JP7766366B2 - Product sales data processing device, system and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Systems (services) using registration and settlement devices that allow shoppers to register and pay for their own products have become widespread, and systems that allow shoppers to register their own products in front of the shelves are now beginning to be developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-087160 A

Although it is effective to introduce multiple systems into the same store to meet the needs of shoppers, introducing and operating multiple systems can lead to various problems (e.g., operability, cost, etc.).

The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and aims to provide technology for resolving various problems that arise when multiple systems are in operation.

One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a product sales data processing device that includes a first processing mode in which products registered on a portable registration terminal are settled, a second processing mode in which customers register and settle products themselves on the product sales data processing device, and a selection means for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a network for explaining a sales system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a POS terminal. 10 shows an example of a display on a mobile terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 1 is an example of a POS terminal. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal. 10 is a display example of a POS terminal.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a network to explain the sales system 1. The sales system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a store controller 10, a cloud server 20, a POS terminal 40, a transaction status management device 50 (e.g., a personal computer), and a mobile terminal 60 (e.g., a smartphone). The sales system 1 can be installed in a variety of stores (supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, home centers, electronics retailers, other specialty stores, etc.).

(Service A, Service B)
The sales system 1 provides two types of self-service. The first type of self-service is a self-service in which a customer uses a mobile terminal 60 to register products and a POS terminal 40 to settle the payment (hereinafter, this may be referred to as service A). In other words, service A is a self-service in which the customer registers products and settles the payment themselves, using the mobile terminal 60 for product registration and the POS terminal 40 for settlement. The second type of self-service is a self-service in which a customer uses a POS terminal 40 to register products and settle the payment (hereinafter, this may be referred to as service B). In other words, service B is a self-service in which the customer registers products and settles the payment themselves, using the POS terminal 40 for both product registration and settlement.

(Service A Customer (Customer A), Service B Customer (Customer B))
In the following description, a customer who uses service A may be referred to as a "service A customer" or simply as a "customer A." A customer who uses service B may be referred to as a "service B customer" or simply as a "customer B."

The store controller 10, POS terminal 40, and transaction status management device 50 are installed in the store and are connected to each other so that they can communicate via a LAN 19 (which may be wired or wireless). The store controller 10 is capable of communicating with a cloud server 20. Note that the number of devices in Figure 1 is an example. For example, while two POS terminals 40 are illustrated in Figure 1, the number of POS terminals 40 within a single store may be one or three or more. Furthermore, while one transaction status management device 50 is illustrated in Figure 1, the number of transaction status management devices 50 within a single store may be two or more.

The store controller 10 receives, for example, product files (product master data) and sale files from an external device (e.g., a headquarters server (not shown)), supplies them to the POS terminal 40, and receives transaction information from the POS terminal 40 and transmits it to the external device.

A product file is a file that stores, for example, product names, sales prices, etc., in association with product identification information (product codes) that identify individual products. A sale file is a file that stores, for example, sale periods (start and end dates and times) and sale details (conditions for discounts and reductions, details of discounts and reductions) in association with product identification information.

Cloud server 20 is a server that provides various services. For example, cloud server 20 provides service A (a service in which products are registered using a mobile terminal 60). For example, cloud server 20 manages (stores) various information related to service A (e.g., transaction information (cart information), etc.).

The cloud server 20 stores product files, sale files, etc. For example, the cloud server 20 may receive and store product files, sale files, etc. from a headquarters server (not shown) as appropriate.

The mobile terminal 60 is used by the customer when using service A. Specifically, the mobile terminal 60 is used when customer A registers products. In other words, customer A registers products using the mobile terminal 60. Furthermore, customer A pays using the POS terminal 40.

In addition to communication and imaging functions (camera), the mobile terminal 60 also has a recognition function that recognizes various codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.). For example, the mobile terminal 60 recognizes barcodes attached to products. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may extract feature points within an image captured by the imaging function (an image acquired as a through image (live view)) and recognize objects (various codes).

The mobile device 60 displays various screens related to Service A. For example, the various screens related to Service A are displayed by an application program (hereinafter also referred to as a specific app) that has been pre-installed on the mobile device 60 in order to use Service A (for example, downloaded and installed from the cloud server 20 or a dedicated server (not shown)).

It is assumed that the mobile terminals 60 are basically owned by each customer, but they may also be loaned by the store. The number of mobile terminals 60 (the number in operation) will vary depending on the number of customers, etc., and Figure 1 shows two mobile terminals 60 as an example to show that multiple units are possible.

The POS terminal 40 is used by customers when using service A or service B. Specifically, the POS terminal 40 is used when customer A is paying. In other words, customer A uses the POS terminal 40 to pay for products that he registered using his mobile terminal 60. The POS terminal 40 is also used when customer B is registering products and paying for them. In other words, customer B uses the POS terminal 40 to register products and pay for them. Details of the POS terminal 40 will be provided later.

(Service A operation mode, Service B operation mode)
An operation mode in which the POS terminal 40 executes a process corresponding to service A for customer A (a settlement process for settling the payment for products registered using the mobile terminal 60) may be referred to as the "service A operation mode." An operation mode in which the POS terminal 40 executes a process corresponding to service B for customer B (a product registration process and a settlement process by the terminal itself) may be referred to as the "service B operation mode." The POS terminal 40 functions as a settlement device (a self-service settlement device) when in the service A operation mode, and as a registration settlement device (a full-self-service registration settlement device) when in the service B operation mode.

The transaction status management device 50 is a device that mainly manages various devices within the LAN 19. For example, the transaction status management device 50 monitors and controls the operating status of the POS terminal 40.

In addition to the self-service (service A, service B) described above, sales system 1 may also provide a service in which a store clerk uses POS terminal 30 (not shown) to register products and settle the bill, or a service in which a store clerk uses POS terminal 31 (not shown) or POS terminal 32 (not shown) to register products and the customer settles the bill.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the POS terminal 40. Figure 2(A) is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 40 (front view as seen from the customer side). Figure 2(B) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 40. In Figures 2(A) and 2(B), identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

An example configuration of the POS terminal 40 shown in FIG. 2(B) will be described below with reference to FIG. 2(A). The POS terminal 40 comprises a CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, hard disk 404, display unit 405, scanner unit 406, card payment unit 408, change dispenser 409, printing unit 413, audio output unit 414, communication unit 415, imaging unit 416 (camera), and sign pole 417. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The POS terminal 40 may further comprise a key operation unit consisting of various mechanical keys (hard buttons), a sensor for detecting the presence of a person (such as a human presence sensor), etc.

The CPU 401 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 40 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 402 .
The ROM 402 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 401, including programs.

RAM 403 is a read/write memory that stores various information as a main storage device. For example, RAM 403 stores information read from ROM 402 or hard disk 404, information obtained from external sources, information generated during processing, etc.

The hard disk 404 stores various information as an auxiliary storage device. For example, the hard disk 404 may store programs executed by the CPU 401 instead of the ROM 402. Furthermore, instead of the RAM 403, the hard disk 404 may store information read from the ROM 402, information obtained from the outside, information generated during processing, etc. Note that a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided instead of the hard disk 404.

The display unit 405 is a touch display that displays various information and accepts various inputs.

The scanner unit 406 optically reads various information. Specifically, the scanner unit 406 scans the code (two-dimensional checkout code 605 (described below)) displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 60 and reads the information necessary for the checkout process. For example, the scanner unit 406 also scans the code attached to a product and reads the product code (JAN code, etc.).

In addition to the above, the scanner unit 406 may scan a code attached to a store clerk's name tag or the like to read the store clerk code. The scanner unit 406 may also scan codes attached to gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, complimentary tickets) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.) to read the respective information. The scanner unit 406 may also scan a code printed on a receipt (registered trademark) printed and issued by another device (e.g., a POS terminal 31 (not shown)) to read the information necessary for the settlement process.

As described above, the POS terminal 40 can register products using the scanner unit 406, but it may also be possible to register products without using the scanner unit 406. For example, the POS terminal 40 may display buttons (product preset buttons) corresponding to individual products on the display unit 405, and register the products corresponding to those buttons based on the operation (touch) of those buttons.

The card payment unit 408 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, cash cards for debit payments, point cards for point payments, etc.). The card payment unit 408 is equipped with a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it is equipped with at least a card recognition unit. The card recognition unit may also recognize various cards (e.g., point cards, membership cards, shareholder cards, etc.) for the purpose of granting benefits, discounts, etc.

The change dispenser 409 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins. It calculates the amount inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. When banknotes or coins are inserted into the input port, they are detected by a sensor (detecting that they have been inserted, the number of coins by denomination, etc.).

The printing unit 413 prints and issues various media (receipts, etc.).
The audio output unit 414 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 414 outputs a confirmation sound, a warning sound, audio guidance, etc.

The communication unit 415 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (e.g., the store controller 10).
The imaging unit 416, for example, captures an image of the customer. The POS terminal 40 may be provided with two or more imaging units 416, and images of the customer's face and their hands (near the insertion slot and ejection slot of the change dispenser 409) may be captured simultaneously.
The sign pole 417 has light emitting units (light emitting unit 417a, light emitting unit 417b, light emitting unit 417c) at the tip, which notify various information (calling a store clerk, operating status, etc.).

Figure 3 shows an example of the display on the mobile terminal 60. Figure 3 (A) is the start screen (menu screen) for service A. When using service A, the mobile terminal 60 displays the start screen shown in Figure 3 (A). Various buttons are arranged on the start screen. For example, the start screen includes a start shopping button BT600 that accepts instructions to start shopping. When a customer starts shopping, they operate the start shopping button BT600. When the start shopping button BT600 is operated, the mobile terminal 60 displays the registration screen shown in Figure 3 (B) etc. instead of the start screen.

Figure 3 (B) shows the registration screen (initial registration screen; the registration screen before registering one product) that is displayed after the Start Shopping button BT600 is pressed on the start screen of Figure 3 (A). The upper part of the registration screen is a captured image display area HR601 that mainly displays captured images. The lower part of the registration screen is a registration information display area HR602 that mainly displays product registration information.

Figure 3(C) shows the registration screen when capturing an image of the barcode attached to the first item of product (XX bread) on the registration screen of Figure 3(B). In other words, when a customer registers a desired product (a product to be purchased), they capture an image of the barcode attached to that product, as shown in Figure 3(C).

