store clerk to be called and confirmed by the store clerk, as will be described in detail later, and is, for example, an unscanned product, a NON file product, a product that requires age verification, a product that requires the removal of the security tag, medicine, etc.

When the transaction information includes information indicating a reserved item, the prohibition control unit performs prohibition control even if the call acceptance unit does not accept a call to a store clerk. In this case, the call cancel button is not displayed. Therefore, the prohibition control unit can release the prohibition control only when the detection unit detects an operation by a store clerk.

(Regarding the priority order in the list display)
Here, from the viewpoint of allowing the store clerk to easily grasp the registered products, the display control unit displays each product in an order according to its priority. The order of priority is, for example, from highest to lowest, reserved products → high-priced products → low-priced products. If there are no reserved products, the order of priority is from highest to lowest, high-priced products → low-priced products. In other words, the products are not displayed in the order in which they were registered on the mobile terminal 30.

This allows the called store clerk to easily identify pending items. Also, because high-priced items are more likely to be checked than low-priced items, the clerk can easily identify high-priced items. For example, a customer may commit fraud by showing that the registered quantity of a high-priced item worth 10,000 yen is "1" on the list display screen, but there are three of that item in the basket. This makes it easy for the clerk to notice such fraud.

(Changes to sorting in list display)
Here, if the registered products are displayed in the order of reserved products → high-priced products → low-priced products, it may be difficult for the customer to understand the registered products. Therefore, in this embodiment, the order (sort) of the list display is made changeable. Note that, as will be described in detail later, if there are reserved products, it is also possible to make it impossible to change the order of the list display.

The change acceptance unit accepts changes to the order of the list display of transaction information when prohibition control is being performed by the prohibition control unit. The change acceptance unit accepts changes to the order of the list display, for example, by display. Specifically, the change acceptance unit accepts the start of settlement, for example, by a sort button displayed on the customer side display unit 205. The order of the list display may be the order in which the products were registered on the mobile terminal 30, or by type or department, such as vegetables, fish, meat, prepared foods, beverages, sweets, and daily necessities. The change acceptance unit may also accept changes to the order of the list display by a hard key.

The display control unit changes the order of the transaction information list display according to the content of the change accepted by the change acceptance unit. First, a case where the order is changed to the registration order will be described. When changing to the registration order, information about the registration order of each product is required. The information about the registration order may be, for example, information about the registration date and time. In this case, when the change acceptance unit accepts a change to the registration order, the POS terminal 20 inquires, for example, of the transaction management device 15 about the registration date and time information included in the registered product information in the cart information (see FIG. 6(C)). The POS terminal 20 then changes the display to the registration order based on the registration date and time information received from the transaction management device 15.

In addition, the information regarding the registration order may be information indicating the registration order itself. In this case, the mobile terminal 30 may associate the order in which the products were scanned (hereinafter referred to as the "scan order") with the product codes of the products and transmit this to the transaction management device 15. The transaction management device 15 stores the registered product information including the scan order information. Then, when there is a request from the POS terminal 20 to calculate the subtotal amount at the time of settlement, the transaction management device 15 transmits various information including the scan order information of each product to the POS terminal 20. Then, when the change acceptance unit accepts a change to the registration order, the POS terminal 20 may change the display to the registration order based on the scan order information.

The timing at which the mobile terminal 30 transmits the scan order information associated with the product code to the transaction management device 15 may be when the mobile terminal 30 scans a product (each time a scan is performed), or at other times. Other times may be, for example, when the POS terminal 20 reads the two-dimensional settlement code, or when the mobile terminal 30 scans a certain number of products.

Next, a case where the list display order is changed by department will be described. When changing the display order by department, the POS terminal 20 queries the store controller 10 for department information for each product displayed in the transaction information display 1011. The POS terminal 20 then displays the products by department based on the department information for each product received from the store controller 10.

(When sorting changes are not allowed)
Next, a case where the sorting is not allowed to be changed will be described. When the transaction information registered by the registration device includes information requiring confirmation by a store clerk (information indicating a reserved item), the display control unit does not change the order of the list display of the transaction information. In order to prevent the order of the list display from being changed, for example, the change acceptance unit may not accept a change to the order of the list display of the transaction information when the transaction information registered by the registration device includes information requiring confirmation by a store clerk (information indicating a reserved item). In addition, the change acceptance unit may accept a change to the order of the list display of the transaction information, and even if the change is accepted, the display control unit may not change the order of the list display. Therefore, when there is a reserved item, the list display of the transaction information is displayed in order of priority from highest to lowest, as reserved item→high-priced item→low-priced item.

The display control unit may also cause the change receiving unit to accept a change to the order of the list display of transaction information even when there are pending items, and change the order of the list display for items other than pending items. In this case, the display control unit may also change the order of the list display for items below a certain amount (low-priced items).

In addition, in this embodiment, even if the order of the list display has been changed, when a call to a store clerk is accepted by the call acceptance unit, the display control unit returns the changed order of the list display to the original order (order according to priority).

(Hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 30)
Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 30. In Fig. 5, the mobile terminal 30 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a memory 404, a communication I/F (interface) 405, an operation unit 406, a camera 407, a microphone 408, a display 409, and a speaker 410. Each unit is connected to each other via a bus 420.

The CPU 401 is responsible for the overall control of the mobile terminal 30. The ROM 402 stores various programs. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401. That is, the CPU 401 uses the RAM 403 as a work area and executes the various programs stored in the ROM 402 to thereby control the entire mobile terminal 30.

The memory 404 stores various data. For example, a flash ROM is used as the memory. The memory 404 stores various programs, the present application, and the like.
The communication I/F 405 is wirelessly connected to a network, and functions as an interface between the mobile terminal 30 and the CPU 401. The communication network that functions as a network includes the Internet and a mobile phone network.

The operation unit 406 is a touch panel that displays a plurality of touch keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc., or hard keys.
The camera 407 reads bar codes attached to products and various two-dimensional codes.
The microphone 408 inputs the customer's voice.
The display 409 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, characters, images, and the like.
The speaker 410 outputs sounds including voice. The mobile terminal 30 includes a GPS unit (not shown) and has a function of receiving radio waves from GPS satellites and outputting information indicating the current position of the mobile terminal 30. The mobile terminal 30 also includes various sensors (not shown) (e.g., a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, etc.) and has a function of detecting various states of the mobile terminal 30 (e.g., the inclination of the mobile terminal 30, the distance between the mobile terminal 30 and a product), etc.

(Example of information managed by transaction management device 15)
6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of various information for each mobile terminal 30 managed by the transaction management device 15. The transaction management device 15 stores various information including (A) customer information, (B) store information, and (C) cart information. Note that instead of or in addition to storing the various information in a memory unit within the transaction management device 15, the transaction management device 15 may store some or all of the various information in another device, such as a file server, that is accessible by the transaction management device 15.

(Customer information)
Fig. 6(A) shows an example of customer information. The customer information is information for managing individual customers. The customer information may be membership information for each store or each affiliated store. As shown in Fig. 6(A), the customer information includes customer identification information, customer name, customer registration date, customer rank, and number of points.

The customer identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies a customer. The customer identification information may be, for example, application identification information (hereinafter referred to as "app identification information") that is uniquely assigned to each installed app when the app is installed on the mobile terminal 30. The app identification information may be, for example, a sequential number. Alternatively, the app identification information may be terminal identification information that is uniquely assigned to the mobile terminal 30 on which the app is installed. This terminal identification information may be, for example, a telephone number assigned to the customer who is the user of the mobile terminal 30, or hardware identification information that is uniquely assigned to the hardware of the mobile terminal 30, such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address, etc.

The customer name is the customer's name, nickname, or the like.
The customer registration date is the date and time when customer information was newly registered in the transaction management device 15.
The customer rank is a rank according to the customer's purchase history.
The number of points is the number of points given to a customer for shopping using the application. The number of points may include the number of points for each store.

The customer identification information, customer name, and customer registration date are generated when customer information for a new customer is generated. Specifically, the customer identification information is generated when the app is downloaded to the mobile terminal 30 from the transaction management device 15 or a specified server that provides general applications. The customer name is generated based on the information entered in the name field of the registration form (input form) of the mobile terminal 30, for example, when registering a new customer. The customer registration date is generated based on the current date and time when the new customer is registered.

(Store information)
Fig. 6(B) shows an example of store information. The store information is information for managing each store. As shown in Fig. 6(B), the store information includes store identification information, store name, store identification information 1 (information of a two-dimensional code), and store identification information 2 (location information).
The store identification information includes a store (trade name) or company code and a branch code.
The store name is the name of the store, and is composed of, for example, the store name (trade name) or company name and the branch name.

Store identification information 1 and 2 are information for identifying the store in which a transaction takes place (the store where goods are bought and sold). Store identification information 1 is, for example, two-dimensional code information. Store identification information 2 is location information (GPS information) that indicates the location of the store. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6(B), store identification information and store identification information 1 are stored separately, but since both are information that can uniquely identify a store, it is sufficient to store at least one of the pieces of information.

(Cart information)
Fig. 6(C) shows an example of cart information. The cart information is information about products registered by a customer at a store. As shown in Fig. 6(C), the cart information includes cart identification information, transaction start date and time, transaction end date and time, customer identification information, and registered product information.
The cart identification information is information for identifying the cart information. Specifically, the cart identification information includes store identification information, a date, and a serial number (for example, a serial number for each store for each date).

The transaction start date and time is the date and time when the transaction started, for example, the date and time when the cart information was generated. The transaction start date and time may be the registration date and time of one product, and specifically, may be the date and time when the registered product information (registered product 1) shown in FIG. 6 (C) was stored. Also, instead of or in addition to the transaction start date and time, the registration date and time for each product may be stored separately.

The transaction end date and time is the date and time when the transaction is ended, specifically, the date and time when the settlement is completed. For example, the transaction end date and time is the date and time when the settlement is completed, but may be the date and time when the settlement is started.
The customer identification information is information that uniquely identifies the customer who performs the transaction.

The registered product information (total) is cumulative information that is updated each time a product is registered. The registered product information (total) includes the number of products, the estimated subtotal amount, the subtotal amount, and the like.
Registered product information (registered product N: N is an integer) indicates the product registered in the Nth item. Registered product information N includes the product code, product name, price, and the registration date and time of the product. Specifically, registered product information (registered product 1) indicates the first item of product. Registered product information (registered product 2) indicates the second item of product. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6(C), registered product information for the third and subsequent items is omitted from the illustration.

Next, we will explain reserved product information that indicates reserved products. Reserved products are products that require confirmation by a store clerk. For example, reserved products are classified into categories such as unscanned products, NON file products, products that require age verification, products that require the removal of security tags, and medicines.

Unscanned products are products on hold that could not be registered due to a failed attempt to scan the product code (the scanner was not able to read it). For example, if the product packaging is wrinkled or the barcode is smudged or dirty, the barcode may not be recognized due to a timeout.

Here, the failure to recognize the barcode due to a timeout will be described in detail. The mobile terminal 30 is equipped with various sensors (e.g., a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, etc.) and can determine that a barcode is being read using the detection results of the various sensors and the image capture results of the camera 407. Specifically, the mobile terminal 30 can determine that a barcode is being read using the detection results of the various sensors when the mobile terminal 30 is tilted and a product is present at a certain distance away from the mobile terminal 30. Then, if the mobile terminal 30 determines that a barcode is being read but is unable to read it within a specified time, it will time out and identify the product as an unscanned product.

Unscanned products include, for example, products that have been put into the basket by pretending that the barcode of the product has been read. In other words, pending products that could not be read include products that may have been subject to fraudulent manipulation and require confirmation by a store clerk as to whether or not fraudulent manipulation has been performed. Fraudulent manipulation is detected, for example, using scan results that indicate whether or not the barcode has been scanned, image results from a camera that captures the inside of the shopping basket, and detection results that detect the total weight of the products in the shopping basket.

NON file products are products whose product code was successfully scanned (not classified as an unscanned product) and the product with that product code was queried from the product master, but the product could not be identified (the product query was not successful) and therefore could not be registered.

Products that require age verification are, for example, products that cannot be purchased by minors, such as alcohol and tobacco.
Products that require the removal of security tags are, for example, products that have security tags attached, such as products that cost more than a certain amount.
Pharmaceuticals, for example, are products that require explanation from a pharmacist.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the reserved item information (total) includes the number of reserved items (unscanned items, NON file items). Note that the illustration omits items that require age verification, items that require security tags to be removed, and pharmaceuticals.

Pending product information (pending product N: N is an integer) is information about the Nth pending product, and includes the pending product type of the Nth pending product. The pending product type is information that indicates the type of pending product. In this example, pending product type "1" indicates an unscanned product, and pending product type "2" indicates a NON file product. In addition, pending product information includes the registration date and time of the product.

In addition, pending product information for an unscanned product includes pending product type "1" as well as image data for the product (image data captured when the mobile device 30 reads the barcode). For example, pending product information (3) includes pending product type "1 (unscanned product)" and image data.

The pending product information for a NON file product includes the pending product type "2 (NON file product)" as well as the product code read by the mobile terminal 30. For example, pending product information (1) includes the pending product type "2 (NON file product)" as well as the product code.

(An example of a process for registering and paying for products for each mobile terminal 30)
7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing when registering and paying for products for each mobile terminal 30 in the shopping system 1. Note that Fig. 7 illustrates the flow from when a customer visits a store, registers a product to be purchased using his/her mobile terminal 30, to when the customer completes payment for the product at the POS terminal 20.