Figure 3(D) shows the registration screen (registration screen after product registration) after the registration of the first product item (XX bread) is complete. Note that Figure 3(D) shows the state immediately after the product has been identified (i.e., while the barcode is still being captured), so the registration screen in Figure 3(D) displays (captures) the barcode for that product in the captured image display area HR601.

The mobile terminal 60 displays the registration information of the product identified by capturing an image of the barcode in the registration information display area HR602. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(D), the mobile terminal 60 displays the registration information (product name, quantity, price) of the product identified by capturing an image of the barcode (X-loaf bread) (symbol a), and displays the total information (total points, total price) (symbol b). The mobile terminal 60 also displays part of the registration information (quantity) as a quantity button BT603. The quantity button BT603 is a button for changing the quantity.

When the mobile terminal 60 displays (adds) scanned product information to the registration information display area HR602 as transaction information, the product is also stored (added) as transaction information (cart information) on the cloud server 20 through communication between the mobile terminal 60 and the cloud server 20. For example, the mobile terminal 60 may transmit a product code to the cloud server 20 each time it recognizes the product code from an imaged barcode, and the cloud server 20 may add the product code to the cart information for the transaction each time it receives the product code from the mobile terminal 60.

Furthermore, after registering a product (one item), the mobile terminal 60 displays the Proceed to Checkout button BT604, which accepts payment instructions, in a display mode that allows operation (shown by a solid line in FIG. 3(D)), as shown in FIG. 3(D). When the customer wishes to proceed to checkout (to complete product registration), they operate the Proceed to Checkout button BT604. When the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 is operated, the mobile terminal 60 displays the two-dimensional code display screen shown in FIG. 3(E) instead of the registration screen.

Figure 3 (E) shows the two-dimensional code display screen that is displayed after the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 is pressed on the registration screen of Figure 3 (D). The two-dimensional code display screen displays a two-dimensional checkout code 605. The two-dimensional checkout code 605 is a two-dimensional code that contains information required to execute the checkout process. For example, the two-dimensional checkout code 605 may be a two-dimensional code that contains identification information (e.g., a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)) that identifies the cart information for the transaction from among multiple pieces of cart information stored on the cloud server 20.

The two-dimensional code display screen also has an estimated total display area HR606 and a back button BT607. The back button BT607 is a button for returning to shopping (restarting shopping). When the back button BT607 is operated, the mobile terminal 60 displays a registration screen (the registration screen displayed immediately before the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 is operated) instead of the two-dimensional code display screen.

Figure 3 (F) shows how the POS terminal 40 reads the two-dimensional checkout code 605. When the POS terminal 40 reads the two-dimensional checkout code 605 displayed on the two-dimensional code display screen of the mobile terminal 60 using the scanner unit 406, it displays the checkout screen (product list screen; see Figure 6).

Figures 4 to 9 are examples of displays on the POS terminal 40. Figure 4 shows the standby screen (processing selection screen, initial screen) GM01. Before starting a process, the POS terminal 40 displays the standby screen GM01 shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 405. The standby screen GM01 displays the message "Please select the button for the process you wish to use," and includes a self-checkout register selection button BT401, a full-self POS selection button BT402, a store clerk call button BT403, a balance inquiry button BT404, a language switch button BT405, a language switch button BT406, and a language switch button BT407, and a captured image display area HR408.

The self-checkout register selection button BT401 corresponds to Service A (Service A operation mode). In other words, the self-checkout register selection button BT401 is a button provided for customers (Customer A) who register items using the mobile terminal 60 and pay using the POS terminal 40. In other words, a customer who registers items using the mobile terminal 60 operates the self-checkout register selection button BT401 when starting payment using the POS terminal 40.

The full-self-service POS selection button BT402 corresponds to Service B (Service B operation mode). In other words, the full-self-service POS selection button BT402 is a button provided for customers (Customer B) who will use the POS terminal 40 to register and pay for products. In other words, customers who will use the POS terminal 40 to register and pay for products operate the full-self-service POS selection button BT402 when they begin registering products using the POS terminal 40.

The clerk call button BT403 is a button for calling a clerk. The balance inquiry button BT404 is a button for inquiring about the balances of various cards. The language switch button BT405 is a button for switching the display (text) on the standby screen GM01 from Japanese to English. The language switch button BT406 is a button for switching to Chinese. The language switch button BT407 is a button for switching to Korean. The captured image display area HR408 displays a captured image of the area around the change dispenser 409 of the POS terminal 40. For example, the POS terminal 40 may output captured images captured by the imaging unit 416 to the captured image display area 440 in real time (i.e., as a live view). The captured image may also be a still image (for example, a still image displayed continuously).

Figure 5 shows the reading instruction screen GM02. When the self-checkout register selection button BT401 is operated on the standby screen GM01 shown in Figure 4, the POS terminal 40 displays the reading instruction screen GM02 shown in Figure 5 on the display unit 405. The reading instruction screen GM02 displays the message "Please scan the two-dimensional checkout code" and illustrates how the two-dimensional checkout code is read. The reading instruction screen GM02 also has a store clerk call button BT403, a balance inquiry button BT404, and language switch buttons BT405, BT406, and BT407, and is provided with a captured image display area HR408.

In other words, Customer A uses the mobile terminal 60 to register products (see Figures 3(A) to 3(D)), and when product registration is complete, he or she operates the Proceed to Checkout button BT604. When the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 is operated, a two-dimensional checkout code 605 is displayed on the mobile terminal 60 (see Figure 3(E)). Customer A then moves to the location of the POS terminal 40 to pay for the products registered using the mobile terminal 60. Before processing begins, the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4) is displayed on the POS terminal 40. The customer operates the self-checkout register selection button BT401 on the standby screen GM01 to pay for the products registered using the mobile terminal 60. When the self-checkout register selection button BT401 is operated, the reading instruction screen GM02 (see Figure 5) is displayed on the POS terminal 40. The customer follows the message on the reading instruction screen GM02 and has the POS terminal 40 read the two-dimensional settlement code 605 displayed on the mobile device 60 (see Figure 3 (F)).

In the above description, Customer A's operational flow is described as displaying the checkout two-dimensional code 605 on the mobile device 60 and then displaying the reading instruction screen GM02 on the POS terminal 40 (i.e., operating the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 and then operating the Self-Checkout Register Selection button BT401). However, it is also possible for Customer A to display the reading instruction screen GM02 on the POS terminal 40 and then display the checkout two-dimensional code 605 on the mobile device 60 (i.e., operating the Self-Checkout Register Selection button BT401 and then operating the Proceed to Checkout button BT604).

Figure 6 shows the product list screen GM05. When the POS terminal 40 reads the two-dimensional code 605 for payment displayed on the mobile terminal 60 on the reading instruction screen GM02 shown in Figure 5, it displays the product list screen GM05 as shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 405.

As will be described in more detail below, the POS terminal 40 can also display the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9 after the full-self POS selection button BT402 is operated. However, the POS terminal 40 also displays the product list screen GM05 shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 405 when the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 is operated on the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9.

The product list screen GM05 displays the total number of items and the total price, and has a checkout button BT420. The product list screen GM05 also displays the message "Please confirm the product details and press the checkout button," and has a product list display area HR410 and a price range registration count display area 411. The product list display area HR410 displays a list of registration information (product name, quantity, price) for products registered using the mobile terminal 60. In this example, only one product (XX bread) was registered using the mobile terminal 60, so only one product (XX bread) is displayed in the product list display area HR410. The price range registration count display area 411 displays the quantity for each price range. The product list screen GM05 also has a store clerk call button BT403, a balance inquiry button BT404, language switch buttons BT405, BT406, and BT407, and a captured image display area HR408.

Figure 7 shows the payment type selection screen GM06. When the checkout button BT420 is pressed on the product list screen GM05 shown in Figure 6, the POS terminal 40 displays the payment type selection screen GM06 as shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 405.

The payment type selection screen GM06 displays the total points and total amount, displays the message "Please select your payment method," and includes a payment type selection area HR420 and a price range registration number display area 411. The payment type selection area HR420 contains various buttons corresponding to the payment type (payment method). The payment type selection screen GM06 also contains a store clerk call button BT403, a balance inquiry button BT404, language switch buttons BT405, BT406, and BT407, and a back button BT422, as well as a captured image display area HR408. The back button BT422 is used to return to the previous display. In other words, operating the back button BT422 switches the display to the product list screen GM05 shown in Figure 6.

For example, if a customer wishes to pay in cash, they press the cash button on the payment type selection screen GM06. When the cash button is pressed, the POS terminal 40 displays a deposit screen (not shown) on the display unit 405. The deposit screen (not shown) displays a message such as "Please deposit money," and includes a payment amount display area (area that displays the total amount) and a deposit amount display area (area that displays the amount deposited (inserted)). The deposit screen (not shown) also includes a store clerk call button BT403, language switch buttons BT405, BT406, and BT407, and a captured image display area HR408.

The customer checks the deposit screen (not shown) and deposits cash into the slot of the change dispenser 409. When cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the purchase amount (total amount) is deposited, the POS terminal 40 displays the Finish (Receipt) button on the deposit screen (not shown). When the Finish (Receipt) button is operated, the POS terminal 40 calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the deposited amount (deposit amount) and the purchase amount.

If the amount deposited exceeds the purchase amount (i.e., if change is due), the POS terminal 40 displays a change screen (not shown) on the display unit 405 and ejects the change from the outlet of the change dispenser 409. On the other hand, if the amount deposited does not exceed the purchase amount (i.e., if change is not due), the POS terminal 40 does not display the change screen (not shown), but instead displays a receipt screen (not shown) on the display unit 405 and prints and issues a receipt.

The change screen (not shown) displays a message such as "Please accept your change," and includes a store clerk call button BT403, language switch buttons BT405, BT406, and BT407, and a captured image display area HR408. When change is removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 409 (when a sensor such as a photosensor is installed near the outlet and the sensor recognizes an object (presumably a customer's hand)), the POS terminal 40 displays a receipt screen (not shown) on the display unit 405 and prints and issues a receipt.

The receipt screen (not shown) displays a message such as "Please accept your receipt." When the receipt is removed (when the POS terminal 40 detects the receipt being removed using a sensor or the like), it displays the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4) on the display unit 405.