Step S601: First, the mobile terminal 30 acquires information that identifies a store (store identification information). Here, an example of how the store identification information is acquired will be described. For example, a two-dimensional code indicating the store identification information (store identification information 1) is displayed near the entrance of the store. The two-dimensional code may be displayed on a specified display device, or may be displayed by printing on a medium. When the app is started in response to an operation by a customer who visits the store, the function of the camera 407 of the mobile terminal 30 is started, and the two-dimensional code is scanned by the camera 407. This enables the mobile terminal 30 to acquire the store identification information. The two-dimensional code may include store identification information for identifying the store.

Note that another example of a mode of acquiring store-specific information is the acquisition of location information. For example, the mobile terminal 30 acquires location information (GPS information) in response to an operation by a customer who visits the store. This location information is information that replaces store-specific information. Note that the mobile terminal 30 may acquire location information and connect to the transaction management device 15 by starting this app in response to an operation by a customer who visits the store, and may display a screen as an initial screen informing the user that they are currently connected to the transaction management device 15.

The mobile terminal 30, which has acquired the store-specific information, requests the transaction management device 15 to start a transaction. Specifically, the mobile terminal transmits the acquired store-specific information and customer identification information to the transaction management device 15, as shown in the transmission and reception data D1 in FIG. 7.

Step S602: When the transaction management device 15 receives customer identification information and store identification information as a request to start a transaction from the mobile terminal 30, it generates cart information for the transaction. Specifically, the transaction management device 15 generates cart identification information, transaction start date and time, and customer identification information, as shown in FIG. 6 (C). More specifically, when the transaction management device 15 receives store identification information and customer identification information as a request to start a transaction from the mobile terminal 30, it refers to the store information (see FIG. 6 (B)) to identify the store identification information. Note that, when the transaction management device 15 receives location information from the mobile terminal 30, it refers to store identification information 2 of the store information to identify the store identification information corresponding to the location information. Note that, when the two-dimensional code includes the store identification information, the transaction management device 15 can also obtain the store identification information by combining the received two-dimensional code.

When the transaction management device 15 receives a request to start a transaction (store specific information and customer identification information) from the mobile terminal 30, it obtains the current date and issues (assigns) a serial number. Furthermore, the transaction management device 15 combines the obtained store identification information, the obtained current date, and the issued serial number and stores them as cart identification information. When the transaction management device 15 receives a request to start a transaction from the mobile terminal 30, it stores the current date and time as the transaction start date and time (generation date and time) in the cart information. When the transaction management device 15 receives a request to start a transaction from the mobile terminal 30, it stores the customer identification information received from the mobile terminal 30 as the customer identification information in the cart information.

Step S603: When the transaction management device 15 generates the cart information for the transaction, it generates product registration initial screen information (screen information for the product registration screen, which is the initial screen) and transmits it to the mobile terminal 30. Specifically, the transaction management device 15 transmits cart identification information to the mobile terminal 30 along with the product registration initial screen information (transmission/reception data D2 in FIG. 7).

Step S604: When the mobile terminal 30 receives the cart identification information and the product registration initial screen information from the transaction management device 15, it stores the cart identification information and displays the product registration initial screen on the display 409.

Step S605: In response to the customer's operation, the mobile terminal 30 scans the barcode attached to the product and reads the product code. If the barcode scan is successful, the mobile terminal 30 transmits the read product code and cart identification information to the transaction management device 15 (see transmission/reception data D3 in Figure 7). If the product indicated by the read product code is, for example, a reserved product such as an unscanned product, the cart identification information and information indicating the reserved product are transmitted as transmission/reception data D3.

Step S606: When the transaction management device 15 receives the product code and cart identification information from the mobile terminal 30, it identifies the cart information that includes the received cart identification information.

Step S607: The transaction management device 15 updates the registered product information included in the identified cart information. Specifically, when the transaction management device 15 receives the product code of the Nth item, it stores the registered product information (registered product N) indicated by the product code. Specifically, the transaction management device 15 stores the registered product information (registered product N) by associating the product code, product name, and price. In addition, the transaction management device 15 updates the cumulative information (cumulative number of items, subtotal amount, etc.) of the registered product information from the identified cart information.

If the product is discounted, the discount amount may be calculated in step S607 to calculate the price of the registered product information and the subtotal amount of the cumulative information. If the tax rate varies for each product, the price of the registered product information and the subtotal amount of the cumulative information may be calculated in step S607 taking into account the tax rate for each product.

Step S608: When the transaction management device 15 updates the registered product information in the cart, it generates product registration update screen information (screen information showing the update screen to which the registered products are added) and transmits it to the mobile terminal 30. At this time, the transaction management device 15 transmits cart identification information to the mobile terminal 30 along with the product registration update screen information (transmission/reception data D4 in FIG. 7).

Step S609: When the mobile terminal 30 receives the cart identification information and product registration update screen information from the transaction management device 15, it displays the product registration update screen with the product added to the registration screen. Note that, although not shown in FIG. 7 for ease of explanation, the processing of steps S605 to S609 is repeatedly executed each time the barcode attached to the product is scanned. In other words, the processing of steps S605 to S609 loops until an instruction to complete registration is received in step S610, which will be described later.

Step S610: The mobile terminal 30 accepts an instruction to complete registration through an operation by the customer. For example, the mobile terminal 30 accepts an instruction to complete registration by pressing a button (registration completion button) that is displayed on the display 409 to complete registration.

Step S611: When the mobile terminal 30 receives an instruction to complete registration, it generates a two-dimensional code for settlement. The two-dimensional code for settlement contains various information required for performing settlement processing at the POS terminal 20 (e.g., cart identification information, an instruction to start settlement, etc.). When the mobile terminal 30 generates the two-dimensional code for settlement, it displays the generated two-dimensional code for settlement on the display 409.

Step S612: After completing the product registration, the customer goes to the POS terminal 20 and has the customer-side scanner unit 206 of the POS terminal 20 scan the two-dimensional code for payment displayed on the display 409 of the mobile terminal 30. This enables the POS terminal 20 to obtain cart identification information.

Step S613: When the POS terminal 20 reads the two-dimensional settlement code displayed on the display 409 of the mobile terminal 30, it requests the transaction management device 15 to calculate the subtotal. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 transmits subtotal calculation request information indicating a request to calculate the subtotal, and the cart identification information restored from the two-dimensional settlement code to the transaction management device 15 (transmission/reception data D5 in FIG. 7).

Step S614: When the transaction management device 15 receives the cart identification information and the sub-calculation output request information from the POS terminal 20, it identifies the cart information including the received cart identification information.
Step S615: When the transaction management device 15 identifies the cart information, it calculates the subtotal amount (registered product information (total)) included in the cart information.

Step S616: The transaction management device 15 transmits subtotal information indicating the calculated subtotal amount together with the cart identification information and registered product information to the POS terminal 20 (transmission/reception data D6 in FIG. 7). If there are pending products in the identified cart information, transmission/reception data D6 including information on the pending products is transmitted to the POS terminal 20.

Step S617: When the POS terminal 20 receives the subtotal information from the transaction management device 15, it displays a list of the transaction information on the customer display unit 205. If there are pending items in the list, the subtotal amount excluding the pending items may be displayed, or the subtotal amount may not be displayed. If there are pending items, a store clerk is called. In this case, the POS terminal 20 transmits, for example, to the monitoring terminal 11 or a terminal device carried by the store clerk, information indicating that there are pending items and notification information to send a store clerk to the POS terminal 20.

Step S618: The POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process. In the settlement process, the POS terminal 20 accepts the selection of the payment type. The payment type may be pre-registered in the app. If the payment type is registered, the POS terminal 20 does not need to display a payment type selection screen. Even if the payment type is registered, the POS terminal 20 may display a screen for selecting the payment type.

In addition, in the settlement process, the POS terminal 20, for example, accepts the insertion of cash, dispenses change, and issues a receipt. The POS terminal 20 then transmits information indicating the settlement details and cart information to the transaction management device 15. The transaction management device 15 then stores the transaction end date and time (settlement date and time) of the cart information. In this way, the series of processes is completed.

(An example of a process performed by the POS terminal 20 during self-payment)
Next, an example of the process performed by the POS terminal 20 during self-payment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the process performed by the POS terminal 20 during payment. In Fig. 8, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the display of transaction information has started (step S801). The display of transaction information starts when, for example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 reads a two-dimensional code for payment.

When the POS terminal 20 is controlled in the full self-service mode, the display of transaction information begins when the registration complete button is pressed. When the POS terminal 20 is controlled in the accounting-only mode, the display of transaction information begins when registration information (transaction information) is received from another POS terminal 20 or the code on the accounting ticket is read.

The POS terminal 20 waits until the transaction information starts to be displayed (step S801: NO). When the transaction information starts to be displayed (step S801: YES), the POS terminal 20 refers to the transaction information and determines whether there are any reserved items (step S802). If there are no reserved items (step S802: NO), the POS terminal 20 displays a list display screen (see FIG. 10(B)) of the items indicated by the transaction information on the customer side display unit 205 (step S803).

The POS terminal 20 then displays the list display screen including a Start Checkout button (step S804). Next, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the Call Store Attendant button has been pressed (step S805). If the Call Store Attendant button has not been pressed (step S805: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S814. On the other hand, if the Call Store Attendant button has been pressed (step S805: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a confirmation button on the customer-side display unit 205 to receive confirmation from the customer that a store clerk has been called (step S806).

The POS terminal 20 then determines whether the Confirm button has been pressed (step S807). The POS terminal 20 waits until the Confirm button is pressed (step S807: NO). On the other hand, if the Confirm button is pressed (step S807: YES), the POS terminal 20 erases the Confirm button (step S808). After this, the POS terminal 20 hides the Checkout Start button from the list display screen (step S809).

The POS terminal 20 then displays a call cancel button (call cancel button 1101 in FIG. 11A) on the customer side display unit 205 to cancel the call to the store clerk (step S810). Next, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the call cancel button has been pressed (step S811). If the call cancel button has been pressed (step S811: YES), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S813. On the other hand, if the call cancel button has not been pressed (step S811: NO), the POS terminal 20 determines whether a store clerk operation has been detected, including an operation related to store clerk authentication or an operation related to modifying a registered product (step S812).

If no operation by a store clerk is detected (step S812: NO), the POS terminal 20 returns to step S811. On the other hand, if an operation by a store clerk is detected (step S812: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a Start Checkout button on the list display screen (step S813). The POS terminal 20 then determines whether or not the Start Checkout button has been pressed (step S814). If the Start Checkout button has not been pressed (step S814: NO), the POS terminal 20 returns to step S805.

If the checkout start button is pressed (step S814: YES), the POS terminal 20 performs the checkout process (step S815) and ends the series of processes. In step S802, if there are pending products (step S802: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a confirmation button on the customer side display unit 205 to receive confirmation from the customer that a store clerk is being called (step S816).

The POS terminal 20 then determines whether the confirmation button has been pressed (step S817). The POS terminal 20 waits until the confirmation button is pressed (step S817: NO). On the other hand, if the confirmation button is pressed (step S817: YES), the POS terminal 20 erases the confirmation button (step S818). The POS terminal 20 then displays a list display screen of the products indicated by the transaction information on the customer side display unit 205 (step S819).

Next, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not a clerk operation, including an operation related to clerk authentication and an operation related to modifying a registered product, has been detected (step S820). The POS terminal 20 waits until a clerk operation is detected (step S820: NO). If a clerk operation is detected (step S820: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a checkout start button on the list display screen (step S821) and proceeds to step S814.

(Example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 30)
Next, an example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display 409 of the mobile terminal 30.

Figure 9 (A) shows a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 30 when registering a product. As shown in Figure 9 (A), the display 409 of the mobile terminal 30 displays an imaging area 901, a total display area 902, a registration completion button 903, and a registered product display area 904.

The imaging area 901 is an area where the barcode attached to the product can be imaged using the function of the camera 407 of the mobile terminal 30. The total display area 902 is an area that shows the total number of registered products and the total price. The registration completion button 903 is a button that is used to complete registration and to accept instructions to carry out the payment procedure. The registered product display area 904 is an area that displays the product name, quantity, price, etc. of the registered product. The registered products are displayed in the order in which they were registered in the registered product display area 904.

When the registration completion button 903 is pressed in FIG. 9(A), the mobile terminal 30 transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 9(B). FIG. 9(B) shows the screen when a two-dimensional settlement code 921 is displayed on the mobile terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 9(B), a guidance display area 920, the two-dimensional settlement code 921, and a registration return button 922 are displayed on the display 409 of the mobile terminal 30.

The guidance display area 920 displays guidance to have the POS terminal 20 read the two-dimensional checkout code 1321. The two-dimensional checkout code 921 is a coded version of the cart identification information of the mobile terminal 30 and information for requesting the transaction management device 15 to start checkout. The return to registration button 922 is a button that accepts returning to the screen where the product can be scanned (the screen in FIG. 9(A)).

When the two-dimensional settlement code 921 is read by the POS terminal 40, the settlement process can be executed at the POS terminal 20.

(Example of screen transition displayed on the customer side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 during self-payment)
Next, an example of screen transitions displayed on the customer side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 during self-checkout will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. Figures 10 to 12 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of screen transitions displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are no reserved products.

Figure 10 (A) shows a guide screen 1000. The guide screen 1000 is a screen that prompts the customer-side scanner unit 206 to read the two-dimensional settlement code 921. When the customer has the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the two-dimensional settlement code displayed on the mobile terminal 30 on the guide screen 1000 shown in Figure 10 (A), the screen transitions to a list display screen 1010 shown in Figure 10 (B).

The transition to the list display screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10(B) does not necessarily occur when the two-dimensional settlement code 921 is read. For example, when the POS terminal 20 is controlled in full self-service mode, the screen also transitions to the list display screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10(B) when the registration completion button, indicating that product registration is complete, is pressed. In addition, when the POS terminal 20 is controlled in accounting-only mode, the screen also transitions to the list display screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10(B) when registration information is received from another POS terminal 20 or when the code of a bill issued by another POS terminal 20 is read.