On the other hand, if the customer wishes to pay by credit card, for example, they press the credit button on the payment type selection screen GM06 and operate the card payment section 408 to settle the bill. The same applies if they wish to pay by other non-cash means (for example, a prepaid card, etc.).

Figure 8 shows the registration screen GM03 before the registration of one product item. When the full-self POS selection button BT402 is operated on the standby screen GM01 shown in Figure 4, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM03 shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 405. The registration screen GM03 has a registration instruction information display area HR401, a registered product display area HR412, and a total information display area HR413. The registration screen GM03 also has a store clerk call button BT403, a balance inquiry button BT404, and language switch buttons BT405, BT406, and BT407, and a captured image display area HR408.

The registration instruction information display area HR401 displays the message "Please register your product," and is also provided with a product scan guidance information display area HR402 and a product preset button display area HR403.

The product scan guidance information display area HR402 displays the message "Hold the product barcode close to the scanner to register it," and illustrates the location of the scanner unit 406. The product preset button display area HR403 displays the message "For products without barcodes, please select the product from below," and includes product preset buttons for vegetables, fruits, etc. Note that when a product preset button for vegetables (and similarly for fruits, etc.) is operated, the POS terminal 40 displays product preset buttons for individual products belonging to the vegetable category (e.g., carrots, cabbage, etc.). The registered product display area HR412 is an area that displays product registration information. The total information display area HR413 is an area that displays total information for registered products.

Figure 9 shows the registration screen GM04 after a product has been registered. Specifically, when XX bread is registered on the registration screen GM03 shown in Figure 8, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM04 shown in Figure 9 on the display unit 405. As shown in Figure 9, the registration information for XX bread is displayed in the registered product display area HR412 of the registration screen GM04. In addition, because the product has been registered, a Proceed to Checkout button BT414 is also located on the registration screen GM04. In other words, the POS terminal 40 does not display the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 before registering one product item, but displays the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 after registering one product item. Similar to the control of the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 on the mobile terminal 60 (FIGS. 3(B) to 3(D)), the POS terminal 40 may display the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 in an invalid display mode (shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 3(B) and 3(C)) before the first product item is registered, and may display the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 in an valid display mode (shown by solid lines in FIG. 3(D)) after the first product item has been registered.

When the customer wishes to proceed to checkout (to complete product registration), they press the Proceed to Checkout button BT414. When the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 is pressed, the POS terminal 40 displays the product list screen GM05 shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 405, instead of the registration screen GM04. The customer then checks the products on the product list screen GM05 (FIG. 6) and presses the Checkout button BT420. Next, the customer selects the desired payment type (payment method) on the payment type selection screen GM06 (FIG. 7) that is displayed after pressing the Checkout button BT420, and then settles the bill using that payment type.

As described above, in service A (self-service in which product registration is performed using the mobile terminal 60 and payment is performed using the POS terminal 40), the process for product registration on the mobile terminal 60 progresses as shown in FIG. 3(A) → FIG. 3(B) → FIG. 3(C) → FIG. 3(D) → FIG. 3(E). On the POS terminal 40 side, after operating the self-checkout register selection button BT401 on the standby screen GM01 (FIG. 4) and reading the two-dimensional checkout code 605 on the reading instruction screen (FIG. 5), the process progresses as shown in FIG. 6 → FIG. 7 (the process after determining the payment type is not shown). On the other hand, in service B (self-service in which both product registration and payment are performed using the POS terminal 40), after operating the full-self-checkout POS selection button BT402 on the standby screen GM01 (FIG. 4), the process progresses as shown in FIG. 8 → FIG. 9 → FIG. 6 → FIG. 7 (the process after determining the payment type is not shown).

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal 40. The flowchart in Figure 10 shows (part of) the processing of the POS terminal 40. It is assumed that the POS terminal 40 is displaying the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4) at the start of the flowchart in Figure 10. In other words, the POS terminal 40 displays the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4) on the display unit 405 and waits for an operation (operation of the self-checkout register selection button BT401) by Customer A (basically a customer who has already completed product registration using the mobile terminal 60 and is about to start checkout using the POS terminal 40) or an operation (operation of the full-self-checkout POS selection button BT402) by Customer B (a customer who is about to start product registration and checkout using the POS terminal).

Step S1: The POS terminal 40 determines whether a self-checkout register has been selected. Specifically, if the self-checkout register selection button BT401 has been operated, the POS terminal 40 determines that a self-checkout register has been selected. If a self-checkout register has been selected (Step S1: YES), the POS terminal 40 proceeds to Step S3. If a self-checkout register has not been selected (Step S1: NO), the POS terminal 40 proceeds to Step S2.

Step S2: The POS terminal 40 determines whether a full-self-service POS has been selected. Specifically, if the full-self-service POS selection button BT402 has been operated, the POS terminal 40 determines that a full-self-service POS has been selected. If a full-self-service POS has been selected (Step S2: YES), the process proceeds to Step S6. If a full-self-service POS has not been selected (Step S2: NO), the process returns to Step S1.

In other words, if a customer (Customer A) operates the self-checkout register selection button BT401, the POS terminal 40 proceeds to step S3, and if a customer (Customer B) operates the full-self POS selection button BT402, the POS terminal 40 proceeds to step S6.

Step S3: The POS terminal 40 instructs the reading of the two-dimensional settlement code 605. Specifically, the POS terminal 40 displays the reading instruction screen GM02 (Figure 5) on the display unit 405 instead of the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4). Then, proceed to step S4.

Step S4: The POS terminal 40 determines whether the two-dimensional settlement code 605 has been read. The customer (Customer A) holds the two-dimensional settlement code 605 (the two-dimensional settlement code 605 displayed on the mobile terminal 60) within the recognition area of the scanner unit 406 of the POS terminal 40 (Figure 3 (F)), and the POS terminal 40 reads the two-dimensional settlement code 605. If the two-dimensional settlement code 605 has been read (Step S4: YES), proceed to Step S5. If the two-dimensional settlement code 605 has not been read (Step S4: NO), repeat Step S4.

Step S5: Display the self-checkout checkout screen. Specifically, the POS terminal 40 displays the product list screen GM05 (Figure 6) on the display unit 405 instead of the reading instruction screen GM02 (Figure 5).

From step S5 onwards, the POS terminal 40 executes self-checkout in response to the customer's (Customer A's) operation (Service A operation mode). That is, if the Checkout button BT420 is present on the product list screen GM05 (Figure 6), the POS terminal 40 displays the payment type selection screen GM06 (Figure 7) on the display unit 405 instead of the product list screen GM05 (Figure 6). Then, if one of the payment type buttons is pressed on the payment type selection screen GM06 (Figure 7), the POS terminal 40 executes the checkout using that payment type (cash payment/non-cash payment). This flowchart then ends.

Step S6: Display the full-self registration screen. Specifically, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM03 (Figure 8) on the display unit 405 instead of the reading instruction screen GM02 (Figure 5).

From step S6 onwards, the POS terminal 40 performs self-service product registration and settlement in response to operations by the customer (Customer B) (service B operation mode). That is, if a product is registered on the registration screen GM03 (Figure 8), the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM04 (Figure 9) on the display unit 405 instead of the registration screen GM03 (Figure 8). Then, if the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 on the registration screen GM04 (Figure 9) is operated, the POS terminal 40 displays the product list screen GM05 (Figure 6) on the display unit 405 instead of the registration screen GM04 (Figure 9). Next, if the Checkout button BT420 is present on the product list screen GM05 (Figure 6), the POS terminal 40 displays the payment type selection screen GM06 (Figure 7) on the display unit 405 instead of the product list screen GM05 (Figure 6). If one of the payment type buttons is pressed on the payment type selection screen GM06 (Figure 7), the POS terminal 40 executes settlement using that payment type (cash payment/non-cash payment). This flowchart then ends.

(Another standby screen of the POS terminal 40)
4 on the display unit 405 and waits for an operation by Customer A (operation of the self-checkout register selection button BT401) or an operation by Customer B (operation of the full-self POS selection button BT402). However, the standby screen displayed by the POS terminal 40 is not limited to the standby screen GM01. Other standby screens will be described below as variations.

(Variation 1)
Fig. 11 is an example of a display on the POS terminal 40. The POS terminal 40 may display a standby screen GM11 as shown in Fig. 11 instead of the standby screen GM01 shown in Fig. 4. In addition to the message "Please select the button for the transaction you wish to use" on the standby screen GM01, the standby screen GM11 also displays a message saying "For self-checkout registers, scanning the two-dimensional code is also OK."

In the case of variant 1, the POS terminal 40 accepts the operation of the self-checkout register selection button BT401 or the scanning of the two-dimensional checkout code 605 from customer A, and accepts the operation of the full-self-checkout POS selection button BT402 from customer B. That is, in the case of variant 1, customer A may operate the self-checkout register selection button BT401 on the standby screen GM11 while the standby screen GM11 is displayed, or may scan the two-dimensional checkout code 605 displayed on the mobile terminal 60. If the self-checkout register selection button BT401 is operated while the standby screen GM11 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the reading instruction screen GM02 shown in FIG. 5. If the POS terminal 40 scans the two-dimensional checkout code 605 while the standby screen GM11 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the product list screen GM05 shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, in variant 1, the reading instruction screen GM02 (FIG. 5) may not be displayed in some cases.

(Variation 2)
12 is an example of a display on the POS terminal 40. Instead of the standby screen GM01 shown in FIG. 4, the POS terminal 40 may display a standby screen GM21 as shown in FIG. 12. Instead of the message "Please select the button for the transaction you wish to use" on the standby screen GM01, the standby screen GM21 displays a message such as "Please select the transaction you wish to use," a message such as "For self-checkout registers, please scan the 2D code," or a message such as "For full self-checkout POS, please press the button on the right." Furthermore, the standby screen GM21 does not include the self-checkout register selection button BT401, but instead includes a display area HR431 for displaying information guiding users to scan the 2D code for checkout.

The payment two-dimensional code scan guidance information display area HR431 is an area that provides guidance on reading the payment two-dimensional code 605 using the scanner unit 406. The payment two-dimensional code scan guidance information display area HR431 illustrates how the payment two-dimensional code is read.