Figure 10 (B) shows a transaction information list display screen 1010. The list display screen 1010 shown in Figure 10 (B) includes a transaction information display 1011, a checkout start button 1012, a call store clerk button 1013, and a sort button 1014. The transaction information display 1011 shows the product name, number of items purchased, and purchase price for each registered product, as well as the total number of items and total price for the various registered products.

The transaction information display 1011 has a larger display area than the registered product display area 904 (see FIG. 9(A)) displayed on the display 409 of the mobile terminal 30, making it easier for customers to see. Because the transaction information display 1011 is displayed with good visibility in this way, customers can easily check the products they have registered. The transaction information display 1011 is displayed, for example, in descending order of purchase price.

The start checkout button 1012 is a button that accepts the start of the checkout process from the customer. The call staff button 1013 is a button that accepts the customer's request to call a staff member. The sort button 1014 is a button that accepts a change in the order of the products displayed in the transaction information display 1011. The screen that appears when the sort button 1014 is pressed will be described later with reference to FIG. 16.

To explain the products displayed on the transaction information display 1011 in FIG. 10(B) in more detail, four products are registered on the transaction information display 1011. Specifically, the most expensive product, "XX sausage," is displayed at the top. The next most expensive product, "XX cheese," is displayed below "XX sausage." The next most expensive product, "XX meat sauce," is displayed below "XX cheese." Furthermore, the cheapest product, "XX medium-thick sauce," is displayed below "XX meat sauce." The customer checks the transaction information display 1011, and if there is no difference between the registered product and the product to be actually purchased, the customer presses the checkout start button 1012. When the checkout start button 1012 is pressed, the POS terminal 20 is able to carry out the checkout process.

On the other hand, if the customer checks the transaction information display 1011 and finds that there is a discrepancy between the registered product and the product that is actually purchased, corrections are required. This correction requires the action of a store clerk. As a specific example, suppose that a customer checks the transaction information display 1011 and realizes that only one item of "XX meat sauce" has been registered, even though they intended to register three items. In this case, the customer presses the store clerk call button 1013 to call a store clerk.

When the store clerk call button 1013 is pressed, the screen transitions to a confirmation screen 1020 shown in FIG. 10 (C). FIG. 10 (C) shows the confirmation screen 1020. The confirmation screen 1202 is a screen in which a notification display 1021 and a confirmation button 1022 are superimposed on the list display screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10 (B). The notification display 1021 shows a notification that a store clerk is being called. The confirmation button 1022 is a button that accepts confirmation from the customer that a store clerk is being called.

Although the confirmation screen 1020 displays the transaction information display 1011 in the background, it is displayed with reduced visibility compared to the transaction information display 1011 shown in FIG. 10(B). Also, the confirmation screen 1020 does not display the settlement start button 1012 that was displayed in FIG. 10(B). When the customer presses the confirmation button 1022 on the confirmation screen 1020 shown in FIG. 10(C), the screen transitions to the list display screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11(A).

Figure 11 (A) shows a transaction information list display screen 1100. The list display screen 1100 shown in Figure 11 (A) differs from the list display screen 1010 shown in Figure 10 (B) mainly in that the Start Settlement button 1012 is not displayed, and the Call Staff button 1013 is not displayed. Also, on the list display screen 1100, a Cancel Call button 1101 is displayed instead of the Call Staff button 1013. The Cancel Call button 1101 is a button for canceling a call to a staff member.

The checkout start button 1012 is not displayed on the list display screen 1100. Therefore, the checkout process cannot be performed in this state. Furthermore, on the list display screen 1100, the transaction information display 1011 is displayed with the same visibility as the list display screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10(B). Therefore, the customer can check the transaction information while waiting for the store clerk to arrive.

In addition, the sort button 1014 also continues to be displayed in FIG. 11(A). That is, the sort button 1014 is displayed regardless of whether the checkout start button 1012 is displayed (whether or not prohibition control is enabled). In this embodiment, when the store clerk call button 1013 is pressed, even if the list display of transaction information is displayed in the order of registration, the priority order of the list display is displayed as high-priced items → low-priced items. However, until the store clerk arrives, the customer can press the sort button 1014 to change the sorting to one that is easier for the customer to understand and check the transaction information.

In addition, if the sorting is changed, when a store clerk visits the POS terminal 20, the sorting may be restored to the order according to the priority. The order may be restored to the order according to the priority automatically or manually by the store clerk. An automatic switch is, for example, a switch performed by the store clerk having the store clerk scanner unit 212 read the store clerk code. A manual switch is, for example, a switch performed by the store clerk operating the sort button 1014. Note that when performing a manual switch, the sort button 1014 may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.

The sort button 1014 may be enabled or disabled depending on whether the checkout start button 1012 is displayed (whether or not prohibition control is in place). For example, the sort button 1014 may be disabled when the checkout start button 1012 is not displayed (when prohibition control is in place). Disabling the sort button 1014 may involve hiding the sort button 1014, or may involve displaying the sort button 1014 but disabling pressing the sort button 1014.

Furthermore, when the call cancel button 1101 is pressed on the list display screen 1100, the call to the store clerk is cancelled and the screen returns to the list display screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10 (B). That is, when the call cancel button 1101 is pressed, the payment start button 1012 is displayed. Furthermore, when the call cancel button 1101 is pressed, the call to the store clerk is also cancelled. In this way, even if a customer accidentally presses the store clerk call button 1013, the payment process can be started and the call to the store clerk can be cancelled.

When a store clerk arrives at the POS terminal 20 while the list display screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11(A) is displayed, and, for example, the POS terminal 20 reads the store clerk code on the store clerk's name tag, the screen transitions to the correction start screen 1110 shown in FIG. 11(B).

Figure 11 (B) shows the start of revision screen 1110. The start of revision screen 1110 shown in Figure 11 (B) is a screen that accepts the selection of each product shown in the transaction information display 1011. For example, if the store clerk selects "XX meat sauce" shown in the transaction information display 1011, the screen transitions to the revision screen 1120 shown in Figure 11 (C).

Figure 11 (C) shows the correction screen 1120. The correction screen 1120 shown in Figure 11 (C) is a screen that accepts corrections to the product shown in the transaction information display 1011. Specifically, the correction screen 1120 accepts changes to the quantity, cancellation of the product, changes to the product (PLU code: price look up code), etc. When the store clerk changes the quantity, the screen transitions to the correction screen 1200 shown in Figure 12 (A).

Figure 12 (A) shows the correction screen 1200. The correction screen 1200 shown in Figure 12 (A) shows the screen when the quantity is changed to "3". When the store clerk presses the confirm button 1201 on the correction screen 1200, the screen transitions to the list display screen 1210 shown in Figure 12 (B).