In the case of variant 2, the POS terminal 40 accepts the reading of the two-dimensional checkout code 605 from customer A and the operation of the full-self POS selection button BT402 from customer B. That is, in the case of variant 2, customer A reads the two-dimensional checkout code 605 displayed on the mobile terminal 60 while the standby screen GM21 is displayed. When the POS terminal 40 reads the two-dimensional checkout code 605 while the standby screen GM21 is displayed, it displays the product list screen GM05 shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, in variant 2, the reading instruction screen GM02 (FIG. 5) is unnecessary.

(Variation 3)
13 is a display example of the POS terminal 40. The POS terminal 40 may display a standby screen GM31 as shown in FIG. 13 instead of the standby screen GM01 shown in FIG. 13. Instead of the message "Please select the button for the transaction you wish to use" on the standby screen GM01, the standby screen GM31 displays a message such as "Please select the transaction you wish to use," a message such as "For self-checkout registers, press the button on the left," or a message such as "For full-self POS, please register the product." Furthermore, the standby screen GM31 does not include the full-self POS selection button BT402, but instead includes a registration instruction information display area HR432 (similar to the registration instruction information display area HR401 on the registration screen GM03 shown in FIG. 8).

In the case of variant 3, the POS terminal 40 accepts operation of the self-checkout register selection button BT401 from customer A, and accepts product registration (scanning, product preset button operation) from customer B. That is, in the case of variant 3, customer B registers a product while the standby screen GM31 is displayed. When a product is registered while the standby screen GM31 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9 (i.e., the registration screen after the product has been registered). Therefore, in variant 3, the registration screen GM03 (FIG. 8) before the registration of one product item is unnecessary.

(Variation 4)
FIG. 14 is an example of a display on the POS terminal 40. Instead of the standby screen GM01 shown in FIG. 4, the POS terminal 40 may display a standby screen GM41 as shown in FIG. 14. Instead of the message "Please select the button for the transaction you wish to use" on the standby screen GM01, the standby screen GM41 displays a message such as "Please select the transaction you wish to use," a message such as "For self-checkout registers, please scan the 2D code," or a message such as "For full-self POS, please register the product." Furthermore, the standby screen GM41 does not include the self-checkout register selection button BT401 or the full-self POS selection button BT402. Instead, it includes a checkout 2D code scanning guidance information display area HR431 similar to the standby screen GM21 of FIG. 12 and a registration instruction information display area HR432 similar to the standby screen GM31 of FIG. 13.

In Variation 4, the POS terminal 40 accepts the reading of the two-dimensional checkout code 605 from Customer A and the registration of a product (by scanning or operating the product preset button) from Customer B. That is, in Variation 4, Customer A reads the two-dimensional checkout code 605 displayed on the mobile terminal 60 while the standby screen GM41 is displayed, and Customer B registers a product while the standby screen GM41 is displayed. If the two-dimensional checkout code 605 is read while the standby screen GM41 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the product list screen GM05 shown in FIG. 6, and if a product is registered while the standby screen GM41 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9 (i.e., the registration screen after the product has been registered). Therefore, in Variation 4, the reading instruction screen GM02 (FIG. 5) and the registration screen GM03 (FIG. 8) before registering a single product are unnecessary.

(Variation 5)
Fig. 15 is an example of a display on the POS terminal 40. Instead of the standby screen GM01 shown in Fig. 4, the POS terminal 40 may display a standby screen GM51 as shown in Fig. 15. Instead of the message "Please select the button for the transaction you wish to use" on the standby screen GM01, the standby screen GM51 displays a message such as "Please select the transaction you wish to use," a message such as "For self-checkout registers, select the button on the left," or a message such as "For full-self POS, press the button to select whether or not you require a plastic bag." Furthermore, the standby screen GM51 does not include the full-self POS selection button BT402, and instead has a plastic bag-related information display area HR442.

The plastic bag related information display area HR442 is an area where customers are asked whether they need a plastic bag. The plastic bag related information display area HR442 displays the message "Do you need a plastic bag?" and has a "No Need" button BT441 and a "Needed" button BT442.

In variant 5, the POS terminal 40 accepts the operation of the self-checkout register selection button BT401 from customer A and the operation of whether or not a shopping bag is required from customer B (the operation of the No button BT441 or the Required button BT442). In other words, in variant 5, customer B first selects whether or not a shopping bag is required while the standby screen GM51 is displayed. If the No button BT441 is pressed while the standby screen GM51 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM03 shown in FIG. 8 (i.e., the registration screen before product registration). If the Required button BT442 is pressed while the standby screen GM51 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9 (i.e., the registration screen after a shopping bag has been registered). Therefore, in variant 5, the registration screen GM03 (FIG. 8) before registering one product item may not be displayed.

When multiple types of plastic bags with different sizes and other characteristics are available, the POS terminal 40 may display a screen for accepting the selection of the type of plastic bag (plastic bag selection screen) when the Required button BT442 is operated, and after one type of plastic bag is selected on the plastic bag selection screen, display the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9 (the registration screen after that type of plastic bag is registered). Alternatively, buttons for each type of plastic bag may be placed in the plastic bag-related information display area HR442 instead of the Required button BT442, and the POS terminal 40 may display the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9 (the registration screen after that type of plastic bag is registered) when the button for one type of plastic bag is operated. The same applies to variant example 6 (standby screen GM61).

(Variation 6)
FIG. 16 is an example of a display on the POS terminal 40. Instead of the standby screen GM01 shown in FIG. 4, the POS terminal 40 may display a standby screen GM61 as shown in FIG. 16. Instead of the message "Please select the button for the transaction you wish to use" on the standby screen GM01, the standby screen GM61 also displays messages such as "Please select the transaction you wish to use,""For self-checkout registers, please scan the 2D code," and "For full-self POS, please press the button to select whether or not you require a shopping bag." Furthermore, the standby screen GM61 does not include the self-checkout register selection button BT401 or the full-self POS selection button BT402. Instead, it includes a checkout 2D code scanning guidance information display area HR431 similar to the standby screen GM21 of FIG. 12 and a shopping bag-related information display area HR442 similar to the standby screen GM51 of FIG. 15.

In Variation 6, the POS terminal 40 accepts the reading of the two-dimensional checkout code 605 from Customer A and accepts an operation from Customer B regarding whether or not a shopping bag is required. In other words, in Variation 6, Customer A reads the two-dimensional checkout code 605 displayed on the mobile device 60 while the standby screen GM61 is displayed, and Customer B first operates the standby screen GM61 to determine whether or not a shopping bag is required. When the two-dimensional checkout code 605 is read while the standby screen GM61 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the product list screen GM05 shown in FIG. 6; when the No Need button BT441 is pressed while the standby screen GM61 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM03 shown in FIG. 8; and when the Required button BT442 is pressed while the standby screen GM61 is displayed, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM04 shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, in Variation 6, the reading instruction screen GM02 (FIG. 5) is unnecessary. Additionally, in variant 6, the registration screen GM03 (Figure 8) before registering one product item may not be displayed.

(Other operations on standby screens GM01 to GM61)
(a1) The standby screen GM01 (FIG. 4) may allow the two-dimensional checkout code 605 to be read. In other words, the standby screen GM01 does not display a message regarding the reading of the two-dimensional checkout code 605, but may accept the reading of the two-dimensional checkout code 605 by Customer A. In an aspect in which the standby screen GM01 allows the reading of the two-dimensional checkout code 605, when the two-dimensional checkout code 605 is read, the POS terminal 40 displays the product list screen GM05 (FIG. 6) without displaying the reading instruction screen GM02 (FIG. 5).

(a2) In relation to (a1) above, similar to the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4) in (a1) above, it may be possible to read the two-dimensional settlement code 605 on the standby screen GM31 (Figure 13) or the standby screen GM51 (Figure 15).

(b1) Product registration may be enabled on the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4). In other words, the standby screen GM01 may not display a message regarding product registration, but may accept product registration from Customer B. In a mode in which product registration is enabled on the standby screen GM01, when a product is registered, the POS terminal 40 displays the registration screen GM04 shown in Figure 9 (i.e., the registration screen after the product has been registered).

(b2) In relation to (b1) above, similar to the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4) in (b1) above, product registration may be possible on the standby screen GM11 (Figure 11) and the standby screen GM21 (Figure 12).

(b3) In relation to (b1) above, similar to the standby screen GM01 (Fig. 4) in (b1) above, product registration may be enabled on the standby screen GM51 (Fig. 15) and the standby screen GM61 (Fig. 16). Furthermore, after product registration, the customer may be subsequently inquired about the need for a shopping bag on the registration screen GM04 (Fig. 9).

(c1) On the standby screen GM01 (Figure 4), if a registration operation for a membership card (including a point card) or gift certificate (gift certificate, coupon, complimentary gift certificate) is performed (such as when the code information attached to each medium is read), the registration operation may be invalidated, or the registration operation may be validated (the information from the registration operation may be stored for subsequent processing), and information may be displayed indicating that the user should follow the instructions on the screen (standby screen GM01) (to operate the self-checkout register selection button BT401 or the full-self-service POS selection button BT402). Note that if the registration information is invalidated, error information (read error) and information indicating that the user should follow the instructions on the screen may be displayed.

(c2) In relation to (c1) above, similar to the standby screen GM01 (Fig. 4) in (c1) above, when a registration operation for a membership card or gift certificate is performed on each of the standby screens GM11 (Fig. 11) to GM61 (Fig. 16), the registration operation may be invalidated, or the registration operation may be validated, and information may be displayed to inform the user that the operation should be performed in accordance with the instructions on the respective screen. Note that when the registration information is invalidated, error information (read error) may be displayed, along with information to inform the user that the operation should be performed in accordance with the instructions on the screen. Note that, although related to (c3) below, in (c2), the standby screen is not switched.

(c3) In relation to (c1) above, if a registration operation for a membership card or gift certificate is performed on each of the standby screens GM21 (FIG. 12) to GM41 (FIG. 14), the registration operation may be invalidated, or the registration operation may be validated, and the standby screen GM01 (FIG. 4) or the standby screen GM11 (FIG. 11) may be displayed. In other words, among the standby screens (standby screens GM21 to GM61) that do not display at least one of the self-checkout register selection button BT401 or the full-self-service POS selection button BT402, if an operation that is not originally intended (such as a registration operation for a membership card, in this example) is performed on a standby screen (standby screen GM01, standby screen GM11) that displays both the self-checkout register selection button BT401 and the full-self-service POS selection button BT402 and that does not first confirm the need for a shopping bag (standby screen GM21 to standby screen GM41), a standby screen that displays both the self-checkout register selection button BT401 and the full-self-service POS selection button BT402 may be displayed.