Figure 12 (B) shows the list display screen 1210. The list display screen 1210 shown in Figure 12 (B) shows a screen reflecting the corrections made by the store clerk. The list display screen 1210 displays the same items as the list display screen 1010 shown in Figure 10 (B). Specifically, the Start Checkout button 1012 and the Call Store Clerk button 1013 are displayed again. Note that, since it is clear that a store clerk has come to the POS terminal 20 in Figure 12 (B), the Call Store Clerk button 1013 does not need to be displayed. When the customer presses the Start Checkout button 1012 on the list display screen 1210, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Figure 12 (C).

Figure 12 (C) shows a payment type selection screen 1220. The selection screen 1220 shown in Figure 12 (C) includes selection buttons 1221 (1221a, 1221b, 1221c) that accept the selection of a payment type. When any of the selection buttons 1221 is pressed, settlement is initiated with the payment type indicated by the pressed selection button 1221.

(An example of screen transition displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are reserved products)
Figures 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 when there are reserved products. Figure 13(A) shows a guide screen 1000 similar to Figure 10(A). When a customer has the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the two-dimensional settlement code displayed on the mobile terminal 30 on the guide screen 1000 shown in Figure 13(A), if there are reserved products, the screen transitions to a confirmation screen 1300 shown in Figure 13(B).

FIG. 13(B) shows a confirmation screen 1300. The confirmation screen 1300 includes a notification display 1301 and a confirmation button 1302. The notification display 1301 shows a notification that a store clerk is being called. The confirmation button 1302 is a button for receiving confirmation from the customer that a store clerk is being called.

Here, the list display screen is displayed in the background of the confirmation screen 1300, but the visibility is reduced. When the customer presses the confirmation button 1302 on the confirmation screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13(B), the screen transitions to the list display screen 1310 shown in FIG. 13(C).

Figure 13 (C) shows a transaction information list display screen 1310. The list display screen 1310 shown in Figure 13 (C) includes a transaction information display 1311. In addition to showing pending products, the transaction information display 1311 shows the product name, number of items purchased, and purchase price for each registered product, as well as the total number of items and total price for the various registered products.

Compared to the registered product display area 904 (see FIG. 9(A)) displayed on the display 409 of the mobile terminal 30, the transaction information display 1311 has a larger display area and is easier for the customer to see. Because the transaction information display 1311 is displayed with good visibility in this way, the customer can easily check the products that he or she has registered. Furthermore, the transaction information display 1311 is displayed with better visibility than the transaction information display displayed in the background of the confirmation screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13(B). This allows the customer to easily check the transaction information. For example, the transaction information display 1311 gives the highest priority to pending products, followed by products with the highest purchase price.

To explain in more detail about the products displayed in the transaction information display 1311 in FIG. 13(C), four products are registered in the transaction information display 1311 in FIG. 13(C). Specifically, the reserved products "NON file product" and the reserved product "unscanned product" are displayed at the top, followed by the more expensive "XX curry", and finally "XX ramen".

The checkout start button is not displayed on the list display screen 1310. Therefore, in this state, the checkout process cannot be performed. Although the sort button is not displayed in FIG. 13(C), the sort button may be displayed. That is, even if there are pending products, the customer may press the sort button to change the sorting to an easier-to-understand sorting for the customer and to check the transaction information until the store clerk arrives. In addition, when the sorting is changed in this way, when the store clerk visits the POS terminal 20, the order may be returned to the order according to the priority. The order may be returned to the order according to the priority automatically by reading the store clerk code, or manually by the store clerk pressing the sort button.

When a store clerk arrives at the POS terminal 20 while the list display screen 1310 shown in FIG. 13(C) is displayed, and, for example, the POS terminal 20 reads the store clerk code on the store clerk's name tag, the screen transitions to the correction start screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14(A).

Figure 14 (A) shows the correction start screen 1400. The correction start screen 1400 shown in Figure 14 (A) is a screen that accepts the selection of each product, including the reserved product, shown in the transaction information display 1311. For example, if the store clerk selects "unscanned product" from among the reserved products, the screen transitions to the correction screen 1410 shown in Figure 14 (B).

Fig. 14 (B) shows the correction screen 1410. The correction screen 1410 shown in Fig. 14 (B) shows an input screen for the barcodes of unscanned products. The barcodes are input by the store clerk. Specifically, the barcodes may be input by scanning with the store clerk's scanner unit 212, or may be input by operation using the key operation unit 211. When the registration of all reserved products is completed and the store clerk presses the confirm button 1401, the screen transitions to the list display screen 1420 shown in Fig. 14 (C).

Figure 14 (C) shows a list display screen 1420. The list display screen 1420 shown in Figure 14 (C) shows a screen reflecting the registration contents of the reserved items by the store clerk. The list display screen 1420 includes a transaction information display 1311, a checkout start button 1421, and a sort button 1014. The display mode of the "reserved items" shown in the transaction information display 1311 is different from the display mode before the registration contents by the store clerk are reflected (Figure 13 (C)). Note that since there are reserved items among the registered items, a store clerk has been called, and since it is clear that a store clerk is near the POS terminal 20, the list display screen 1420 does not include a store clerk call button 1013. However, the list display screen 1420 may also include the store clerk call button 1013.

When the customer presses the Start Settlement button 1421 on the list display screen 1420, the payment type selection screen 1220 (Figure 12 (C)) is displayed. Then, settlement of the details shown in the transaction information display 1311 is started using the payment type accepted from the customer.

(Processing related to the order of products shown in the transaction information display 1011)
Next, a process for sorting the products shown in the transaction information display 1011 (see FIG. 16(A)) will be described with reference to FIG.
Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of a process performed by the POS terminal 20 regarding the order of products shown on the transaction information display 1011. In Fig. 15, the POS terminal 20 judges whether the display of transaction information has started (step S1501). The display of transaction information is started, for example, when the customer side scanner unit 206 reads a two-dimensional code for settlement.

The POS terminal 20 waits until the transaction information starts to be displayed (step S1501: NO). When the transaction information starts to be displayed (step S1501: YES), the POS terminal 20 refers to the transaction information and determines whether there are any reserved items (step S1502). If there are no reserved items (step S1502: NO), the POS terminal 20 displays the order of priority as high-price items → low-price items (step S1503), specifically, the higher the price of the item, the higher the item is displayed at the top of the transaction information display 1011, and proceeds to step S1506.

On the other hand, if there are reserved items (step S1502: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays the priority order as reserved items → high-priced items → low-priced items (step S1504). Specifically, the reserved items are displayed at the top of the transaction information display 1011, followed by items with higher prices at the top and the lowest priced item at the bottom. The POS terminal 20 then determines whether the store clerk has finished registering the reserved items (step S1505).

The POS terminal 20 waits until the store clerk finishes registering the reserved items (step S1505: NO). On the other hand, when the store clerk finishes registering the reserved items (step S1505: YES), the POS terminal 20 determines whether the sort button 1014 (see FIG. 16(A)) has been pressed, i.e., whether a change in sorting has been accepted (step S1506).

If a change in sorting is accepted in step S1506 (step S1506: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays the transaction information display 1011 in the accepted sorting order (step S1507) and proceeds to step S1511. On the other hand, if a change in sorting is not accepted (step S1506: NO), the POS terminal 20 determines whether the store clerk call button 1013 (see FIG. 16(A)) has been pressed, i.e., whether a call to a store clerk has been accepted (step S1508).

If the request to call a store clerk is not accepted (step S1508: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S1511. If the request to call a store clerk is accepted (step S1508: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays the list of transaction information in the order of priority from high-price items to low-price items (step S1509), even if the list of transaction information is displayed in the order of registration, and specifically, the higher the price of the item, the higher the item is displayed at the top of the transaction information display 1011. However, even if the request to call a store clerk is accepted, the sorting can be changed by the customer's operation.

The POS terminal 20 then determines whether the clerk operation screen has been completed (step S1510). The clerk operation screen is, for example, the series of screens shown in Figs. 10(C) to 12(A) or the series of screens shown in Figs. 13(B) to 14(B). The clerk operation screen is completed when the clerk has completed the correction operation or when the call cancel button 1101 (see Fig. 11(A)) is pressed.

The POS terminal 20 waits until the clerk's operation screen is finished (step S1510: NO). When the clerk's operation screen is finished (step S1510: YES), the POS terminal 20 judges whether the settlement is finished or not (step S1511). If the settlement is not finished (step S1511: NO), the POS terminal 20 returns to step S1506. If the settlement is finished (step S1511: YES), the POS terminal 20 ends the series of processes.

(An example of a screen transition when the sort button 1014 is pressed)
Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the transition of a screen displayed on the POS terminal 20 when the sort button 1014 is pressed. Fig. 16(A) is a screen similar to the list display screen 1010 shown in Fig. 10(B). When the sort button 1014 is pressed in Fig. 16(A), the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 16(B).

Figure 16 (B) shows a sorting change acceptance screen 1600. The change acceptance screen 1600 includes a registration order button 1601 and a department button 1602. The registration order button 1601 is a button that accepts displaying the products in the order in which they were registered on the mobile terminal 30. The department button 1602 is a button that accepts displaying the products by department, such as vegetables, fish, meat, prepared foods, beverages, sweets, daily necessities, etc.

When the registration order button 1601 is pressed in FIG. 16(B), the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 16(C). In FIG. 16(C), the transaction information display 1011 is displayed in the order in which the customer registered the products using the mobile terminal 30. Note that the transaction information display 1011 may also include an indication of the time the products were registered and a number indicating the order in which the products were registered.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the call clerk button 1013 (see FIG. 10B) is pressed, the start checkout button 1012 is disabled (hidden) and the transaction information display 1011 is displayed. This makes it possible to prevent the checkout process from proceeding when the call clerk button 1013 is pressed. If the checkout process is proceeded as in the past, work depending on the correction content, such as a refund work or work to prompt the payment of an additional amount, may occur. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent such work from occurring, that is, it is possible to prevent the clerk from being bothered. In addition, while the checkout process cannot proceed, the customer can check the transaction information on the screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205, which has better visibility than the screen displayed on the mobile terminal 30. In other words, the customer can make effective use of the time while the checkout process cannot proceed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the checkout can be performed efficiently.

In addition, in this embodiment, the checkout start button 1012 can be enabled (displayed) when the clerk has completed the corrections or when the clerk code has been read. This allows the clerk to have the customer carry out the checkout procedure after confirming the transaction information. Therefore, the checkout can be carried out appropriately.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the call clerk button 1013 is pressed, the cancel call button 1101 is displayed, and when the cancel call button 1101 is pressed, the start checkout button 1012 is enabled (displayed). This allows the customer to proceed with the checkout process by pressing the cancel call button 1101 even if they accidentally press the call clerk button 1013.

In addition, in this embodiment, the display of the start checkout button 1012 is controlled based on whether or not the acceptance of a request to start checkout is prohibited. This allows the customer to recognize whether or not the acceptance of a request to start checkout is prohibited by the display of the start checkout button 1012. This makes it possible to prevent a customer from making an erroneous operation such as pressing the start checkout button 1012 when the acceptance of a request to start checkout is prohibited.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the acceptance of the start of settlement is prohibited, the order of the displayed list of transaction information can be changed. This allows the order of transaction information to be changed to one that is easy for customers and store clerks to confirm. This not only increases the deterrent effect of preventing fraudulent activities, but also discourages customers from purchasing products that have been registered by mistake.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the transaction information registered by the mobile terminal 30 includes a reserved item, the start of settlement is prohibited from being accepted. This makes it possible to prevent the settlement process from proceeding as is when there is a reserved item.

(Modification of the embodiment)
Modifications of the embodiment are described below. In the following modifications, the contents described in the above-described embodiment are omitted as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, when there are no reserved items, the priority order in the list display is set to be high-priced items → low-priced items. In addition to or instead of this configuration, in a modification, when there are no reserved items, the display may not be set to high-priced items → low-priced items, since it is unlikely that a store clerk will check the items when there are no reserved items. For example, when there are no reserved items, the POS terminal 20 may display the items in the list display in the order of registration.

Specifically, when the registered product information received from the transaction management device 15 at the time of settlement does not include information indicating pending products, the POS terminal 20 may display the products in the list display in the order in which they were registered. In the modified example, a sort button 1014 (FIG. 16(C)) may also be displayed, and when the sort button 1014 is pressed, the display may be switched to one according to priority or by department. When there are no pending products, the POS terminal 20 may display the products in the list display not only in the order in which they were registered, but also by department.

In addition, the order of products may be stored for each customer, and the POS terminal 20 may display the list display in an order appropriate to the customer. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 transmits to the transaction management device 15 sort information indicating the order of products currently displayed, or, if the order of products is set by a setting operation performed by the customer, sort information set by the setting operation, in association with the cart identification information. The transaction management device 15 identifies customer identification information from the cart identification information, and stores the sort information in association with the identified customer identification information. Then, at the time of payment from the next time onwards, the POS terminal 20 may receive the sort information from the transaction management device 15 along with the registered product information, and display the list display in the order based on the sort information.

According to this modified example, the list screen displayed on the POS terminal 20 can be changed depending on whether or not there are any reserved items. For example, when there is a low possibility of calling a store clerk, the list can be displayed in an order that is easy for the customer to see. This allows the customer to quickly check the registered items, thereby shortening the time required for the entire payment process. This allows for more efficient payment.