(Other controls related to the standby screen)
The above describes an example in which the POS terminal 40 switches between the self-checkout register (service A operation mode) and the full-self-service POS (service B operation mode) based on the operation (including the behavior) of the customer (customer A, customer B) on the standby screens GM01 to GM61. However, the POS terminal 40 may also switch between the self-checkout register (service A operation mode) and the full-self-service POS (service B operation mode) without relying on the customer's operation. The above also describes an example in which the POS terminal 40 displays standby screens (standby screens GM01 to GM61) that are compatible with both the self-checkout register (service A operation mode) and the full-self-service POS (service B operation mode) (waiting for both customer A and customer B) before starting processing. However, the POS terminal 40 may also display a standby screen that is compatible only with the self-checkout register (service A operation mode) (waiting for customer A only) or a standby screen that is compatible only with the full-self-service POS (service B operation mode) (waiting for customer B only) before starting processing. Below, we will explain other controls, such as control to switch between self-checkout register (service A operation mode) and full self-checkout POS (service B operation mode) without customer operation, and control to display a standby screen that is compatible only with self-checkout register (service A operation mode) or a standby screen that is compatible only with full self-checkout POS (service B operation mode).

(Common standby screen, Service A standby screen, Service B standby screen)
In the following description, standby screens (specifically, standby screens GM01 to GM61 (hereinafter, standby screen GM01, etc.)) that are compatible with both self-checkout registers (service A operation mode) and full-self-service POS (service B operation mode) may be referred to as common standby screens. In contrast to the common standby screens, standby screens that are compatible only with self-checkout registers (service A operation mode) may be referred to as service A standby screens (not shown), and standby screens that are compatible only with full-self-service POS (service B operation mode) may be referred to as service B standby screens (not shown). Like the common standby screen, the service A standby screen (and similarly the service B standby screen) is displayed after processing is completed (e.g., in place of the receipt screen).

The Service A standby screen may include a self-checkout register selection button BT401 (see, for example, Figure 4), and may also include a checkout 2D code scan guidance information display area HR431 (see, for example, Figure 12). The Service B standby screen may also include a full-self POS selection button BT402 (see, for example, Figure 4), and may also include a registration instruction information display area HR432 (see, for example, Figure 13), and may also include a shopping bag-related information display area HR442 (see, for example, Figure 15).

The service A standby screen may also be the reading instruction screen (Figure 5). In other words, the reading instruction screen may be referred to as the service A standby screen. The service B standby screen may also be the registration screen GM03 (Figure 8) shown before the first product item is registered. In other words, the registration screen GM03 may be referred to as the service B standby screen.

(Common standby mode, Service A standby mode, Service B standby mode)
In the following description, a display mode that displays a common standby screen as the standby screen may be referred to as a common standby mode, a display mode that displays a service A standby screen as the standby screen may be referred to as a service A standby mode, and a display mode that displays a service B standby screen as the standby screen may be referred to as a service B standby mode.

(Control 1)
The POS terminal 40 may control the standby mode (common standby mode, service A standby mode, service B standby mode) based on time (preset schedule information). In other words, the POS terminal 40 may control the display of the standby screen (common standby screen (standby screen GM01, etc.), service A standby screen, service B standby screen) based on time. Note that the schedule information may be stored within the POS terminal 40, or may be stored in another device that can be referenced by the POS terminal 40 (for example, the transaction status management device 50, the store controller 10, the cloud server 20, etc.).

For example, if six POS terminals 40 (POS terminal 40a to POS terminal 40f) are installed in a store and Service A is available for use during part of business hours (for example, business hours are 8:00 to 22:00, and Service A is available for use during 10:00 to 20:00), the following control may be performed: Outside of the hours when Service A is available (8:00 to 10:00, 20:00 to 22:00), all six POS terminals 40 (POS terminal 40a to POS terminal 40f) are controlled to Service B standby mode (displaying the Service B standby screen as the standby screen). On the other hand, during the hours when Service A is available (10:00 AM to 8:00 PM), two POS terminals 40 (e.g., POS terminals 40a and 40b) are controlled to Service A standby mode (displaying the Service A standby screen as their standby screen), two other POS terminals 40 (e.g., POS terminals 40c and 40d) are controlled to Service B standby mode (displaying the Service B standby screen as their standby screen), and the remaining two POS terminals 40 (POS terminals 40e and 40f) are controlled to common standby mode (displaying the common standby screen as their standby screen). In other words, POS terminals 40a and 40b are controlled to Service A standby mode during the hours when Service A is available, and to Service B standby mode outside of the hours when Service A is available. POS terminals 40c and 40d are controlled to Service B standby mode all day. POS terminals 40e and 40f are controlled to common standby mode during service A availability times, and to service B standby mode outside of service A availability times.

Note that if a customer is not using the POS terminal 40a at the time it is time to switch to standby mode (standby screen), the standby mode may be switched at that time; if a customer is using the POS terminal 40a at the time it is time to switch to standby mode, the standby mode may be switched after the customer's processing is completed. For example, the POS terminal 40a is set to switch from Service B standby mode to Service A standby mode at 10:00; if a customer is not using the POS terminal 40a at 10:00, the standby mode may be switched from the Service B standby screen to the Service A standby screen at that time (the currently displayed standby screen may be switched from the Service B standby screen to the Service A standby screen); and if a customer is using the POS terminal 40a at 10:00, the Service A standby screen may be displayed after the customer's processing is completed. For example, the POS terminal 40e is set to switch from common standby mode to service B standby mode at 8:00 p.m. If the customer is not using the POS terminal 40e at 8:00 p.m., the common standby screen may be switched to the service B standby screen at that time (the currently displayed standby screen may be switched from the common standby screen to the service B standby screen), and if the customer is using the POS terminal 40e at 8:00 p.m., the service B standby screen may be displayed after the customer's processing is completed.

Note that, although this is also related to Controls 2 and 3 described below, if Customer A (e.g., Customer A waiting in line) is waiting to operate a POS terminal 40 when the available time for Service A ends (or when the processing for the currently using customer is completed if the customer is using the POS terminal when the available time for Service A ends), all POS terminals 40 may be prohibited from displaying the Service B standby screen (one or more POS terminals 40 may be reserved to maintain the Service A standby screen or the common standby screen). For example, if Customer A is waiting to operate a POS terminal 40 at the above timing, the service A standby screen (or the common standby screen) may not be switched to the service B standby screen at all, or the last POS terminal may not be switched to the service B standby screen. On the other hand, even if Customer A is waiting to operate a POS terminal 40 at the above timing, all POS terminals 40 may be allowed to display the service B standby screen. This is also related to Control 3 described below, and the service B standby screen may be switched to the service A standby screen (or the common standby screen) when Customer A operates the POS terminal 40.

(Control 2)
The POS terminal 40 may control the standby mode (display of the standby screen) based on the usage status of service A instead of or in addition to the time.

For example, the standby mode may be controlled according to the number of customer A shopping in the store (i.e., the number of people using mobile terminals 60 to register products in the store). For example, if the number of customer A shopping in the store is equal to or greater than a predetermined number during the available hours for service A, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode may be increased, and if the number of customer A shopping in the store is less than the predetermined number, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode may be decreased. Alternatively, if the number of customer A shopping in the store is equal to or greater than a predetermined number during the available hours for service A, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode or common standby mode may be increased, and if the number of customer A shopping in the store is less than the predetermined number, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode or common standby mode may be decreased.

The POS terminal 40 may also communicate with the cloud server 20 to determine the number of customer A shopping in the store. For example, the cloud server 20 may notify the POS terminal 40 of the number of customer A shopping in the store in response to an inquiry from the POS terminal 40, or as appropriate (when the number of customer A present in the store increases or decreases, or every predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) has passed). The cloud server 20 may also add the number of customer A shopping in the store when it receives a notification from the mobile terminal 60 that the Start Shopping button BT600 (Figure 3(A)) has been operated (when it displays the registration screen in Figure 3(B)), and subtract the number of customer A shopping in the store when it receives a notification from the mobile terminal 60 that the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 (Figure 3(D)) has been operated (when it displays the two-dimensional code display screen in Figure 3(E)). Note that the cloud server 20 may add the number of customer A shopping in the store when it receives a notification that the Start Shopping button BT600 has been operated from a mobile terminal 60 located at the store's location (the mobile terminal 60 located at the store's location is identified using GPS or the like), and may subtract the number of customer A shopping in the store when it receives a notification that the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 has been operated from a mobile terminal 60 located at the store's location. Note that the POS terminal 40 may also identify the number of customer A shopping in the store using other methods (such as wireless LAN).

For example, the standby mode (display of the standby screen) may be controlled depending on the shopping status of Customer A while he or she is shopping in the store (specifically, whether or not it is close to time to pay).

For example, by focusing on the relationship between the number of purchases and the proximity of checkout, the standby mode may be controlled according to the number of Customer A in the store who have purchased a predetermined number of items or more. For example, if the number of customers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode (or the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode or common standby mode) may be increased, and if the number of customers is less than the predetermined number, the number may be decreased. The predetermined number may be set according to the time of day, day of the week, sale date, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined number may be set for each Customer A based on their past purchasing history, attributes (gender, age), etc.

Furthermore, by focusing on the relationship between the purchase amount (total amount) and the proximity of settlement, the standby mode may be controlled according to the number of Customer A in the store whose purchase amount is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount. For example, if the number of customers is equal to or exceeds a predetermined number, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode (or the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode or common standby mode) may be increased, and if the number of customers is less than the predetermined number, the number may be decreased. The predetermined amount may be set according to the time of day, day of the week, sale date, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined amount may be set for each Customer A based on their past purchase history, attributes (gender, age), etc.

Furthermore, by focusing on the relationship between the time spent in the store (purchase time) and the proximity of checkout, the standby mode may be controlled according to the number of Customer A in the store who have spent a predetermined amount of time or more in the store. For example, if the number of customers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode (or the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode or common standby mode) may be increased, and if the number of customers is less than the predetermined number, the number may be decreased. The predetermined time may be set according to the time of day, day of the week, sale date, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined time may be set for each Customer A based on their past purchase history, attributes (gender, age, etc.).