The embodiments will be summarized below.
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an account settlement system and a program.
[Background technology]
In recent years, so-called self-checkout registers, where customers register products and then make payments, have become widespread. For example, there is known a self-checkout register where a customer registers products using a mobile terminal carried by the customer and then makes the payment at a payment device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). To be more specific, for example, a barcode read in response to a customer's operation is transmitted from the mobile terminal to a server, and the server registers the products. Then, when the registration of all the products is completed, a code corresponding to the registered contents is displayed on the mobile terminal and read by a scanner of the payment device to make the payment.
In such self-service systems, for example, when the quantity of a product actually purchased differs from the quantity registered, it may be necessary to correct the registered details at the time of payment. In such a case, the customer operates a button to call a store clerk, and the clerk makes the correction.
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Documents]
[Patent Document 1] JP 2016-219034 A [Summary of the Invention]
[Problem to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional technology, if the payment process is performed with the content before the correction after the operation to call a store clerk is performed, the store clerk may then have to perform work according to the content of the correction, such as a refund. Therefore, in the conventional technology, there is a problem that the store clerk may have to take time and effort, and may not be able to perform the payment efficiently.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique that enables efficient settlement.
[Means for solving the problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a settlement system comprising a start acceptance means for accepting the start of settlement, a call acceptance means for accepting a call from a store clerk, a prohibition control means for controlling the start acceptance means to prohibit acceptance of the start of settlement when the call is accepted by the call acceptance means, and a display control means for displaying the transaction information when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control.
According to the above configuration, when the call for the store clerk is accepted, the acceptance of the start of the settlement can be prohibited, so that the settlement process cannot be continued. This can prevent the trouble of the conventional technology in which the settlement process is allowed to proceed by performing the work according to the correction (refund work or work to encourage the payment of the additional amount). In addition, while the settlement process cannot proceed, the customer can check the transaction information on a screen with better visibility than the screen displayed on the registration device (e.g., a mobile terminal). In other words, the customer can effectively use the time while the settlement process cannot proceed. Therefore, the settlement can be performed efficiently.
In the above configuration, the device may further comprise a detection means for detecting an operation by a store clerk, and the prohibition control means may cancel the prohibition control when the detection means detects an operation by the store clerk.
According to the above configuration, when the clerk completes the correction operation, the acceptance of the start of the settlement can be canceled. In other words, the clerk can have the customer carry out the settlement procedure after confirming the transaction information. Therefore, the settlement can be carried out appropriately.
In the above configuration, a cancellation accepting means may be provided which accepts a cancellation of the call when the call is accepted by the call accepting means, and the prohibition control means may release the prohibition control when the cancellation is accepted by the cancellation accepting means.
According to the above configuration, if the call to the store clerk is canceled, the acceptance of the start of the settlement can be canceled. This allows the settlement process to proceed even if the customer accidentally presses the cancellation acceptance means (for example, the store clerk call button).
In the above configuration, the start acceptance means may accept the start of settlement by display, and the display control means may control the display of the start acceptance means based on whether or not the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control.
According to the above configuration, the display of the start reception means (e.g., the checkout start button) allows the customer to recognize whether or not the acceptance of the start of checkout is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the customer from erroneously operating the start reception means when the acceptance of the start of checkout is prohibited.
In the above configuration, the display control means may display the transaction information in a list, and may include a change receiving means for receiving a change to the order of the list display when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control.
According to the above configuration, the order of transaction information can be changed to one that is easy for customers and store clerks to confirm, which can enhance the deterrent effect of preventing fraudulent activities and also prevent customers from purchasing products that have been registered by mistake.
In the above configuration, a registration device that performs the registration may be provided, and the prohibition control means may perform the prohibition control when the transaction information registered by the registration device includes information that requires confirmation by a store clerk.
According to the above configuration, if the transaction information includes information that requires confirmation by a store clerk (for example, information indicating a reserved product), it is possible to prevent the settlement process from proceeding as is.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in a settlement system that settles registered transaction information to function as a start reception means for receiving a start of settlement, a call reception means for receiving a call from a store clerk, a prohibition control means for performing control to prohibit the start reception means from accepting the start of settlement when the call is received by the call reception means, and a display control means for displaying the transaction information when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control.
According to the above configuration, when the call for the store clerk is accepted, the acceptance of the start of the settlement can be prohibited, so that the settlement process cannot be continued. This can prevent the trouble of the conventional technology in which the settlement process is allowed to proceed by performing the work according to the correction (refund work or work to encourage the payment of the additional amount). In addition, while the settlement process cannot proceed, the customer can check the transaction information on a screen with better visibility than the screen displayed on the registration device (e.g., a mobile terminal). In other words, the customer can effectively use the time while the settlement process cannot proceed. Therefore, the settlement can be performed efficiently.

In the above description, the POS terminal 20 is described as having a start reception unit, a call reception unit, a prohibition control unit, a display control unit, a detection unit, a cancellation reception unit, and a change reception unit. However, these functional units may be provided in other computer devices. For example, these functional units may be provided in the store controller 10, the monitoring terminal 11, or other computer devices. That is, the POS terminal 20 may disable the checkout start button 1012 when the store clerk call button 1013 is pressed based on an instruction from the other computer device. In addition, the number of computer devices equipped with these functional units is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, some of these functional units may be provided in one computer device, and other functional units may be provided in other computer devices.

The programs for implementing the shopping system 1, POS terminal 20, and mobile terminal 30 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs 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).

Reference Signs List 1 Shopping system 10 Store controller 11 Monitoring terminal 15 Transaction management device 20 POS terminal 30 Portable terminal 40 POS terminal 201 CPU
202...ROM
203...RAM
205: Customer side display unit 206: Customer side scanner unit 208: Card settlement unit 209: Change machine 210: Store clerk side display unit 211: Key operation unit 212: Store clerk side scanner unit 407: Camera 409: Display

Claims (5)

A settlement device that acquires transaction information and settles a payment,
display means for displaying a checkout start button for accepting a checkout start and a store clerk call button for accepting a call of a store clerk;
a prohibition control means for performing control to prohibit acceptance of the start of settlement by the settlement start button when a call for a store clerk is accepted by the store clerk call button;
a display control means for displaying the transaction information when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control, and for controlling display of the settlement start button based on whether the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control;
Equipped with
The display control means
Displaying the transaction information in a list;
displaying a change acceptance button for accepting a change to the arrangement of the list display when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control;
A settlement device characterized by: Further comprising a detection means for detecting an operation by a store clerk,
The prohibition control means releases the prohibition control when the detection means detects an operation by a store clerk.
The settlement device according to claim 1 . the display control means displays a call cancel button for canceling the call to the store clerk when the call to the store clerk is accepted by the store clerk call button,
the prohibition control means releases the prohibition control when a cancellation of the call to the store clerk is accepted by the call cancel button;
3. The settlement device according to claim 1 or 2. The settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the prohibition control means performs the prohibition control when the transaction information registered by a registration device that registers products includes information that requires confirmation by a store clerk. A settlement device computer that acquires transaction information and performs settlement,
a display means for displaying a checkout start button for accepting the start of checkout and a store clerk call button for accepting the call of a store clerk;
a prohibition control means for performing control to prohibit acceptance of the start of settlement by the settlement start button when a call for a store clerk is accepted by the store clerk call button;
a display control means for displaying the transaction information when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control, and for controlling display of the settlement start button based on whether the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control;
Functioning as a
The display control means
Displaying the transaction information in a list;
displaying a change acceptance button for accepting a change to the arrangement of the list display when the prohibition control means is performing the prohibition control;
A program characterized by:

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