Furthermore, by focusing on the relationship between in-store location and proximity to checkout, the standby mode may be controlled according to the number of Customer A within the store who are at the end of a traffic line (aisle) (as determined, for example, by GPS or wireless LAN). For example, if the number of customers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode (or the number of POS terminals 40 controlled to service A standby mode or common standby mode) may be increased, and if the number of customers is less than the predetermined number, the number may be decreased. The location of Customer A within the store may be determined, for example, by wireless LAN, etc.

(Control 3)
Instead of or in addition to the above, the POS terminal 40 may control the standby mode (display of the standby screen) based on the approach of customer A or the like.

For example, the standby mode may be controlled based on the reception (via another device or directly) of information transmitted from a shopping cart (or an electronic device built into or external to the shopping cart) used for service A. As an example, if the POS terminal 40 was displaying the service B standby screen when it received identification information (shopping cart number, electronic device number) identifying the shopping cart (or an electronic device built into or external to the shopping cart) from the shopping cart (or an electronic device built into or external to the shopping cart), it may switch from the service B standby screen to the service A standby screen (or a common standby screen). If the POS terminal 40 was displaying the common standby screen at the time, it may switch from the common standby screen to the service A standby screen. The same applies when it receives (via another device or directly) information transmitted from a shopping cart (or an electronic device built into or external to the shopping cart) used for service A.

The approach of Customer A may also be determined based on location information or beacon control. In cases where the direction and distance of the mobile device 60 can be recognized (e.g., when Bluetooth (registered trademark) 5.1 is used), the POS terminal 40 may switch to the service A standby screen or the common standby screen when it recognizes the presence of a mobile device 60 in a predetermined direction (toward the sales floor) and within a predetermined distance (e.g., several dozen meters) from the POS terminal 40. Furthermore, in addition to the presence of the mobile device 60, individual mobile devices 60 (i.e., individual Customer A) may be recognized and the standby screen switching may be controlled. For example, the UID (User Identifier) may be referenced to control the standby screen switching. As an example, a standby screen appropriate for Customer A (the service A standby screen or the common standby screen; or, for the common standby screen, one of the standby screens GM11 to GM61, as will be described in detail later) may be displayed based on the customer's past operation time, etc. The UID may be a customer number for Service A that is assigned to each Customer A when they become a new customer of Service A (when a customer who is not an A customer becomes an A customer), for example, when they install a specific app.

The standby mode may also be controlled based on the recognition of information attached to the plastic bag used for service A (for example, the plastic bag is a dedicated service A plastic bag sold near the entrance). For example, if the POS terminal 40 is displaying the service B standby screen when the imaging unit 416 recognizes a predetermined design (such as the service A symbol mark) printed on the dedicated service A plastic bag, the POS terminal 40 may switch from the service B standby screen to the service A standby screen (or the common standby screen), and if the common standby screen is displayed at the same time, the POS terminal 40 may switch from the common standby screen to the service A standby screen.

Note that, as long as the POS terminal 40 can recognize the approach of Customer A (the presence of Customer A), the information attached to the shopping bag exclusively for Service A is not limited to a predetermined design. For example, a code such as a two-dimensional code may be printed on the shopping bag exclusively for Service A. If the POS terminal 40 is displaying the Service B standby screen when the scanner unit 406 recognizes the code printed on the shopping bag exclusively for Service A, the POS terminal 40 may switch from the Service B standby screen to the Service A standby screen (or the common standby screen). If the common standby screen is displayed at the same time, the POS terminal 40 may switch from the common standby screen to the Service A standby screen. Furthermore, as long as it is possible to recognize that Customer A is approaching, a shopping bag other than the one exclusively for Service A may be used. For example, a shopping basket exclusively for Service A (a shopping basket with the same information attached to the shopping bag exclusively for Service A) or a personal bag exclusively for Service A (a personal bag with the same information attached to the shopping bag exclusively for Service A) may be used.

(Control 4)
Alternatively or additionally, the POS terminal 40 may control the standby mode (display of the standby screen) based on an operation on the POS terminal 40 .

For example, the standby screen may be changed based on the store clerk's operations (special operations that the customer is unaware of, operations that require the store clerk's card to be read before the operation, etc.).

(Control 5)
Alternatively or additionally, the POS terminal 40 may control the standby mode (display of the standby screen) based on the operation of a store clerk on another device (for example, the transaction status management device 50).

For example, the transaction status management device 50 may change the standby mode of a POS terminal 40 by updating the schedule information referenced by that POS terminal 40 based on the operation of a store clerk. Also, for example, the transaction status management device 50 may change the standby mode of a POS terminal 40 by sending a standby screen change command to that POS terminal 40 based on the operation of a store clerk. If the POS terminal 40 receives a standby screen change command when it is not in use by a customer, it may change the standby screen in accordance with the standby screen change command at the time it receives the standby screen change command; and if the POS terminal 40 receives a standby screen change command when it is in use by a customer, it may display the standby screen in accordance with the standby screen change command after the customer's transaction has ended.

Note that while the above-described controls (Control 1 to Control 5) relate to switching standby screens between common standby mode, service A standby mode, and service B standby mode, they may also be applied to switching standby screens within common standby mode. In other words, each POS terminal 40 is capable of displaying one of several common standby screens (e.g., standby screens GM01 to GM61), and the POS terminal 40 may control which common standby screen to display based on time as in Control 1, based on the usage status of service A as in Control 2, based on the approach of customer A as in Control 3, based on an operation on the POS terminal 40 as in Control 4, or based on an operation on another device as in Control 5.

(Notification by signage)
Signage (display) may be installed in the store to notify (display) customers (Customer A, Customer B) of how to operate the POS terminal 40. The signage is connected to the LAN 19, and the display content may be managed (controlled) by the transaction status management device 50, for example.

For example, Customer A may be notified that he or she needs to operate the self-checkout register selection button BT401 (or read the checkout two-dimensional code 605) on the POS terminal 40, and Customer B may be notified that he or she needs to operate the full-self-checkout POS selection button BT402 (or register a product or select a shopping bag) on the POS terminal 40. While the notification may be made using paper media such as a poster, because the required operations (permitted operations) differ depending on the type of standby screen (service A standby screen, service B standby screen, standby screen GM01, standby screen GM11, standby screen GM21, standby screen GM31, standby screen GM41, standby screen GM51, standby screen GM61) and the standby screen can also be switched, notification using signage is preferable.

In addition, customers (Customer A, Customer B) waiting at the register (waiting to operate the POS terminal 40) and store staff (guide staff) may be notified (displayed) of the current standby mode (standby screen) of each POS terminal 40. For example, as described above, if six POS terminals 40 (POS terminals 40a to 40f) are installed in a store, signage may be used to notify that (for example, as of 7:55 PM) POS terminals 40a and 40b are in service A standby mode (displaying the service A standby screen), POS terminals 40c and 40d are in service B standby mode (displaying the service B standby screen), and POS terminals 40e and 40f are in common standby mode (displaying the common standby screen).

In place of or in addition to the current standby mode (standby screen) of each POS terminal 40, customers (Customer A, Customer B) and store clerks (guide staff) waiting at the register (waiting to operate the POS terminal 40) may be notified (displayed) of the future standby mode (standby screen) of each POS terminal 40 (for example, within the next 10 minutes). For example, as described above, if six POS terminals 40 (POS terminal 40a to POS terminal 40f) are installed in a store, signage may be used to notify that POS terminal 40a and POS terminal 40b are scheduled to switch from service A standby mode to service B standby mode (the standby screen is scheduled to switch from the service A standby screen to the service B standby screen) in five minutes (for example, five minutes from 7:55 PM to 8:00 PM), and that POS terminal 40e and POS terminal 40f are scheduled to switch from common standby mode to service B standby mode (the standby screen is scheduled to switch from the common standby screen to the service B standby screen).

Also, instead of or in addition to the above, the operating mode of the POS terminal 40 currently in operation may be notified (displayed) to customers (Customer A, Customer B) waiting at the register (waiting to operate the POS terminal 40) or store clerks (guide staff). For example, as described above, if six POS terminals 40 (POS terminals 40a to 40f) are installed in a store, signage may be used to notify that currently (for example, as of 7:55 PM), POS terminal 40a is operating in service A operating mode (processing the checkout for service A), POS terminal 40c is operating in service B operating mode (processing the product registration for service B), POS terminal 40d is operating in service B operating mode (processing the checkout for service B), and POS terminal 40e is operating in service A operating mode (processing the checkout for service A).

Alternatively or additionally, customers (customer A, customer B) waiting at the register (waiting to operate the POS terminal 40) or store staff (guide staff) may be notified (displayed) of the appropriate POS terminal 40. For example, as described above, if six POS terminals 40 (POS terminals 40a to 40f) are installed in a store, signage may be used to notify customer A that POS terminals 40a and 40b, which are currently (for example, as of 7:00 PM) controlled in service A standby mode, are appropriate, and that POS terminals 40e and 40f, which are controlled in common standby mode, are also acceptable; and customer B may be notified that POS terminals 40c and 40d, which are currently (for example, as of 7:00 PM) controlled in service B standby mode, are appropriate, and that POS terminals 40e and 40f, which are controlled in common standby mode, are also acceptable.

(Notification by the transaction status management device 50, etc.)
Instead of or in addition to notifications using signage, the transaction status management device 50 may display the current standby mode (standby screen) of each POS terminal 40, the future standby mode (standby screen) of each POS terminal 40, the operating mode of the POS terminal 40 currently in process, and information about the preferred POS terminal 40. Furthermore, the above information may be notified (displayed) on a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.) carried by the store clerk.

(Notification by sign pole 417)
Instead of or in addition to the above-described notifications, various information such as the current standby mode (standby screen) may be notified (output) using the light-emitting elements (light-emitting elements 417a, 417b, 417c) of the sign pole 417 of each POS terminal 40. For example, as shown in (1) to (8) below, various information may be notified by the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting element of the sign pole 417. In other words, the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting element of the sign pole 417 may be changed depending on the content of the notification.

(1) During standby or processing, the POS terminal 40 may change the light emission pattern of the light-emitting part of the sign pole 417 depending on the standby mode it is controlled (set) in. In other words, the light emission pattern of the light-emitting part of the sign pole 417 may be changed depending on whether it is controlled in the common standby mode, the service A standby mode, or the service B standby mode.
(2) During processing, the POS terminal 40 may change the light emission pattern of the light-emitting unit of the sign pole 417 depending on the operating mode. That is, the light emission pattern of the light-emitting unit of the sign pole 417 may be changed when the POS terminal 40 is operating in the service A operating mode (when the settlement process for service A is being performed) and when the POS terminal 40 is operating in the service B operating mode (when the product registration process and settlement process for service B are being performed).
(3) In relation to (2), when operating in Service B operation mode, the light emitting part of the sign pole 417 may be illuminated in a different manner depending on whether product registration processing is being performed or whether payment processing is being performed.
(4) During the settlement process, the POS terminal 40 may change the light emission pattern of the light-emitting part of the sign pole 417 depending on the settlement type (payment method). For example, the light emission pattern of the light-emitting part of the sign pole 417 may be changed depending on whether the settlement process is being performed using cash or non-cash payment.
(5) In relation to (4), when settlement processing is performed by cash payment, the light-emitting part of the sign pole 417 may be illuminated in a different manner depending on whether the settlement is in cash in the service A operation mode (settlement processing for service A) or in cash in the service B operation mode (settlement processing for service B).
(6) In relation to (4), when settlement processing is performed using non-cash payment, the light-emitting part of the sign pole 417 may emit light in different ways depending on whether the settlement is non-cash in the service A operation mode (settlement processing for service A) or non-cash in the service B operation mode (settlement processing for service B).
(7) The POS terminal 40 may illuminate the light-emitting portion of the sign pole 417 in a display mode that is distinguishable from the above when warning about a lack of change (change nearly out, change nearly full), a lack of receipt paper (paper nearly out), etc.
(8) When a customer calls a store clerk, the POS terminal 40 may cause the light emitting portion of the sign pole 417 to emit light in a display mode that is distinguishable from the above.

Regarding (1) to (8) above, as an example, the light-emitting part of the sign pole 417 may be controlled as follows:

When a store clerk is called, the top light-emitting element 417a lights up in red. When the change is nearly out (the same may be true when the change is nearly full, or when the change is nearly full, it is not necessary to notify), the top light-emitting element 417a flashes red quickly. When the paper is nearly out, the top light-emitting element 417a flashes red slowly. When in service B standby mode, the middle light-emitting element 417b lights up in green. When in common standby mode, the middle light-emitting element 417b flashes. When in service A standby mode, the middle light-emitting element 417b is turned off. When a product is being registered in service B operation mode, the bottom light-emitting element 417c is turned off. When a cash payment is being processed in service A operation mode (or service B operation mode), the bottom light-emitting element 417c lights up in yellow. When a non-cash payment is being processed in service A operation mode (or service B operation mode), the lower light-emitting element 417c flashes yellow.

Note that, for simplicity, the specific example described above illustrates a case where each light-emitting element (light-emitting elements 417a, 417b, 417c) emits light in only one predetermined color (light-emitting element 417a emits light in only red, light-emitting element 417b emits light in only green, and light-emitting element 417c emits light in only yellow), but each light-emitting element can emit light in multiple colors (for example, light-emitting elements 417a, 417b, 417c can all emit light in any of red, green, and yellow), and different notification contents can be achieved by using different light-emitting colors.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be modified as appropriate, for example, as in the following modified examples. The following modified examples may also be combined as appropriate.

(1) In the above embodiment, it was explained that standby screen SG01, which is a common standby screen, is displayed after processing is completed (for example, in place of the receipt screen). However, another screen may be displayed after processing is completed, and the standby screen SG01 may be displayed next to that other screen. For example, a power-saving screen (an example of another screen) may be displayed after processing is completed, and when the power-saving screen is touched (or when the human sensor reacts while the power-saving screen is displayed), the power-saving screen may switch to standby screen SG01. The same applies to other common standby screens (standby screens SG11 to SG61), the service A standby screen, and the service B standby screen.

(2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the settlement processing screen for service A and the settlement processing screen for service B were the same (common), but the settlement processing screen for service A and the settlement processing screen for service B may be different.

(3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the payment type (payment method) was selected after product registration was completed, but it may also be possible to select the payment type before completing product registration. In other words, in service A, customer A may be able to select the payment type before operating the Proceed to Checkout button BT604 (Figure 3(D)), and in service B, customer B may be able to select the payment type before operating the Proceed to Checkout button BT414 (Figure 9).

Specifically, in service A, the mobile terminal 60 may be able to accept a selection of a payment type from customer A while, for example, the start screen (FIG. 3(A)) is displayed, while the initial registration screen (FIG. 3(B)) before registering one product item is displayed, or while the registration screen (FIG. 3(D)) after registering the product is displayed. Furthermore, in service B, the POS terminal 40 may be able to accept a selection of a payment type from customer B while, for example, the registration screen GM03 (FIG. 8) before registering one product item is displayed, or while the registration screen GM04 (FIG. 9) after registering the product is displayed.

(4) In relation to (3) above, in service A, when the mobile terminal 60 receives a selection of a payment type from customer A while displaying the start screen ( FIG. 3(A) ), the initial registration screen before registering one product ( FIG. 3(B) ), or the registration screen after registering the product ( FIG. 3(D) ), the mobile terminal 60 may transmit information indicating the selected payment type (payment type selection information) to the cloud server 20. The POS terminal 40 (and the transaction status management device 50 as well) may acquire the payment type selection information from the cloud server 20. Based on the payment type selection information, the transaction status management device 50 may determine whether customer A's usage time of the POS terminal 40 will be long (for example, determining that usage time will be long if cash payment is selected, and determining that usage time will be short if non-cash payment is selected), and may control the display of signage according to the determination result. This allows the signage to be used to notify other customers and store clerks that customer A's usage time may be long even before the customer completes product registration. Furthermore, by sending information about whether change is nearing end (such as which POS terminal 40 is nearing end of change) from the POS terminal 40 to the cloud server 20, when Customer A, who has selected cash payment, completes product registration, information about whether change is nearing end can be provided, for example, on a two-dimensional code display screen (Figure 3(E)).

(5) In relation to (3) above, in service B, when the POS terminal 40 receives a selection of a payment type from customer B while displaying the registration screen GM03 (FIG. 8) before registering one product or the registration screen GM04 (FIG. 9) after registering the product, the POS terminal 40 may control the display of the sign pole 417 in accordance with the selection. This allows the sign pole 417 to be used to notify other customers and store clerks that customer B may be using the device for a long time, even before customer B completes product registration. Furthermore, when the POS terminal 40 receives a selection of a payment type from customer B while displaying the registration screen GM03 (FIG. 8) before registering one product or the registration screen GM04 (FIG. 9) after registering the product, the POS terminal 40 may send information indicating the selected payment type (payment type selection information) to the transaction status management device 50. The transaction status management device 50 may determine whether customer B will be using the POS terminal 40 for a long time based on the payment type selection information, and control the signage display depending on the determination result. This makes it possible to use the signage to notify other customers and store clerks that customer B may be using the terminal for a long time, even before customer B completes product registration.

(6) In the above embodiment, operations on the display unit 405 (touch display) (touching various buttons and areas arranged on the display unit 405) were described as operations on the POS terminal 40. However, as described above, the POS terminal 40 may be equipped with a key operation unit composed of various mechanical keys, and may be configured to accept operation of the mechanical keys instead of or in addition to operations on the display unit 405. For example, the POS terminal 40 may be configured to accept operation of the subtotal key as a mechanical key instead of or in addition to operation of the "Proceed to Checkout button BT414" which corresponds to the subtotal button, or to accept operation of the deposit key as a mechanical key instead of or in addition to operation of the "End (Receipt) button" which corresponds to the deposit button (current total button). The same applies to other buttons, such as the store clerk call button BT403 and the language switch buttons BT405 to BT407. It may also be possible to arbitrarily set for each POS terminal 40 whether each operation (for example, subtotal operation, deposit operation, etc.) should be performed on the display unit 405 (whether a button should be placed (displayed) on the display unit) or on the key operation unit (whether a button should be placed (assigned) on the key operation unit). This allows for appropriate settings to be made according to usage conditions, and also makes it possible to switch to the other unit as appropriate if a problem occurs with one (such as poor response to operations due to deterioration over time or dirt).

(7) In the above embodiment, the standby screens described were the common standby screen (standby screens GM01 to GM61), the service A standby screen, and the service B standby screen, but other screens may be used for standby. For example, a member card reading instruction screen that instructs the user to read a member card may be used as the standby screen. The POS terminal 40 may perform various controls based on the member card read on the member card reading instruction screen.

For example, if the POS terminal 40 determines that the customer is likely to be Customer A based on the scanned membership card, it may display a common screen (similar to the common standby screen, but referred to as the common screen because it is displayed after the membership card read instruction screen), or if it determines that the customer is not likely to be Customer A based on the scanned membership card, it may display a service B screen (similar to the service B standby screen, but referred to as the service B screen because it is displayed after the membership card read instruction screen). Note that when a customer becomes a member who uses service B (a member who does not use service A), they are given a general membership card that is limited to use of service B, and when a customer becomes a member who uses service A (a member who can also use service B), they are given a special membership card that allows use of service A as well as service B (if a general membership card has been given, it is withdrawn or invalidated). Thus, if the scanned membership card is a special membership card, the POS terminal 40 determines that the customer is likely to be Customer A, and if the scanned membership card is a general membership card, it determines that the customer is not likely to be Customer A. The general membership card and the special membership card may have the same (or nearly the same) appearance as the card medium, but the information stored therein (or the information associated with the information stored therein) may be different. Also, instead of a card, the same information may be stored in a mobile terminal (which may be mobile terminal 60).

If a customer's special membership card is read at a device that does not support Service A (e.g., a device dedicated to full-self-service that supports only Service B), and the customer is Customer A, the customer (Customer A) will move to a device that supports Service A (e.g., POS terminal 40). In this case, when the movement is detected (e.g., absence is detected using a motion sensor, etc.) (or a predetermined time has passed since the movement was detected), the device that does not support Service A may erase the information read from the special membership card and display the initial screen. Similarly, when a customer's general membership card is read at a device that does not support Service B (e.g., a device dedicated to semi-self-service that supports only Service A), the customer (Customer B) will move to a device that supports Service B (e.g., POS terminal 40). In this case, when the movement is detected (e.g., absence is detected using a motion sensor, etc.) (or a predetermined time has passed since the movement was detected), the device that does not support Service B may erase the information read from the general membership card and display the initial screen. The timing for erasing the information read from the special membership card or the general membership card may be when the customer (presumably a different customer) is detected again, or when another membership card (special membership card, general membership card) is read.

(8) All or part of the functions (input/output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of the POS terminal 40 in the above embodiment may be implemented by a device other than the device described as the entity executing the function. For example, at least part of the processing of the POS terminal 40 described using the flowchart in FIG. 10 may be executed by the store controller 10 or the cloud server 20 instead of the POS terminal 40. In relation to the above, the POS terminal 40 may function as a so-called thin client specialized for input/output interfaces, etc. For example, the POS terminal 40 may accept various inputs (customer operations, detection by a device such as a scanner) and send the input information (operation information, image information, etc.) to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 may then execute processing according to the information received from the POS terminal 40 and send the processing results (updated screen information, etc.) to the POS terminal 40. The POS terminal 40 may then execute an operation (display on a display, etc.) according to the information received from the cloud server. In other words, the cloud server 20 may execute a program for controlling the operation of the POS terminal 40.

<Summary of the embodiment>
[Technical Field]
The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and a program.
[Background technology]
Systems (services) using registration and settlement devices that allow shoppers to register and settle products themselves have become widespread, and systems that allow shoppers to register products themselves in front of the shelves are now beginning to be developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Documents]
[Patent Document 1] JP 2019-087160 A [Summary of the Invention]
[Problem to be solved by the invention]
Although it is effective to introduce multiple systems into the same store to meet the needs of shoppers, introducing and operating multiple systems can cause various problems (e.g., operability, cost, etc.) The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and aims to provide technology for solving various problems that arise when multiple systems are operating.
[Means for solving the problems]
(1) A product sales data processing device (e.g., POS terminal 40) characterized by having a first processing mode (e.g., service A operation mode) in which products registered on a portable registration terminal (e.g., mobile terminal 60) are settled, a second processing mode (e.g., service B operation mode) in which customers register and settle products themselves on the product sales data processing device, and a selection means (e.g., processing of steps S1 and S2 in Figure 10) for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode.
The configuration (1) can solve various problems that arise when multiple systems (Service A, Service B) are running. For example, because the product sales data processing device (e.g., POS terminal 40) can handle multiple systems (Service A, Service B), it is possible to prevent costs from increasing.
(2) A product sales data processing device as described in (1) is provided with a display means for displaying at least one of an operator for selecting the first processing mode (e.g., a self-checkout register selection button BT401) and an operator for selecting the second processing mode (e.g., a full-self-checkout POS selection button BT402) (e.g., both are displayed on the standby screen GM01 of Figure 4, the full-self-checkout POS selection button BT402 is displayed on the standby screen GM21 of Figure 12, and the self-checkout register selection button BT401 is displayed on the standby screen GM31 of Figure 13), and the selection means selects either the first processing mode or the second processing mode based on the operation of the operator.
The configuration (2) can solve various problems that arise when multiple systems (Service A, Service B) are in operation. For example, even a customer can easily select the desired system (Service A, Service B), making it less likely that problems will arise in operability.
(3) A product sales data processing device as described in (1) is provided with a reading means for reading identification information, and the selection means is characterized in that it selects the first processing mode when the reading means reads accounting identification information (e.g., a two-dimensional code 605 for settlement).
According to the configuration (3), the selection can be easily performed without touching the screen.
(4) A product sales data processing device as described in (1) is provided with a display means for displaying at least one of an operator for selecting the first processing mode and an operator for selecting the second processing mode, and a reading means for reading identification information, wherein the display means displays both an operator for selecting the first processing mode and an operator for selecting the second processing mode when the reading means reads identification information other than transaction identification information (for example, when a registration operation is performed for a membership card or gift certificate), and the selection means selects either the first processing mode or the second processing mode based on the operation of the operator.
According to the configuration (4), it is possible to reliably confirm which selection is made.
(5) The product sales data processing device described in (2) or (4) is characterized in that the display means displays a plurality of operators related to the second processing mode (e.g., unnecessary button BT441, necessary button BT442, etc. in Figures 15 and 16) instead of an operator for selecting the second processing mode.
According to the configuration (5), the second processing mode can be easily selected via an operator associated with the second processing mode (without having to operate an operator for selecting the second processing mode).
(6) The product sales data processing device according to any one of (1) to (5) is characterized by comprising a notification means for notifying the result of the selection of the first processing mode or the second processing mode by the selection means.
The configuration (6) allows the selection result to be conveniently recognized, so that, for example, a store clerk or the like can recognize the processing mode that will be executed when a selection is made, and can grasp the processing mode that is currently being executed while the selection is being made.
(7) A merchandise sales data processing device (e.g., POS terminal 40) that includes a first processing mode (e.g., service A operation mode) for settling merchandise registered on a portable registration terminal (e.g., mobile terminal 60), a second processing mode (e.g., service B operation mode) for customers to register and settling merchandise themselves on the merchandise sales data processing device, and a display means for displaying a possible standby screen (e.g., a common standby screen) for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode, wherein when either the first processing mode or the second processing mode is operating and the other is not (e.g., outside the available hours of service A), the display means displays a dedicated standby screen (e.g., service B standby screen) for either the first processing mode or the second processing mode that is operating, instead of the possible standby screen (common standby screen) for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode.
The configuration (7) can solve various problems that arise when multiple systems (Service A, Service B) are running. For example, because the product sales data processing device (e.g., POS terminal 40) can handle multiple systems (Service A, Service B), it is possible to suppress increases in costs. In addition, because a standby screen appropriate for the situation is displayed, operation is simplified.
(8) A product sales data processing device (e.g., a POS terminal 40) that includes a registration means that is operated by a customer to register products and a settlement means that is operated by a customer to settle payments, and that has a first processing mode (e.g., service A operation mode) in which products registered by a portable registration terminal are settled by the settlement means, and a second processing mode (e.g., service B operation mode) in which products are registered by the registration means and the products registered by the registration means are settled by the settlement means, and that is characterized by having a selection means (e.g., processing of steps S1 and S2 in Figure 10) that selects either the first processing mode or the second processing mode, and an execution means (e.g., processing of steps S5 and S6 in Figure 10) that executes processing according to the processing mode selected by the selection means.
According to the configuration (8), the same effect as that of (1) can be obtained.
(9) A program that causes a computer to function as a product sales data processing device, characterized in that the computer functions as a first processing mode in which products registered on a portable registration terminal are settled, a second processing mode in which a customer registers and settles products themselves on the product sales data processing device, and a selection means for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode.
According to the configuration (9), the same effect as that of (1) can be obtained.

The programs for implementing the functions of each device described above (such as the POS terminal 40, transaction status management device 50, and mobile terminal 60) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of each device. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. A "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, or other communication lines. A "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a floppy disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, or CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Recording media also include internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in a format executable on the terminal device. In other words, the format stored on the distribution server is not important as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable on the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each part may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already stored on the computer system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sales system 10 Store controller 20 Cloud server 40 POS terminal 50 Transaction status management device 60 Mobile terminal 401 CPU
402...ROM
403...RAM
404...Hard disk 405...Display unit 406...Scanner unit 408...Card payment unit 409...Change machine 413...Printing unit 414...Audio output unit 415...Communication unit 416...Imaging unit 417...Sign pole

Claims (5)

A merchandise sales data processing device having a first processing mode in which merchandise registered at a portable registration terminal is settled, and a second processing mode in which a customer registers merchandise by himself/herself at the merchandise sales data processing device and settles the merchandise,
a display means capable of switching and displaying, as a standby screen, a standby screen for the first processing mode, a standby screen for the second processing mode, or a standby screen for selecting a processing mode for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode ;
a selection means for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode;
reading means for reading identification information;
Equipped with
The display means
Switching the standby screen based on schedule information ;
The selection means
When the display means is displaying the processing mode selection standby screen, if the reading means reads the transaction identification information, the first processing mode is selected.
A product sales data processing device characterized by: The display means
If the customer is not using the product sales data processing device at the time of switching based on the schedule information, the standby screen is switched based on the schedule information at that time;
2. The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein if a customer is using the merchandise sales data processing device at the switching time, the standby screen is switched after the customer's transaction is completed. A merchandise sales data processing device having a first processing mode in which merchandise registered at a portable registration terminal is settled, and a second processing mode in which a customer registers merchandise by himself/herself at the merchandise sales data processing device and settles the merchandise,
a display means capable of switching and displaying, as a standby screen, a standby screen for the first processing mode, a standby screen for the second processing mode, or a standby screen for selecting a processing mode for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode ;
a selection means for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode;
reading means for reading identification information;
Equipped with
The selection means
When the display means is displaying the processing mode selection standby screen, if the reading means reads the transaction identification information, the first processing mode is selected.
A product sales data processing device characterized by: A system comprising: a merchandise sales data processing device having a first processing mode for settling a commodity registered on a portable registration terminal and a second processing mode for a customer to register and settling a commodity by himself/herself on the merchandise sales data processing device; and an information processing device;
The product sales data processing device includes:
a display means capable of switching and displaying, as a standby screen, a standby screen for the first processing mode, a standby screen for the second processing mode, or a standby screen for selecting a processing mode for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode ;
a selection means for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode;
reading means for reading identification information;
Equipped with
The display means
Switching the standby screen based on schedule information ;
The selection means
When the display means is displaying the processing mode selection standby screen, if the reading means reads the transaction identification information, the first processing mode is selected.
A system characterized by: A program for causing a merchandise sales data processing device to function as a computer, the merchandise sales data processing device having a first processing mode for settling a payment for merchandise registered on a portable registration terminal and a second processing mode for a customer to register and settling a payment for merchandise by himself/herself on the merchandise sales data processing device,
The computer
a display means capable of switching and displaying, as a standby screen, a standby screen for the first processing mode, a standby screen for the second processing mode, or a standby screen for selecting a processing mode for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode ;
a selection means for selecting either the first processing mode or the second processing mode;
Reading means for reading identification information
It functions as
The display means
Switching the standby screen based on schedule information ;
The selection means
When the display means is displaying the processing mode selection standby screen, if the reading means reads the transaction identification information, the first processing mode is selected.
A program characterized by: