JP7186997B2 - Merchandise sales data processor and program - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act ・Posting address: https://www. teraoka seiko. com/jp/news/press-release/2017/20171013101648/ Publication date: October 17, 2017

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Press Conference Name/Place: Press Demonstration Briefing Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd. Osaki Building Tokyo Showroom Large Conference Room (2-3-13 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) Press Conference Date: October 2017 31 days

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies ・Expo name/place: 52nd Supermarket Trade Show 2018 Makuhari Messe (2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba) Release date: February 14-16, 2018 Day

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies ・Expo name/place: Retail Tech Japan 2018 Tokyo Big Sight (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo) Release date: March 6-9, 2018

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

In a sales processing device that performs a series of sales processing in commercial transactions, whether the series of sales processing in the sales processing device is performed in the first processing mode in which the sales processing is operated by a store clerk according to the type of the external auxiliary device connected to the sales processing device. , a configuration that controls whether or not to perform at least a part of a series of sales processing in a second processing mode (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-102856 A

For example, as a product sales data processing device for accounting from product registration to settlement in one transaction, for example, a first mode in which a store clerk performs product registration operation and a product registration operation by a customer without performing product registration operation by a store clerk. It is possible to switch between the second mode and the second mode in which accounting is performed by performing an operation.
Such switching between the first mode and the second mode can be performed by an operation after the store clerk makes a decision in consideration of the situation in the store, for example. However, there are cases where, for example, the salesclerk forgets to perform the switching operation, or the salesclerk makes a mistake in judgment especially in a busy situation. is difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to smoothly switch the accounting-related mode of a merchandise sales data processing apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems, salesclerk-supported product registration means for executing product registration processing corresponding to the operation by the salesclerk; customer-response processing means for executing processing corresponding to the operation by the customer; A clerk status input means for inputting a situation regarding the presence of a clerk who performs an operation corresponding to the clerk support product registration means; a mode setting means for setting either a first mode in which the operator operates the product registration means for the salesclerk or a second mode in which the salesclerk does not operate the product registration means for the salesclerk. It is a sales data processing device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer comprises: salesclerk-supported product registration means for executing product registration processing corresponding to an operation by a salesclerk; customer-response processing means for executing processing corresponding to a customer's operation; clerk situation input means for inputting a situation regarding the existence of a clerk who performs an operation corresponding to the means; and based on the situation concerning the existence of the clerk input by the clerk situation input means, the clerk registers the merchandise for the clerk as an operation mode related to accounting. A program for functioning as mode setting means for setting either a first mode in which the means is operated or a second mode in which the store clerk does not operate the product registration means for sales clerk.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effect that the switching of the mode relating to the settlement of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus is properly performed.

1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system; FIG. It is a figure which shows the installation example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the external appearance example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; It is a figure explaining an example of transition of an operation mode. It is a figure explaining an example of transition of an operation mode. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of an operation when registering a product; It is an example of registration information. It is a display example on the store clerk side and the customer side. It is another display example on the store clerk side and the customer side. It is another display example on the store clerk side and the customer side. It is a part of the flowchart in a modification. It is a display example on the store clerk side and the customer side. This is an example of a receipt. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal in response to operation mode switching from the full self mode state; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal in response to operation mode switching from the normal mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the arrangement|positioning aspect of the POS terminal in a modification. It is an explanatory view explaining mode switching in a modification. It is an explanatory view explaining mode switching in a modification.

<Embodiment>
[Configuration example of POS system]
FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in FIG. Connected for communication. Hereinafter, the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 are collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20 unless otherwise distinguished.

The POS system 1 can be installed in various stores, but in the following description, the case where the POS system 1 is installed in a convenience store will be described as an example.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installation example of a POS terminal. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as viewed from the customer side. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as seen from the store clerk's side. As shown in FIG. 2A, a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 viewed from the customer side. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the salesclerk side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts.

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

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

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

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

The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to the customer and receives various inputs from the customer.
A customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads, for example, a bar code (such as a product code) attached to a product.

The customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when the customer registers the product, but the customer may register the product by another method. For example, when an item order button or the like is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the item.

The card settlement unit 208 is a settlement mechanism using various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.). The card settlement unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit.

The change dispenser 209 (cash settlement unit) is a settlement mechanism using cash, and has an insertion port for banknotes and coins and a discharge port for banknotes and coins. The amount of change, which is the difference, is calculated, and the change is discharged from the discharge port.

The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for the clerk, and displays various information to the clerk and receives various inputs from the clerk.
The key operation unit 211 is composed of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk.
The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for a clerk, and optically reads, for example, a bar code (product code, etc.) attached to a product or a clerk code attached to a clerk's name tag.

Note that the clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers products, but the clerk may register the products by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (for example, a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged in the key operation unit 211, the store clerk can operate (press) the key to register the product. can. Also, when a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk can operate the preset key to register the product.

The printing unit 213 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be rotatably changed from the clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the clerk side (the direction of the medium issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) according to the transition of the operation mode, for example. A sensor or the like may be used to detect whether the orientation of the printing unit is correct or incorrect.

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

[Outline of each operation mode]
Next, operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has multiple operating modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four types of operation modes (normal mode, full self mode, double scan mode, semi self mode). The operation modes explained below are the operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing). It does not include the maintenance mode for setting work or maintenance work by staff members, or the training mode for training newcomers.
In this embodiment, "accounting" is a concept that includes, for example, product registration in one transaction and settlement (settlement) of the registered product.

5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the normal mode. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (merchandise registration processing, checkout processing) and the actions of people (staff, customers) in the normal mode, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a basic flow of operation; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the full-self mode. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (merchandise registration processing, checkout processing) and the actions of people (customers) in the full self mode, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a basic flow of operation; FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the double scan mode. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (product registration processing, checkout processing) and the actions of people (customers) in the double scan mode, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a basic flow of operation; FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the semi-self mode. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (product registration processing, checkout processing) and the actions of people (customers) in the semi-self mode, and FIGS. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20;

In the following description, the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes product registration processing is referred to as a registration mode, and the mode in which payment processing is performed is referred to as a payment mode, as a different approach from the four operation modes described above. There is

[Normal mode]
The normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5A, is an operation mode in which the store clerk executes the registration process and the customer executes the settlement process. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the normal mode, the store clerk side enters the registration mode, and the customer side enters the checkout mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration/settlement mode when viewed from the registration process to the settlement process as a whole.

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

When the registration process by the clerk is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased commodities on the clerk-side display unit 210, inserts money into the change machine 209, or operates the card payment unit 208 to settle the account (FIG. 5). (A) lower row). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 5A).

That is, in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5B, the product is first scanned by the store clerk, for example, by the store clerk scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), and the product is registered (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211, etc.) (step S30: YES), for example, the change machine 209 is performed (step S50), and the process is completed.

The customer may wait until the store clerk completes the registration process (until the total amount is determined), but may insert money into the change machine 209 before the registration process is completed. That is, the POS terminal 20 can accept payment during the registration process (upper part of FIG. 5A).

The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer obtains change or a receipt), or may register the next customer's purchased product. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased product of the next customer during the checkout process (lower part of FIG. 5A). Also, the clerk may be absent during the payment by the customer (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In other words, the reception of the customer may be finished during the payment of the customer.

In addition, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispensation of change or bills by the change machine 209 in order to prevent forgetting to take the change, and a sensor or the like detects that the customer has removed the change or bills. , the printing unit 213 is controlled to issue a receipt. The same applies to other operation modes. As described above, in the normal mode (the same applies to the double scan mode), there may or may not be a store clerk in front of the customer who receives the change. (That is, the payment of change/change and the receipt may be issued at the same time, or the receipt may be issued first). Further, the timing of paying out change/tills and issuing receipts may be controlled according to the current operation mode and the presence/absence of a clerk (for example, the presence/absence of a clerk is recognized by a sensor).

[Full self mode]
As shown in FIG. 6A, the full self mode is an operation mode in which the customer performs registration processing and the customer performs settlement processing. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the case of the full self mode, the customer side becomes both the registration mode and the payment mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration/settlement mode when viewed from the registration process to the settlement process as a whole.

In the case of the full self mode, the customer registers the purchased product on the customer side (customer side scanner section 206, customer side display section 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes registration processing of the purchased product by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 6A).

When the registration process is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased products on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts money into the change dispenser 209, or operates the card payment unit 208 to settle the account (Fig. 6 (A) ) below). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 6A).

That is, in the full-self mode, as shown in FIG. 6B, the product is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 on the customer side (step S20: YES), and the product is registered (step S21). After the registration completion key (for example, the registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205) is pressed (step S40: YES), the customer's account is settled by, for example, the change machine 209 (step S50), and processing is performed. is completed.

In the full-self mode, as described above, the customer side executes both the registration process and the settlement process, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. That is, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self mode, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 can scan the clerk code. Further, the POS terminal 20 can display various information (for example, the list described in FIG. 15) on the clerk-side display section 210 even when operating in the full-self mode.
For example, during operation in the full-self mode, a screen similar to that displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 can be displayed on the salesclerk-side display unit 210 in accordance with the registration processing and settlement processing performed on the customer side. may be displayed. In other words, the contents displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 may be mirrored on the salesclerk-side display unit 210 . This allows the clerk to grasp what kind of operation the customer is performing and what kind of processing status the POS terminal 20 is in in the full-self mode.

[Double scan mode]
The double scan mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, is an operation mode in which registration processing is executed on both the store clerk side and the customer side, and settlement processing is executed on the customer side. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the case of the double scan mode, both the clerk side and the customer side are in the registration mode, and the customer side is in the checkout mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration/settlement mode when viewed from the registration process to the settlement process as a whole.

In the case of the double scan mode, the clerk registers the purchased product on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased product on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 211). 206, customer-side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 can be operated by a clerk (scanning by the clerk-side scanner unit 212, touching the clerk-side display unit 210, pressing the key operation unit 211, etc.) and by a customer (customer-side scanner unit 206). , and touch on the customer-side display unit 205), the registration processing of the purchased product is executed (upper part of FIG. 7A).

When the registration process is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased products on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts money into the change machine 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to settle the account (Fig. 7 (A) ) below). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7A).

That is, in the double scan mode, products are first registered on the store clerk side and the customer side. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, by scanning the store clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), goods are registered (step S11), and by scanning the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES), the product is registered (step S21). A subtotal key (for example, a subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or a subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) or a registration completion key (for example, a registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205) After the completion key, etc.) is pressed (step S41: YES), on the customer side, the payment is made by, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer obtains change or a receipt), or may register the next customer's purchased product. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased product of the next customer during the checkout process (lower part of FIG. 7A). Also, the clerk may be absent during the payment by the customer (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the reception of the customer may be finished during the payment of the customer.

[Semi-self mode]
The semi-self mode is an operation mode using two or more POS terminals 20. As shown in FIG. 8A, at least one POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. 8) is , and the customer side of another POS terminal 20 (one of the POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 in the example of FIG. 8) executes the settlement process. mode. That is, in the case of the semi-self mode, one or more terminals (in the example of FIG. 8, one of the POS terminals 20-1 as shown in FIG. 8B) enters the registration-only mode, and one or more other terminals (the In an example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the two POS terminals 20-2 and 20-2) are in the payment exclusive mode.

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

When the registration process by the clerk is completed, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, confirms the total amount of the purchased commodities on the clerk-side display unit 210, inserts money into the change dispenser 209, or performs card payment. Operate the unit 208 to settle (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 8A).

When the registration processing is completed at the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. Then, it moves to the POS terminal 20-2), and the POS terminal 20 at the destination is supplied with information necessary for settlement processing (registration information generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, etc.).

Note that the destination POS terminal 20 (of the POS terminals 20 in the settlement-only mode, the POS terminal 20 that executes the settlement process) may be specified in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode issues a medium (a medium on which a bar code or the like for obtaining information necessary for settlement processing is printed), and the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that reads the medium is used. It may be the POS terminal 20 at the destination.

That is, in the semi-self mode, the product is first registered by the clerk of the POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1) in the registration-only mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, products are registered (step S11) by scanning with the clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, the POS terminal 20 in the payment-only mode ( (one of the POS terminals 20-3 of the POS terminal 20-2) is specified (step S31: YES), the registration information is transmitted to the specified POS terminal 20 (step S32), and the POS in the registration-only mode Processing in the terminal 20 is completed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8C, after receiving the registration information (step S49: YES), the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (that is, the POS terminal 20 specified by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) At the customer side, the payment is made by, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the processing at the POS terminal 20 in the payment exclusive mode is completed.

After transmitting the registration information, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchased product (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). Also, the clerk may be absent after transmitting the registration information (lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

[Notification of operation mode]
The POS terminal 20 notifies the current operating mode. For example, the current operation mode may be displayed on the store clerk's display unit 210 . Specifically, a screen having an operation mode display column may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and the current operation mode may be displayed in the operation mode display column on the screen. Also, a screen on which an image corresponding to each operation mode (for example, a button-like image) is arranged is displayed on the clerk's side display unit 210, and an image corresponding to the current operation mode is displayed on the screen. It may be displayed in a display manner different from that of the non-corresponding image (for example, in a display manner that is more conspicuous than the display manners of other images). Note that the customer-side display unit 205 may similarly display the operation mode.

Also, the POS terminal 20 may notify information according to the current operation mode. For example, the customer-side display unit 205 may display a message corresponding to the current operation mode. Specifically, if the current operation mode is full self mode, for example, when the customer is waiting, the customer himself/herself will be asked to register the product (message such as "Please scan the customer"). It may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 (for example, scroll display in large characters).

[Transition of operation mode]
Next, transition (switching) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 changes the operation mode according to an explicit mode change operation (input on the operation mode setting screen, operation of the operation mode setting button, etc.) by the clerk. In addition, the POS terminal 20 changes the operation mode according to another operation (for example, reading a salesclerk code, etc.) other than the explicit mode switching operation by the salesclerk. In addition, the POS terminal 20 can be set under certain conditions that are not dependent on the operation of a store clerk (conditions related to time such as elapsed time and predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to transmission/reception of information such as instructions to/from other terminals, etc.). ), the operation mode is changed.

9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining an example of operation mode transition. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from normal mode to full self mode. FIG. 9B is a flow chart showing the flow of transition from full self mode to double scan mode. FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (registration-only mode). FIG. 10B is a flow chart showing the flow of transition from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (payment exclusive mode).

[Transition from normal mode to full self mode]
The flowchart of FIG. 9A starts when the POS terminal 20 (normal mode) is not in use (that is, when neither the store clerk nor the customer uses it).

Step S100: Start counting non-use time.
Step S101: Judge whether or not the store clerk or customer has started to use the product. If the use has not started, the process proceeds to step S102. When the use is started, the process proceeds to step S104.

Step S102: Determine whether or not the non-use time has passed a predetermined time (for example, preset 10 minutes). If the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step S103. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S101.
Step S103: Change the operation mode from the normal mode to the full self mode.
Step S104: Terminate the clocking of non-use time. Then, the flowchart of FIG. 9A ends.

In addition, when the shift to the full-self mode is made, the clerk may be notified of the shift to the full-self mode (for example, information indicating that there are undelivered products may be transmitted to the terminal carried by the clerk). . Further, when shifting to the full self mode, the customer side display section 205 may display a message instructing or requesting the customer to perform self registration.

Note that FIG. 9A shows the flow regarding the transition from the normal mode to the full self mode, and the transition from the double scan mode to the full self mode is similar to the flow of FIG. may be

[Transition from full self mode to double scan mode]
The flowchart of FIG. 9B always starts (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (full self mode).

Step S110: It is determined whether or not the clerk-side scanner unit 212 has read the clerk code. If the store clerk code is read, the process proceeds to step S111. If the store clerk code has not been read, the flow chart of FIG. 9B ends.

Step S111: Transition the operation mode from the full self mode to the double scan mode. Then, the flowchart of FIG. 9B ends.

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

Step S120: It is determined whether or not there is an operation to declare a shift to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). For example, a button for declaring a transition to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and whether or not the button has been pressed (touched) may be determined. If there is an operation, the process proceeds to step S121. If there is no operation, the flow chart of FIG. 10(A) ends.

Step S121: It is determined whether there is another POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode in the POS system 1 or not. As described above, in the case of the semi-self mode, one or more POS terminals 20 in the registration-only mode and one or more POS terminals 20 in the settlement-only mode are required. , POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 are operating in a semi-self mode (registration-only mode) and the other is operating in a semi-self mode (payment-only mode). If there is no other POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode, the process proceeds to step S122. If there is another POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode, the process proceeds to step S124.

Step S122: It is determined whether or not another POS terminal 20 to be shifted to the semi-self mode (payment exclusive mode) has been specified. If there is designation, the process proceeds to step S123. If there is no designation, the process of step S122 is repeated.
Step S123: Send an instruction to shift to the semi-self mode (payment-only mode) to the other specified POS terminal 20 .

Step S124: Determine whether processing is in progress. If it is not being processed, the process proceeds to step S125. If the processing is in progress, the processing of step S124 is repeated.
Step S125: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). Then, the flowchart of FIG. 10A ends.

Note that the operation of step S120 is performed when there is no other POS terminal 20 already operating in the semi-self mode and when there is no other POS terminal 20 capable of shifting to the semi-self mode. should not be allowed.

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

Step S130: It is determined whether or not an instruction to shift to the semi-self mode (payment exclusive mode) has been received. When the transfer instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S131. If no transfer instruction has been received, the flow chart of FIG. 10B ends.

Step S131: Determine whether processing is in progress. If not in process, the process proceeds to step S132. If it is in process, the process of step S131 is repeated.
Step S132: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (payment exclusive mode). Then, the flowchart of FIG. 10B ends.

FIG. 10(B) shows the flow regarding the transition from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (payment-only mode). 10(B) flow may be the same.

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

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation when registering a product. The flow chart of FIG. 11 starts always (periodically at very short time intervals) at the POS terminal 20 (double scan mode). Note that the dashed rectangle P will be described later.

Step S400: It is determined whether or not the product has been scanned by the store clerk side scanner unit 212 or the like. That is, it is determined whether or not the store clerk has scanned with the store clerk side scanner unit 212, touched the store clerk side display unit 210, or pressed the key operation unit 211 or the like. If the product has been scanned, the process proceeds to step S401. If the product has not been scanned, the process proceeds to step S410.

Step S401: Register the product. In the registration, information indicating that the salesclerk has registered is also registered (stored). Specifically, the registration classification "1 (clerk side)" is stored.
Step S402: The product is displayed on the clerk's side display section 210 in a normal display mode.
Step S403: The product is displayed on the customer-side display section 205 in a display mode that emphasizes more than the normal display mode.

Step S410: It is determined whether or not the product has been scanned by the customer side scanner unit 206 or the like. That is, it is determined whether or not the customer has scanned with the customer-side scanner unit 206 or touched the customer-side display unit 205 . If the product has been scanned, the process proceeds to step S411. If the product has not been scanned, the process returns to step S400.

Step S411: Register the product. In the registration, information indicating that the customer has registered is also registered (stored). Specifically, the registration classification "2 (customer side)" is stored.
Step S412: The product is displayed on the clerk-side display section 210 in a display mode that is emphasized more than the normal display mode.
Step S413: The product is displayed on the customer-side display section 205 in a normal display mode.

Step S420: Determine whether or not registration of all products to be purchased has been completed. That is, it is determined whether or not either the subtotal key displayed on the salesclerk side display section 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer side display section 205 has been pressed. If all products have been registered, the process proceeds to step S421. If not completed, the process returns to step S400.

Step S421: Settle.
Step S422: The printing unit 213 issues a receipt. Then the flow chart of FIG. 11 ends. It should be noted that a printed receipt may be issued so that the merchandise registered by the store clerk and the merchandise registered by the customer can be distinguished from each other. For example, either one of the products registered by the store clerk or by the customer may be marked with a mark such as an asterisk or an asterisk, or underlined. Further, for example, a receipt may be issued in which the print area for the product registered by the customer and the print area for the product registered by the store clerk are separated. That is, a receipt may be issued in which the product registered by the customer and the product registered by the store clerk are printed in different areas.

FIG. 12 is an example of registration information. The POS terminal 20 may generate registration information as shown in FIG. 12, for example, instead of the registration information shown in FIG. The registration information shown in FIG. 12 stores a transaction number, transaction date and time, operation mode, product registrant, product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and registration category. The operation mode is information indicating the current operation mode of the POS terminal 20 (when the registration information is generated). A product registrant is a registrant who has registered the product. The registration category is information indicating whether the registration was made by the store clerk or by the customer. When registered by the store clerk, the registration division "1" is stored, and when registered by the customer, the registration division "2" is stored.

As for the registration information shown in FIG. 12, in step S411 of FIG. 11 (registration processing based on scanning on the customer's side, etc.), "Japanese-style large-sized yakisoba A" with product code "SC1111" is registered, and then step S401. In step S411, "star 4 (1 mm)" of product code "SC1023" is registered in (registration processing based on scanning by store clerk). .5L)” is registered, then in step S401, “Nori bento” with product code “SC6500” is registered, and in step S411, “C chocolate” with product code “SC3620” is registered. It is an example of generated registration information.

In other words, the POS terminal 20 generates registration information of the registration category "1 (clerk side)" in the process of step S401 for the product (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) scanned by the clerk side scanner unit 212. . On the other hand, the POS terminal 20 registers the products scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 (large Japanese-style yakisoba A, natural water from mountain B (1.5 L), chocolate C) in the registration classification "2 ( Customer side)” registration information is generated.

13A and 13B are display examples on the store clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, FIG. 13A is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210. As shown in FIG. FIG. 13B is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. As shown in FIG.

For example, when "C chocolate" is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 in step S410 of FIG. 13A is displayed on the salesclerk side display unit 210, and the registration screen as shown in FIG. 13B is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 in step S413.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the store clerk side (clerk side display unit 210) displays the product (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) registered by the store clerk side (his own side) in a normal mode (normal size ), and the products registered by the customer (other party) (large Japanese-style yakisoba A, natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L), chocolate C) are displayed in an emphasized manner (enlarged size). In the upper part, the product (lunch box) last registered by the store clerk is displayed (symbol NI). In addition, at the bottom, the fact that it is the current mode (double scan mode) is notified (symbol M).

As shown in FIG. 13(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered by the customer side (himself) (Japanese-style large portion of yakisoba A, natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L) , C chocolate) are displayed in a normal mode (normal size), and the products (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) registered by the clerk side (opponent side) are displayed in an emphasized mode (enlarged size). In the upper part, the product (C chocolate) last registered on the customer side is displayed (symbol NI). In addition, at the bottom, the fact that it is the current mode (double scan mode) is notified (symbol M).

That is, based on the fact that the first product, "Japanese-style large serving of yakisoba A" has been scanned by the customer (step S410; YES), the clerk (clerk's side display unit 210) displays "Japanese-style large serving of yakisoba." A" is highlighted (step S412), and "Japanese-style large portion of yakisoba A" is normally displayed on the customer's side (customer-side display unit 205) (step S413). Subsequently, when the clerk side scans the second product, "Star 4 (1 mm)" (step S400; YES), the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210) displays "Star 4 (1 mm)". 4 (1 mm)" is normally displayed (step S402), and "star 4 (1 mm)" is highlighted on the customer side (customer side display section 205) (step S403). Subsequently, when the customer scans the third product, "Natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L)" (step S410; YES), the store clerk (store clerk's display unit ), “Natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L)” is highlighted (step S412), and “Natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L)” is normally displayed on the customer side (customer side display section 205). (step S413). Subsequently, based on the fact that the clerk has scanned the fourth product, "Nori Bento" (step S400; YES), the clerk (clerk side display unit 210) displays "Nori Bento". It is normally displayed (step S402), and "Lunchbox" is highlighted on the customer's side (customer-side display unit 205) (step S403). Subsequently, when the customer scans the fifth product, "Chocolate C" (step S410; YES), the store clerk (display section 210 on the store clerk's side) displays "Chocolate C". It is highlighted (step S412), and "C chocolate" is normally displayed on the customer's side (customer-side display section 205) (step S413).

As shown in FIG. 13(A), on the clerk side, the products registered by the clerk side and the customer side (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A, star 4 (1 mm), natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L), seaweed Boxed lunch, C chocolate) are displayed according to the registered order (Japanese-style large serving of yakisoba A -> Star 4 (1 mm) -> Natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L) -> Nori bento -> C chocolate). Therefore, even if we focus only on the products (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) registered by the store clerk, the order in which the products (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) were registered (star 4 (1 mm) → seaweed lunch box), and even if you focus only on the products registered by the customer (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A, B mountain natural water (1.5 L), C chocolate), the product (Japanese-style Large serving yakisoba A, mountain B natural water (1.5 L), C chocolate) are displayed according to the registered order (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A→B mountain natural water (1.5 L)→C chocolate). The same applies to the customer side (see FIG. 13B). The same applies to the display example of FIG. 14 (described later).

Also, as shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), the product registered by the clerk (Star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch) and the product registered by the customer (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba Since the display mode is different from A and B mountain natural water (1.5 L), C chocolate), the overall registration order (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A → Star 4 (1 mm) → B mountain natural water (1.5 L) → Nori Bento → C Chocolate), in addition to the registration order on the clerk side (Star 4 (1 mm) → Nori Bento) and the registration order on the customer side (Japanese-style large serving of yakisoba A → Natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L) → C Chocolate ) are also easier to recognize. The same applies to the display example of FIG. 14 (described later).

Note that in FIG. 13, the characters are enlarged and displayed for emphasis, but instead of or in addition to the enlarged characters, the characters may be displayed in bold.

[Another display example 1]
The displays on the clerk's side and the customer's side in the double scan mode are not limited to those described using the display example of FIG. FIG. 14 shows another display example on the store clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, FIG. 14A is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14B is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. As shown in FIG.

For example, when "C chocolate" is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 in step S410 of FIG. 14A may be displayed on the salesclerk side display unit 210, and the registration screen as shown in FIG. 14B may be displayed on the customer side display unit 205 in step S413.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the store clerk side (clerk side display unit 210) displays the product (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) registered by the store clerk side (own side) in a normal mode (normal size ), and the products registered by the customer (other party) (large Japanese-style yakisoba A, natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L), chocolate C) are emphasized (with a star, the first letter is moved forward) ). It should be noted that moving up by one character at the beginning means moving up the display start position by one character (moving or shifting to the left).

As shown in FIG. 14(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered by the customer side (your side) (Japanese-style large portion of yakisoba A, natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L) , C chocolate) are displayed in a normal format (normal size), and the product (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) registered by the clerk side (the other party) is displayed in an emphasized format (with a star, the first letter is moved ).

In FIG. 14, all three contents (character size, asterisk, character carry-over) are displayed as highlighting. good. Also, other marks (such as an asterisk) may be attached in place of the asterisks. As the highlighting, instead of or in addition to the above, highlighting with a background color or underlining may be performed.

In addition, in the flow chart of FIG. 11 and the display examples of FIGS. 13 and 14, an example has been described in which the product registered by the user is displayed in the normal mode and the product registered by the other party is displayed in the emphasized mode. However, conversely, the products registered by the other party may be displayed in the normal mode, and the products registered by the user may be displayed in the emphasized mode.

In addition, on the store clerk side display unit 210, either the product registered by oneself or the product registered by the other party is not emphasized, but simply indicated by which side the product was registered. It may be displayed in an identifiable manner. For example, in the column of the product registered on your side, "Clerk" is displayed between the product name and the price, and in the column of the product registered on the other side, "" is displayed between the product name and the price. Customers” may be displayed. A badge-like image displaying "clerk" or a badge-like image displaying "customer" may be used.

Alternatively or in addition to the above, instead of emphasizing either the product registered by the user or the product registered by the other party on the customer side display unit 205, simply Which side is registered may be identifiably displayed. For example, "customer" is displayed between the product name and the price in the column of the product registered by the customer, and "customer" is displayed between the product name and the price in the column of the product registered by the other party. Salesperson" may be displayed.

[Another display example 2]
The displays on the clerk's side and the customer's side in the double scan mode are not limited to those described using the display examples of FIGS. 13 and 14 . FIG. 15 shows another display example on the store clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, FIG. 15A is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210. As shown in FIG. FIG. 15B is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer-side display section 205. As shown in FIG.

When the customer-side scanner unit 206 scans the fifth product "C chocolate", the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. A registration screen as shown in FIG. 15B may be displayed on the unit 205 .

FIG. 16 is a part of a flowchart corresponding to another display example 2. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 16A is obtained by replacing the processing of the rectangle P in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes step S1402 of the flowchart of FIG. 16A instead of step S402 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, and replaces step S403 of the flowchart of FIG. 16A is executed instead of step S412 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, and step S1413 of the flowchart of FIG. 16A is executed instead of step S413 of the flowchart of FIG. may be executed.

In other words, the POS terminal 20, for example, refers to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in FIG. In step S1412 (FIG. 16A), a registration screen as shown in FIG. 15A is displayed on the salesclerk side display unit 210. A registration screen as shown in (B) may be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 15A, in the first area H1 of the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the product (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) registered by the clerk side (himself) is displayed. It is displayed in a normal mode (normal size), and in the second area H2 on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A, natural water from mountain B) registered by the customer side (opponent side) (1.5L), C Chocolate) is displayed in an emphasized manner (enlarged size). In addition, in order to show the display contents in the respective areas (first area H1, second area H2), the title "salesperson registered product" is displayed in the upper part of the first area H1, and The title "customer registration product" is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 15(B), in the first area H1 of the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered by the customer side (self side) (Japanese-style large portion of yakisoba A, natural water from mountain B) (1.5 L), C chocolate) is displayed in a normal mode (normal size), and the product ( Star 4 (1 mm, seaweed lunch box) is displayed in an emphasized manner (enlarged size). In addition, in order to show the display contents in the respective areas (first area H1, second area H2), the title "products registered by the customer" is displayed in the upper part of the first area H1, and the upper part of the second area H2 is displayed. , the title "products registered by salesclerk" is displayed.

On the clerk side, as shown in FIG. 15A, the order in which the products (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed lunch box) registered by the clerk side in the first region H1 were registered (star 4 (1 mm)→ Nori lunch box), and the order in which the products registered by the customer in the second area H2 (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A, natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L), C chocolate) were registered (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A → Natural water from Mt. B (1.5 L) → Chocolate C). The same applies to the customer side (see FIG. 15(B)).

Note that FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which products registered by oneself are displayed in the first area H1 (left area), and products registered by the other party are displayed in the second area H2 (right area). However, on the contrary, it operates as shown in FIG. 16(B), displaying the products registered by itself in the second area H2 (right side area) and displaying the products registered by the other party in the first area H1. (Left side area).

Note that FIG. 16B is obtained by replacing the processing of the rectangle P in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes step S2402 of the flowchart of FIG. 16B instead of step S402 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, and replaces step S403 of the flowchart of FIG. 16B is executed instead of step S412 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, and step S2413 of the flowchart of FIG. 16B is executed instead of step S413 of the flowchart of FIG. may be executed.

17A and 17B are display examples on the store clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, FIG. 17A is an example of a small plan screen displayed on the clerk-side display section 210 . FIG. 17B is an example of a small plan screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. As shown in FIG.

For example, the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 13A on the clerk-side display unit 210 in step S412 of FIG. 11, and displays the registration screen shown in FIG. After such a registration screen is displayed, if it is determined in step S420 that registration of all products to be purchased has been completed (step S420: YES), a checkout screen as shown in FIG. 17(B) is displayed on the customer side display unit 205. FIG. The customer confirms the total amount on the settlement screen of FIG. All products to be purchased are settled (step S421).

As shown in FIG. 17A, on the store clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), similar to the registration screen shown in FIG. , and the products registered by the customer (the other party) are displayed in an emphasized manner. In addition, a button (symbol TG) for returning from the settlement screen to the registration screen is arranged at the bottom.

As shown in FIG. 17(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the product registered by the customer side (self side) is displayed in the normal mode, similar to the registration screen shown in FIG. 13(B). , and the products registered by the store clerk (other party) are displayed in an emphasized manner.

17A and 17B are subplan screens transitioned from the registration screens of FIGS. 13A and 13B, and subplan screens transitioned from the registration screens of FIGS. 14A and 14B. 15A and 15B are different from the subplan screens shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. Specifically, the display mode of the product on the subplan screen transitioning from the registration screen of FIGS. 13A and 13B is the same as the display mode of the product on the registration screen of FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) on the sub-plan screen transitioned from the registration screen may be the same as the product display mode on the registration screen of FIGS. 15A and 15B. The display mode of the products on the sub-plan screen transitioned from the registration screen of FIG. 15B may be the same as the display mode of the products on the registration screens of FIGS.

FIG. 18 is an example of a receipt. For example, in step S215 of FIG. 12, when "star 4 (1 mm)" and "special frankfurter" are both undelivered products, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt as shown in FIG. 18(A). You may In the receipt shown in FIG. 18A, "star 4 (1 mm)" and "special frankfurter" are marked with an asterisk.

11, the POS terminal 20 adds an asterisk to "star 4 (1 mm)" and "nori bento" registered by the store clerk, as shown in FIG. 18B. A receipt may be issued. Also, as shown in FIG. 18C, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt in which the product registered by the customer and the product registered by the store clerk are printed in different areas.

[Operation mode switching according to the presence of staff]
As can be understood from the description so far, in the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch the operation mode related to accounting among the normal mode, full self mode, double scan mode, and semi self mode.
Under the operation of the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when a salesclerk is positioned on the side of the salesclerk and is in a situation where the POS terminal 20 can be operated, the POS terminal 20 operates in the normal mode, and the salesclerk operates in the normal mode. It is preferable to be able to perform accounting while responding to the customer.
On the other hand, in a situation where the clerk leaves the POS terminal 20 to perform other business than accounting, the clerk cannot perform the product registration operation. In such a situation, the POS terminal 20 is set to the full-self mode so that the customer who wants to checkout can start product registration by himself/herself even if the clerk is not on the clerk side of the POS terminal 20.例文帳に追加It is preferable to
Considering the above, when the clerk moves away from the POS terminal 20 that has been operated so far, the operation mode should be instructed to switch from the normal mode to the full self mode. Conversely, when the clerk moves to the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 to serve customers with the POS terminal 20 which has been in the full self mode until now, the clerk changes the operation mode from the full self mode to the normal mode. An operation for instructing switching may be performed.

However, the store clerk may forget the operation for switching the operation mode as described above. In addition, when the store is very busy and traffic between the POS terminal 20 and other places is heavy, the store clerk may make a mistake in determining the operation mode to be set for the above operation. That is, there is a possibility that the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 cannot be appropriately switched by switching the operation mode depending on the operation by the store clerk.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described below, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is set (switched) according to the presence of the store clerk.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 in response to operation mode switching from the full self mode state.
Step S501: In the full-self mode, the POS terminal 20 waits until the clerk's absence (absence) changes to the presence of the clerk. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 detects whether or not the clerk is present on the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 (clerk presence detection).
When starting the product registration operation, the clerk first performs an operation (login operation) for recognizing the clerk identifier of the POS terminal 20 to be operated. The POS terminal 20 registers the clerk with the clerk identifier recognized in response to the login operation as an operator (handler), and then executes processing for accounting corresponding to each subsequent transaction. In the login operation, for example, a code (for example, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, a color code (a code representing information by an arrangement of colors), etc.) indicating a clerk identifier attached to the clerk ID card by printing or the like is scanned by the clerk side scanner unit 212. It is sufficient if the operation is read by
Therefore, the POS terminal 20 may detect that a salesclerk exists in response to recognition of the salesclerk identifier by the login operation as the salesclerk presence detection in step S501.

In addition to the log-in information as described above, pre-registered work schedule information (or information indicating the current attendance status based on the stamping history of time cards, etc.) may also be used to identify the clerk. Presence detection may be performed.
Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20 is configured so that only one POS terminal 20 is connected to the clerk A in a situation where it is specified that only the clerk A is working based on the work schedule information. In response to the login, it may be detected that the clerk exists for the logged-in POS terminal 20 and that the clerk does not exist for the other POS terminals 20 .

Step S502: When it is determined that the store clerk is present, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the customer side is in use. That is, in the full self mode state, it is determined whether or not processing related to checkout (merchandise registration processing or settlement processing) is being executed in accordance with the customer's operation corresponding to checkout.

Step S503: When it is determined that the customer side is in use, the POS terminal 20 causes the clerk side display section 210 to display a confirmation screen. The confirmation screen displayed in step S503 notifies that the customer is currently performing checkout in the full self mode on the customer side of the POS terminal 20, and also informs that the customer is in this state. This is a screen in which a dialog for confirming with the store clerk whether or not it is permissible to switch to the normal mode is displayed. On the confirmation screen, for example, a "yes" button and a "no" button are arranged. The "yes" button is a button for instructing switching (shifting) to the normal mode (mode shift instruction operation) when the store clerk determines that switching to the normal mode is acceptable. The "no" button is a button for instructing the maintenance of the full self mode (mode maintenance instruction operation) when it is determined that it is better to keep the full self mode as it is without switching to the normal mode.

Step S504: With the confirmation screen displayed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a mode shift instruction operation has been performed as an operation on the confirmation screen.
If the mode maintenance instruction operation is performed instead of the mode shift instruction operation, the process returns to step S501.

Step S505: If it is determined in step S504 that a mode change instruction operation has been performed, or if it is determined in step S502 that the customer side is not in use, the POS terminal 20 switches to the normal operation mode. Set mode. As a result, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 shifts from the full self mode up to now to the normal mode.
Step S506: In addition, the POS terminal 20 notifies that the full-self mode will be switched to the normal mode (mode transition notification) at the timing corresponding to the transition from the full-self mode to the normal mode.
The mode transition notification in step S506 may be performed, for example, at the stage of transition from the full self mode to the normal mode as notification of the completion of the transition to the normal mode, or may be performed as notification of the completion of the transition to the normal mode. In the state of the mode, it may be one that announces the transition to the normal mode. Alternatively, the announcement of the transition to the normal mode and the notification of the completion of the transition to the normal mode may be sequentially performed.

If the customer is in full self mode and the customer is using it, and the mode is switched to normal mode, and the customer is in the process of registering the product, it will not be possible to accept the customer's product registration operation. The registration process is executed in response to the store clerk's product registration operation. In this case, the store clerk receives a product that has not yet been registered from the customer who was investigating the product registration, and starts the product registration operation for the received product.

For example, when the store clerk attempts to perform a product registration operation on the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode, the login operation and the operation to instruct the shift from the full self mode to the normal mode are performed. , the clerk must perform two operations.
The POS terminal 20 is configured not to accept the operation of the store clerk unless, for example, login has been performed. For this reason, the log-in operation is essential and habitual for the store clerk who intends to operate the POS terminal 20 .
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, the transition from the full self mode to the normal mode is performed in accordance with the login operation, so that the user can perform the operation of instructing the transition of the operation mode in addition to the login operation. No need. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to smoothly transition from the full self mode to the normal mode.

Note that the processing in the figure shows an example of shifting to the normal mode in response to detection of the presence of a clerk under the state of the full self mode. However, for example, when the customer side is in use, the normal mode may be replaced with the double scan mode. In the case of shifting to the double scan mode, the store clerk can perform the product registration operation and the customer can continue to perform the product registration operation. can.

Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 in response to switching of the operation mode from the normal mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Step S601: In the normal mode, the POS terminal 20 waits until the clerk's presence changes to the absence of the clerk. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 detects that the clerk is absent (clerk absence detection) on the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 .
When the clerk leaves the POS terminal 20 that has been operated so far, the clerk performs a logout operation. Therefore, as the detection of the absence of the salesclerk in step S601, it may be detected that the salesclerk is absent in response to the logout operation of the POS terminal 20 by the salesclerk. The logout operation may be, for example, an operation on a predetermined button displayed on the clerk-side display section 210 or a predetermined key arranged on the key operation section 211 .
That is, in step S601, the POS terminal 20 may determine that the clerk is absent in response to the logout operation.

Step S602: The POS terminal 20 sets the full self mode as the operation mode in response to the fact that there is no store clerk present. As a result, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 shifts from the normal mode to the full self mode.
Step S603: Also, the POS terminal 20 notifies that the normal mode will be switched to the full self mode (mode transition notification) at the timing corresponding to the transition from the normal mode to the full self mode.
The mode transition notification in step S603 may be performed, for example, at the stage of transition from the normal mode to the full self mode as notification of the completion of the transition to the full self mode, or may be performed before transition to the full self mode. In the state of the normal mode, it may be one that announces the transition to the full self mode. Further, the advance notice of the shift to the full self-mode and the notification of the completion of the shift to the full self-mode may be sequentially performed.

For example, when the clerk leaves the POS terminal 20 that has been operated so far, if the clerk is to perform an operation for instructing a shift from the normal mode to the full self mode along with the logout operation, the clerk will perform the operation twice. operation must be performed.
In this case, the store clerk is accustomed to performing the logout operation, but tends to forget the operation of instructing the shift from the normal mode to the full self mode.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, by allowing the transition from the normal mode to the full self mode in response to the logout operation, the user does not have to perform the operation of instructing the transition of the operation mode in addition to the logout operation. It's good. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to smoothly transition from the normal mode to the full self mode.

The detection of the presence of a salesclerk corresponding to step S501 in FIG. 19 and the detection of absence of a salesclerk corresponding to step S601 in FIG. 20 may be performed as follows.
For example, the clerk badge may have an RFID tag that stores a clerk identifier. The POS terminal 20 has a tag reader unit compatible with RFID tags. When the clerk approaches the POS terminal 20 within a certain distance, the clerk ID card is positioned within the communication range of the POS terminal 20, and the POS terminal 20 and the RFID tag of the clerk ID card can communicate with each other. When the POS terminal 20 acquires the clerk identifier through communication with the RFID tag of the clerk's card, it detects that the clerk is present. In this case, the POS terminal 20 may be set assuming that the clerk with the acquired clerk identifier has logged in.
When the clerk moves away from the POS terminal 20, the clerk ID card is positioned outside the communication range of the POS terminal 20, and the POS terminal 20 and the RFID tag of the clerk ID card cannot communicate with each other. The POS terminal 20 detects that there is no salesclerk when communication with the RFID tag of the salesclerk's card corresponding to the salesclerk identifier of the salesclerk who has logged in until now becomes impossible. In this case, the POS terminal 20 may be processed as having transitioned to the logout state.

Also, the store clerk ID may store a store clerk identifier, and may be configured to have a communication function compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the POS terminal 20 may be provided with a communication section compatible with Bluetooth.
In this case as well, when the clerk approaches the POS terminal 20 within a certain distance, the POS terminal 20 and the clerk ID card can communicate with each other, and the POS terminal 20 acquires the clerk identifier through communication with the POS terminal 20. FIG. In this case as well, the POS terminal 20 may be set assuming that the clerk with the acquired clerk identifier has logged in.
When the clerk moves away from the POS terminal 20, the clerk ID card is positioned outside the communication range of the POS terminal 20, and the POS terminal 20 and the RFID tag of the clerk ID card cannot communicate with each other. The POS terminal 20 detects that there is no salesclerk when communication with the RFID tag of the salesclerk's card corresponding to the salesclerk identifier of the salesclerk who has logged in until now becomes impossible. In this case, the POS terminal 20 may process the logout.

Also, a human sensor for detecting the presence of a person on the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 may be provided. The POS terminal 20 may determine that a store clerk is present in response to the presence of a person being detected by the human sensor.
Further, the POS terminal 20 may determine that the clerk is no longer present when the presence of a person is no longer detected by the human sensor.

Further, an imaging device may be provided so that a store clerk can take an image when performing a product registration operation on the POS terminal 20 . The POS terminal 20 may determine that a store clerk is present in the captured image captured by the imaging device in response to a change from a state in which a person is not present to a state in which a person is present.
Further, even if the POS terminal 20 determines that the clerk does not exist in the captured image captured by the imaging device in response to the change from the state in which the person existed to the state in which the person does not exist, good.

In addition to the direct detection of the presence of people by the motion sensors and imaging devices as described above, detection (input) of the presence of people is performed by the motion sensors and imaging devices as follows. can be broken
That is, the POS terminal 20 determines the position of the salesclerk based on a person detection signal, an imaged image, and the like obtained by one or more human sensors or imaging devices provided in the store to detect customer flow lines, for example. The POS terminal 20 may determine whether or not there is a salesclerk corresponding to the terminal based on the determined position of the salesclerk.

Further, the device that determines whether the store clerk is present or not is not limited to the POS terminal 20 that switches the operation mode according to the determination result.
In other words, the status of the presence of a person corresponding to a certain POS terminal 20 may be determined by other POS terminals 20 or a host device of the POS terminal 20 . The host device may be the store controller 10 provided in the store, or a management device or server provided inside or outside the store.
One POS terminal 20 receives determination results regarding the presence of a person corresponding to itself from other POS terminals 20 or a host device, and switches operation modes according to the input determination results. good.

Further, the POS terminal 20 may determine that the clerk is no longer present when a certain period of time has elapsed since the last operation performed on the clerk side.

<Modification>
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output mode, etc. can be changed and modified as appropriate, for example, as in the following modified examples. .

[First modification]
[About operation mode]
The POS terminal 20 shifts to the full self mode when the POS terminal 20 continues to be unused (see FIG. 9A). Mode transition may be prohibited.

Also, by reading the clerk code, the mode shifts from the full self mode to the double scan mode (see FIG. 9B). Thus, the full self mode may be shifted to the double scan mode. When operating in the full self mode, a screen on which buttons corresponding to each salesclerk are arranged may be displayed on the salesclerk side display unit 210, and the salesclerk may be specified according to the button touched on the screen. . Also, by operating the key operation unit 211, the full self mode may be switched to the double scan mode. Note that buttons corresponding to each store clerk may be arranged on the key operation unit 211 and the store clerk may be specified according to the button operated on the key operation unit 211 .

Also, the POS terminal 20 operating in the normal mode, after transmitting a shift instruction to the other POS terminals 20, shifts to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) after the processing if the POS terminal 20 itself is processing ( (See FIG. 10A), after transmitting the shift instruction, the mode may be forcibly (immediately) shifted to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). For example, if a shift instruction is sent while the customer is executing payment processing on the customer side, the normal mode will immediately shift to semi-self mode (registration-only mode), while the payment processing that is in progress will be completed. , can be executed continuously.

Also, the POS terminal 20 operating in the normal mode or the like receives a shift instruction from another POS terminal 20, and if the POS terminal 20 itself is processing, shifts to the semi-self mode (payment exclusive mode) after the processing is completed. (Refer to FIG. 10B), after receiving the shift instruction, the mode may be forcibly (immediately) shifted to the semi-self mode (payment exclusive mode). For example, if a shift instruction is received while the clerk is executing the registration process at the clerk side, the normal mode will immediately shift to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode), while the ongoing registration process will be completed. , can be executed continuously.

Also, the POS terminal 20 that operates in the full-self mode may be allowed to function in a semi-self mode (payment-only mode). That is, the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode (payment-only mode), and operates in the semi-self mode (payment-only mode). The POS terminal 20 is caused to execute the settlement process, and the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode (registration only mode) transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self mode, and operates in the full self mode. The POS terminal 20 may be caused to execute the settlement process. Note that the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode (registration only mode) may transmit the registration information when the customer does not operate the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self mode. It may be possible to prevent the registration information from being sent when the customer is operating, or even if the customer is operating, the registration information may be sent so that the payment will be made immediately after the customer's operation is completed. good too.

Further, in relation to transmission of registration information, a transmission button may be displayed on the clerk-side display section 210 of the POS terminal 20 that is the transmission source of the registration information. On the store clerk's side display unit 210, the transmission buttons for all other POS terminals on the LAN 11 are displayed so that each POS terminal can be identified (for example, with a terminal number such as "Register 1", "Register 2", etc.). display, etc.), or the send button of each POS terminal that can be the destination (POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self mode (payment-only mode), POS terminal 20 in full self mode) can be identified. may be displayed in
One or more POS terminals 20 to be permitted as destinations of registration information from the POS terminal 20 are determined in advance (that is, the coupling between the registration side and the settlement side is determined in advance), and based on this, the send button is pressed. may be displayed.

Further, the buttons corresponding to the POS terminals 20 to which registration information can currently be sent and the buttons corresponding to the POS terminals 20 to which registration information cannot be sent may be displayed in different display modes. For example, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 capable of transmitting registration information are displayed in a normal display manner, and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 incapable of transmitting registration information are displayed in a special display manner (for example, grayed-down). can be displayed with Buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently incapable of transmitting registration information may be made inoperable or inhibited (for example, touch may be disabled).

In addition, the status of each POS terminal 20 to which registration information is to be sent (for example, waiting, in use, near-end, near-full, offline, etc.) may be reported. For example, the status of each POS terminal 20 is shared on the LAN 11 (for example, transmission and reception of information indicating the status, centralized management of the store controller 10 and one representative POS terminal 20, etc.), and on the above button ( or associated with a button) to display information indicating the status of each POS terminal 20 (for example, a badge-like image displaying "waiting", "in use", "near end", etc.). In the case of the POS terminal 20 operating in the full-self mode, it is on standby when the customer does not operate it, changes from standby to in-use when the customer starts registration, and goes from in-use to standby again when the payment is completed. get inside. During use may be divided into during registration and during payment before and after the operation of the registration completion key (subtotal key).

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

Further, although the POS terminal 20 has been described as shifting the operation mode according to the explicit mode shifting operation by the store clerk, even with the explicit mode shifting operation, the operation mode before transition (current operation mode), the transition destination The operation may be restricted depending on the operation mode, operation status, and the like.

The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be scheduled according to the work status of the clerk (attendance status, work schedule, work schedule). However, depending on the operation mode before transition (current operation mode), the operation mode after transition, the operation status, etc., there may be cases where control is performed as scheduled and cases where control is not performed as scheduled.

As the notification of the operation mode, the POS terminal 20 displays the operation mode on the display unit (clerk-side display unit 210, customer-side display unit 205), but the manner of notification of the operation mode is not limited to this. For example, the POS terminal 20 has a patrol light (registered trademark), a display board, or the like (or the patrol light, the display board, etc. is connected to the POS terminal 20), and the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is notified by the patrol light, the display board, or the like. You may Also, the POS system 1 may be equipped with a patrol light, a display board, etc. (or the patrol light, the display board, etc. may be connected to the LAN 11), and the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 in the store may be notified by the patrol light, the display board, etc. . By using a patrol light, a display board, or the like, the operation mode can be visually recognized even from a distance (a position away from the clerk-side display unit 210).

[Second modification]
[Display etc. in double scan mode]
In the above flowchart (see FIG. 11), when either the subtotal key displayed on the clerk side display section 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer side display section 205 is pressed (step S420: YES) , displaying the sub-plan screen (see FIG. 17). In other words, product registration is completed by either the store clerk side (subtotal key) or the customer side (registration completion key). However, the mode of completing the product registration (the operation of displaying the small plan screen) is not limited to this.

For example, the subtotal screen may be displayed only when the clerk's subtotal key is pressed. In other words, the customer may not perform the operation to complete the product registration, and only the store clerk may perform the operation to complete the product registration. In this mode, the customer-side display unit 205 may display the registration completion key in a display mode indicating that the operation is not valid (for example, grayed-down), or may not display the registration completion key.

Further, the subtotal screen may be displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed. That is, when the subtotal key is pressed by the store clerk first (while the subtotal key is being pressed), the subtotal screen is displayed at the timing when the registration completion key is pressed by the customer. When the customer first presses the registration completion key (when the registration completion key is pressed), the subtotal screen is displayed at the timing when the clerk presses the subtotal key. may

In the aspect of displaying the subtotal screen when both the subtotal key on the clerk side and the registration completion key on the customer side are pressed, when either the subtotal key or the registration completion key is pressed, the fact that the subtotal key or the registration completion key is pressed is displayed. may be notified to the other party. For example, when the subtotal key is pressed first, a message to the effect that the subtotal key has been pressed (that is, to indicate that the store clerk has performed the product registration operation. For example, a message such as "The store clerk has completed product registration") ) may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 . On the other hand, if the registration completion key is pressed first, the message indicating that the registration completion key has been pressed (that is, the customer has performed the product registration operation. For example, "the customer has finished registering the product") message, etc.) may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 .

When the subtotal key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying on the customer side display section 205 that the subtotal key has been pressed, the registration completion key displayed on the customer side display section 205 is displayed. The display mode may be displayed in an emphasized mode (blinking or the like) until the registration completion key is pressed. Similarly, when the registration completion key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying the fact that the registration completion key has been pressed on the clerk-side display section 210, The key display mode may be displayed in an emphasized mode (blinking or the like) until the subtotal key is pressed.

In the mode in which the subtotal screen is displayed when both the subtotal key on the clerk side and the registration completion key on the customer side are pressed, pressing of the registration completion key is prohibited (for example, grayed-down, non-display) until the subtotal key is pressed. etc.), and after the subtotal key is pressed, the registration completion key may be permitted to be pressed (for example, displayed in a display mode that can be pressed). Alternatively, pressing of the subtotal key may be prohibited until the registration completion key is pressed, and pressing of the subtotal key may be permitted after the registration completion key is pressed.

In a mode in which a subtotal screen is displayed when both a clerk's subtotal key and a customer's registration completion key are depressed, even after the clerk's subtotal key is depressed, the customer's registration completion key is not depressed. In some cases, the registration may be temporarily completed on the store clerk's side, and registration of the product may be permitted. That is, when the clerk presses the subtotal key, the other party (customer side) is informed that the subtotal key has been pressed, but the subtotal screen is displayed even after the subtotal key has been pressed. During this period (before the customer presses the registration completion key), the store clerk may be able to register (additionally register) the product that has not yet been registered by the customer.

In addition, if the product is additionally registered after the store clerk completes the product registration (when the product is additionally registered in the state of temporary completion of registration), in order to display the small plan screen, An operation (pressing down of the subtotal key) is required to complete product registration again on the store clerk side. In other words, after the product is additionally registered, the sub-plan screen is displayed when both the sales clerk presses the subtotal key again and the customer presses the registration completion key. Note that, instead of the above, an operation to complete product registration again on the store clerk side may be unnecessary. That is, after the product is additionally registered, the sub-plan screen may be displayed if the customer presses the registration completion key even if the sales clerk does not press the subtotal key again.

Note that after the subtotal key is pressed and before the registration completion key is pressed, the store clerk may be allowed to additionally register the product of the customer as described above. As in the example above, it may be possible to allow the next customer to register the product. Note that after pressing the subtotal key and before pressing the registration completion key, the store clerk side display unit 210 declares whether to additionally register the product of the customer or to register the product of the next customer ( specified). For example, a button displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 may be used to declare.

In the double scan mode, when the same product is scanned by both the customer side and the store clerk side, the fact that the same product has been scanned by both the customer side and the store clerk side may be notified. For example, the display unit may display a message such as "the same product has been scanned" or "this is the XXth scan". Note that the display destination of the message may be at least the store clerk. In other words, when the same product is scanned by both the customer side and the store clerk side, the message is always displayed on the store clerk side display section 210, but the customer side display section 205 may or may not display the message. may For example, when the clerk scans the same product that has already been scanned by the customer, a message is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and the same product as the product that the clerk has already scanned is displayed to the customer. When the document is scanned by the customer side display section 205 and the store clerk side display section 210, a message may be displayed. Further, for example, whether or not to display the above-described message on the customer-side display unit 205 may be controlled according to the setting operation (or switching operation) by the store clerk.

In the above description, during product registration (registration screen) and after product registration (small plan screen), the store clerk side display unit 210 displays the product registered by the customer (customer side) and the product registered by the customer (customer side). 13(A), 14(A), 15(A), and 17(A)), and the customer's side display unit 205 registers the customer's side (customer's side). 13(B), 14(B), 15(B), and 17(B). ), and the display mode on the store clerk side display section 210 and the customer side display section 205 is not limited to this.

For example, the clerk-side display unit 210 does not display the products registered by the other party (customer), but displays the products registered by the customer (clerk). ), instead of displaying the products registered on the customer side, the products registered on the customer side may be displayed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13A and the like, the clerk-side display unit 210 displays the products registered by oneself (clerk side) and the products registered by the other party (customer side) in different display modes. Alternatively, the customer-side display unit 205 may display products registered by oneself (customer side) instead of displaying products registered by the other party (clerk side). Alternatively, the clerk-side display section 210 does not display the commodities registered by the other party (customer side), but displays the commodities registered by oneself (clerk side), and the customer-side display section 205 displays FIG. etc., the products registered by the user (customer side) and the products registered by the other party (clerk side) may be displayed in different display modes.

Even if the clerk-side display unit 210 is allowed to declare (specify) whether or not to display (or not display) the product registered by the other party (customer) on its own side (the store clerk-side display unit 210). good. In place of or in addition to the above, the clerk-side display unit 210 declares whether or not to display (or not to display) the product registered by oneself (the clerk) on the other side (customer-side display unit 205). specified). In place of or in addition to the above, the customer-side display unit 205 declares whether or not to display the product registered by the other party (clerk side) on its own side (the customer-side display unit 205) (or not). (specified) may be enabled. Either of these may be declared by a button or the like displayed on the screen.

During product registration, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the product registered by oneself and the product registered by the other party are displayed in different display areas. As shown in , the product registered by the user and the product registered by the other party may be displayed in a common display area. In other words, for example, when the subtotal key is pressed to shift from the registration screen to the subtotal screen, the products registered on the other side and the products registered on the other side displayed in different display areas on the registration screen before pressing the subtotal key, etc. The selected products may be displayed in a common display area on the sub-plan screen after the subtotal key or the like is pressed. Also, when the registration screen button (symbol TG in FIG. 17A) is pressed to transition from the subplan screen to the registration screen, the screen displayed in the common display area on the subplan screen before pressing the registration screen button The registered product and the product registered on the other side may be displayed in different display areas on the registration screen after the registration screen button is pressed.

In the salesclerk-side display unit 210, regarding the display mode during and after product registration on the salesclerk-side display unit 210 and the customer-side display unit 205, the product registered on the self side and the product registered on the other side are displayed. It may be made possible to declare (specify) whether the products and the products that have been purchased are to be displayed in different display areas or displayed in a common display area. In place of or in addition to the above, in the customer-side display unit 205, regarding the display mode during product registration and after product registration on the customer-side display unit 205, It may be possible to declare (specify) whether the registered product is to be displayed in a different display area or in a common display area. Either of these may be declared by a button or the like displayed on the screen.

[Third Modification]
[Analysis, etc.]
The POS system 1 may store electronic journals and utilize them for various analyses. Even if the electronic journal contains the various information shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 12, etc., and the output information shown in FIGS. good. For example, the POS terminal 20 (or the store controller 10) stores an electronic journal for each transaction, and the operation status of each operation mode (for example, by time zone, by day of the week, by person in charge, or unconditionally for each mode). operating time, etc.), product sales performance (e.g., number of units sold, etc.), operation status of exchange tickets (e.g., number of exchange tickets issued, ratio of exchange tickets issued to number of products sold, after issuance of exchange tickets time required for product delivery, etc.), registration status of salesclerks and customers in double scan mode (proportion of the number of product registrations between salesclerks and customers, etc.). (Gender age), etc. may be analyzed by customer. The analysis results may be output as a list or the like.

In addition, by storing in the electronic journal, for example, the registration start time (in seconds) of the first product in each transaction and the display start time of the small plan screen, etc. ) (for example, the time required to complete the registration process (to start displaying the subplan screen)) may be analyzed.

[Fourth Modification]
In the above description, the current operation mode of the own POS terminal 20 is displayed (for example, symbol M in FIG. 17). , the current operation modes of other POS terminals 20 may also be displayed.

[Fifth Modification]
FIG. 21 shows an example of an arrangement mode of POS terminals 20 in a store under this modified example. Specifically, FIG. 21A shows a configuration including four POS terminals 20 in full-self mode (hereinafter referred to as configuration A). Configuration A is a configuration suitable for relatively non-busy hours.
Although three POS terminals 20-1 to 20-3 are shown in FIG. 1, POS terminals 20-1 to 20-4 are shown as four POS terminals 20 in FIG.

After finishing shopping at the sales floor, the customer goes to one of the four POS terminals 20 in full self-mode, registers the merchandise himself/herself, and pays the bill. The customer may select the POS terminal 20 (an available POS terminal 20 or the like) for processing (registration, settlement) based on the customer's own judgment. You may give instructions to the customer who has finished. Alternatively, an attendant-dedicated terminal (not shown) may be installed, and the POS terminal 20 to be processed may be guided to the customer who has finished shopping on the display screen of the terminal. In the case of the configuration A, as shown in FIG. 21A, four systems of accounting leads (flow lines) are formed.

Note that a configuration (configuration A described above or configuration B described later) consisting of a plurality of POS terminals 20 may be referred to as an "island".

FIG. 21B shows a configuration including two normal mode POS terminals 20-1 and 20-3 and two semi-self mode (payment only mode) POS terminals 20-2 and 20-4 (hereinafter referred to as , the configuration will be referred to as configuration B). Configuration B is a configuration suitable for relatively busy time periods. In the case of the configuration B, as shown in FIG. 21(B), two systems of accounting leads are formed, one accounting leads by the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-2 and the other accounting leads by the POS terminals 20-3 and 20-4. However, the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-3 on the upstream side of each accounting line are in the normal mode, and the POS terminals 20-2 and 20- on the downstream side of each accounting line. 4 is a semi-self mode (payment exclusive mode).

After finishing shopping at the counter, the customer goes to one of the two POS terminals 20 in normal mode, and the clerk registers the merchandise. After the clerk completes the registration, the registered information is transmitted to the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self mode (payment-only mode), so the customer pays the bill himself. The registration information is generally sent to the POS terminal 20 in semi-self mode (payment only mode) in the same lane so as not to disturb the accounting lead line shown in the figure. It is also possible to transmit to the POS terminal 20 of .

Next, a general operation for transmitting registration information to the POS terminal 20 in the same lane in the semi-self mode (payment only mode) will be described.

(1) The POS terminal 20 in the normal mode (or the clerk of the device; hereinafter the same applies in the description) starts product registration for a certain customer (customer 1) on the clerk side. After completing product registration for customer 1, the POS terminal 20 in normal mode transmits the registration information of customer 1 to the POS terminal 20 in semi-self mode (payment only mode), which is another terminal.
(2) The POS terminal 20 in the normal mode that has transmitted the registration information of the customer 1 starts registering the products of the next customer (customer 2) on the clerk side. The POS terminal 20 in normal mode is used when customer 1, who is the previous customer, is still in semi-self mode (settlement-only mode) after customer 2's product registration is completed (when customer 1's checkout at another terminal has not been completed). , the settlement of the customer 2 is carried out on the customer side of the own terminal. If the next customer (customer 3) appears during the payment of customer 2, the store clerk is available, so the registration of the product for customer 3 is started. In other words, the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode can execute the payment processing for the customer 2 on the customer side and the registration processing for the customer 3 on the clerk side. can be processed).
(3) The POS terminal 20 in the normal mode is used when the customer 2 who is the previous customer is still on the customer side of the own terminal after completing the product registration of the customer 3 (when the settlement of the customer 2 is not completed at the own terminal). ), the registration information of the customer 3 is transmitted to the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self mode (payment-only mode), which is another terminal.

Next, switching from configuration A to configuration B and switching from configuration B to configuration A will be described.

There are two types of methods for switching from configuration A to configuration B (switching from configuration B to configuration A). One is a method (individual method) in which a mode switching operation is performed individually for each of a plurality of POS terminals 20 (four units in the example of configuration A and configuration B) that constitute an "island". The other is a method in which the mode switching operation is performed in any one of the POS terminals 20 (one of the four terminals in the example of configuration A and configuration B) that constitutes the "island". In this method, mode switching of other POS terminals 20 constituting an "island" is also collectively performed by an operation (collective method).

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining mode switching. Specifically, FIG. 22A is an explanatory diagram for explaining mode switching and the like when switching from configuration A to configuration B. FIG. More specifically, column (a) in FIG. 22A describes an individual method for switching from configuration A to configuration B described above. Column (b) in FIG. 22A describes a collective method for switching from configuration A to configuration B described above. FIG. 22B is an explanatory diagram for explaining mode switching and the like when switching from configuration B to configuration A. FIG. More specifically, column (c) in FIG. 22B describes the individual method for switching from configuration B to configuration A described above. Column (d) in FIG. 22B describes a batch method for switching from configuration B to configuration A described above.

As shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B) , the collective method is advantageous in that switching from the configuration A to the configuration B or from the configuration B to the configuration A takes less time and effort than the individual method.

In addition, in order to realize the collective method, each POS terminal 20 stores information indicating how to switch modes when a switching operation is performed or when a switching instruction is received. By inquiring the terminal), it switches to an appropriate operation mode (the operation mode shown in column (b) of FIG. 22(A) or column (d) of FIG. 22(A)) according to the switching operation or switching instruction. You should do it like this.

In addition, as shown outside the table in FIG. 22, the mode switching operation in the individual method (the same applies to the batch method) may be performed by hardware keys or by software keys (described later). Further, as an individual method (similar to the batch method), instead of or in addition to the mode switching operation, individual operation modes may be switched by a mode switching instruction from a monitoring terminal or a store clerk's mobile terminal.

In addition, in the collective method, not one of the POS terminals 20 but a specific POS terminal 20 (for example, a POS terminal 20 frequently used by a store manager (a POS terminal 20 placed in a certain place), etc. The POS terminal 20, etc., which is connected to the network) may enable the switching of the collective method. For example, when a switch button provided on the key operation unit 211 is operated at a specific POS terminal 20, switching is performed by the batch method, but the switching is performed at the POS terminal 20 other than the specific POS terminal 20. Switching by the collective method may not be executed when a button is operated.

In addition, in the batch method, for example, a dedicated button (or the like) for the batch method may be prepared in the key operation unit 211 (for example, a batch switching button (see FIG. 3B)).

Also, the operation by the batch switching button may be valid for a specific POS terminal 20 . For example, a specific POS terminal 20 (for example, a POS terminal 20 frequently used by a store manager (a POS terminal 20 placed in a certain location)) may be provided with a batch switch button, and a POS terminal other than the specific POS terminal 20 may be used. The batch switching button may not be placed on all the POS terminals 20, but the batch switching button may be placed on all the POS terminals 20, but only the specific POS terminal 20 (for example, the POS terminal 20 where the store manager is logged in, etc.) ), the switching by the batch method is executed, but when the batch switching button is operated on the POS terminal 20 other than the specific POS terminal 20, the switching by the batch method is performed. The same applies to the operation of the adjustment dedicated mode switching button (described later).

Next, the individual switching method will be explained. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining mode switching. In the above, configuration A and configuration B have been described, but the individual switching method described with reference to FIG. For example, it can be applied to a situation in which there is one POS terminal in normal mode, one POS terminal 20 in semi-self (settlement only mode), and two POS terminals 20 in full self-mode.

Assuming an example of two types of operation modes (normal mode and full self mode), it has been explained that the operation mode is switched in order each time the mode switching button is operated, but there are three or more types of operation modes. Even in this case, each time the mode switching button is operated, each operation mode may be switched in order, as in the case where there are two types of operation modes. If there are three or more operation modes, multiple operations are required to switch to the desired operation mode.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining mode switching. The individual method (1) shown in FIG. 23 is an explanation of an example in which three types of operation modes (normal mode, full-self mode, and semi-self (payment-only mode) are switched in order. The individual method (1) shown in FIG. In the case of 1), since it switches from "normal mode" → "full self mode" → "semi-self (payment only mode)", for example, if the current operation mode is normal mode, switch to semi-self (payment only mode) This requires two operations.

If a plurality of mode switching operations are prepared, the number of operations to switch to the desired operation mode can be reduced. In the individual method (2) shown in FIG. 23, when the mode switching operation 1 (for example, operation of the mode switching button in FIG. 3) is performed, the normal mode and the full self mode are switched in order, and the mode switching operation is performed. 2 (for example, operation of a settlement-only mode switching button provided in the key operation unit 211), the mode is switched to "semi-self (payment-only mode)". The POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 by a method according to the individual method (2) instead of the individual method (1).

As shown outside the table in FIG. 23, when the mode switching operation 1 is performed (similarly when the mode switching operation 2 is performed), the current operation mode is "semi-self (payment exclusive mode)". If so, it may be switched to the operation mode (“normal mode” or “full-self mode”) before “semi-self (payment-only mode)”.

Alternatively, in place of the individual method (1) or the individual method (2), a number of mode switching buttons corresponding to each operation mode may be prepared so that the operation mode corresponding to the operated mode switching button is switched. good.

Although the mode switching button for switching the operation mode is a hardware key, the operation mode may be switched by a software key displayed on the display section (clerk side display section 210 or the like) instead of or in addition to the hardware key. can be That is, a software key corresponding to the switching button may be displayed instead of or in addition to the switching button, or a software key corresponding to the batch switching button may be displayed instead of or in addition to the collective switching button. However, instead of or in addition to the settlement dedicated mode switching button, a software key corresponding to the settlement dedicated mode switching button may be displayed. The same applies to each button when the number of mode switching buttons corresponding to each operation mode is prepared.

[Sixth Modification]
As described above, under the layout example of the POS terminals 20 shown in FIG. 21, the operation mode of the POS terminals 20 on the island is changed according to the operation of the buttons (mode switching button, batch switching button, and payment-only mode switching button). They can be switched individually or collectively.
On the other hand, in this modified example, the operation mode is switched in accordance with the detection status of the presence of the clerk under the arrangement example of the POS terminal 20 of FIG. 21 . Specifically, for example, the operation mode is switched as follows.
In other words, under the state of configuration B in FIG. (for example, logged out). In response to such a situation, it is determined that the presence of the clerk is not detected in either of the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-3. In response to such a determination, the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-3 are switched from the normal mode to the full self mode. As a result, the POS terminal 20 transitions to the state of configuration A in FIG. 21(A).

Further, under the state of configuration B in FIG. When the POS terminal 20 corresponding to the other clerk 2 leaves, for example, "Clerk 1 has left the registration business. When the clerk 2 leaves the registration business, all the POS terminals on this island are fully self-service." Mode" is notified to the store clerk, for example, by display. By receiving such notification, the store clerk 2 can know in advance that all the four POS terminals 20 on the same island will be in the full self mode if he leaves the POS terminal 20 .

[Seventh Modification]
In addition, as this modification, the operation mode may be switched individually for each lane corresponding to the checkout line shown in the arrangement example of the POS terminal 20 in FIG. 21 .
In other words, when it is detected that a clerk is present at one of the two POS terminals 20 corresponding to one lane, the POS terminal 20 at which the clerk is present is set to normal mode, and full self mode is set to the other POS terminal 20 where it is detected that no clerk is present. From this state, when it is detected that the clerk has left one of the POS terminals 20 and the clerk is not present, the other POS terminal 20 is changed from the normal mode to the full self mode. At this time, the other POS terminal 20 maintains the full self mode because the clerk is not present.
Conversely, under the condition that both of the two POS terminals 20 corresponding to one lane are set to the full-self mode, a clerk is present at one of the POS terminals 20. When this is determined, the POS terminal 20 in which the clerk is present is switched to the normal mode. In this case, the other POS terminal 20 may continue in the full self mode as it is because the clerk is not present. In addition, when switching to the normal mode of the POS terminal 20 in which the clerk is present, a dialog may be displayed for confirming whether or not the POS terminal 20 can switch to the normal mode for the clerk. When the clerk instructs the dialog to switch to the normal mode, the mode shifts to the normal mode, but when the operation instructs not to switch to the normal mode, the full You may be made to remain in self-mode.

[Summary of embodiment]
(1) As described above, one aspect of the present embodiment includes salesclerk-supported product registration means for executing product registration processing corresponding to operations by salesclerks, and customer-response processing means for executing processes corresponding to operations by customers. and a situation regarding the existence of a clerk who performs an operation corresponding to the clerk-supported product registration means (for example, changing from a state in which no clerk exists to a state in which a clerk exists, or from a state in which a clerk exists to a state in which a clerk does not exist). and a first mode ( mode setting means for setting either a normal mode or a double scan mode) or a second mode (for example, a full self mode) in which the store clerk does not operate the product registration means for store clerk. It is a product sales data processing device (for example, POS terminal 20).
According to the above configuration, it is possible to smoothly switch the accounting-related mode of the POS terminal 20 .

(2) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the mode setting means changes the status of the presence of the salesclerk input by the salesclerk situation input means to If it indicates that it exists, then the first mode is set.
With the above configuration, the POS terminal 20 can shift from the full self mode to the normal mode (or the double scan mode) when the clerk is in the position where the POS terminal 20 is operated. As a result, the store clerk can smoothly start the product registration operation corresponding to the normal mode.

(3) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing device according to (1) or (2), wherein when the store clerk status input means detects that the clerk is not present, setting the second mode;
With the above configuration, the POS terminal 20 can shift from the normal mode to the full self mode in response to the fact that the clerk is no longer in the position to operate the POS terminal 20 . As a result, after the clerk leaves the POS terminal 20, it is possible to smoothly accept the checkout operation from the customer corresponding to the full self mode.

(4) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein when the first mode is set, the first mode and an informing means for informing that the setting is switched to .
The notification by the notification means may be performed only by the store clerk, or may be performed by both the store clerk and the customer.
According to the above configuration, the clerk and the customer can recognize that the POS terminal 20 is to be switched from the full self mode to the normal mode.

(5) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the second mode is set when the second mode is set. and an informing means for informing that the setting is switched to .
The notification by the notification means may be performed only by the store clerk, or may be performed by both the store clerk and the customer.
According to the above configuration, the store clerk and the customer can recognize that the POS terminal 20 is to be switched from the normal mode to the full self mode.

(5) One aspect of the present embodiment is a computer that includes store clerk-supported product registration means for executing product registration processing corresponding to an operation by a sales clerk, customer-response processing means for executing processing corresponding to a customer's operation, and clerk situation input means for inputting a situation regarding the existence of a clerk who performs an operation corresponding to the product registration means; and based on the situation concerning the existence of the clerk input by the clerk situation input means, the clerk responds to the clerk as an operation mode related to accounting. A program for functioning as mode setting means for setting either a first mode in which the product registration means is operated, or a second mode in which the store clerk does not operate the product registration means for salesclerks. .

A program for realizing the functions of the POS system 1, POS terminal 20, etc. described above is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in this recording medium is read into a computer system and executed. By doing so, the processing of the POS system 1, the POS terminal 20, etc. described above may be performed. Here, "loading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system" includes installing the program in the computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Also, the "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard discs incorporated in computer systems. 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 the distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the program code in a format executable by the terminal device. That is, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that can be executed on the terminal device, the form stored in the distribution server does not matter. It should be noted that the program may be divided into a plurality of parts, and the divided programs may be downloaded at different timings and then merged in the terminal device, or the distribution servers that distribute the divided programs may be different. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" is a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network, and retains the program for a certain period of time. It shall also include things. Further, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Further, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above functions by combining with a program already recorded in the computer system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... POS system 10... Store controller 20... POS terminal 201... CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Hard disk 205 Customer-side display unit 206 Customer-side scanner unit 208 Card payment unit 209 Change dispenser 210 Clerk-side display unit 211 Key operation unit 212 Clerk-side scanner unit 213 Printing unit 214 Audio output unit 215 communication unit

Claims (6)

for the clerk side operation unit merchandise registration means for a salesclerk for executing merchandise registration processing corresponding to an operation by a salesclerk;
For the customer-side operation unit provided so as to face the opposite side to the store clerk-side operation unit Respond to customer operationsProduct registrationCustomer response processing means for executing processing;
Settlement processing corresponding to registration information indicating the result of product registration processing obtained by the salesclerk-supported product registration means or the customer-supported processing means in response to a customer's operation on a settlement unit provided on the same side as the customer-side operation unit. settlement processing means for executing
store clerk situation input means for inputting a situation regarding the presence of the store clerk;
Based on the situation regarding the presence of the clerk input by the clerk situation input means, the clerk selects the operation mode for accounting.Clerk side operation unita first mode in which the clerk operates theClerk side operation unitmode setting means for setting either a second mode in which no operation is performed for
A merchandise sales data processing device. The mode setting means is
2. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is set when the status regarding the presence of the salesclerk input by the salesclerk status input means indicates that the salesclerk exists. The mode setting means is
3. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second mode is set when the store clerk status input means detects that the store clerk does not exist. 4. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the setting is switched to the first mode when the setting of the first mode is performed. 5. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the setting is switched to the second mode when the setting of the second mode is performed. the computer,
for the clerk side operation unit merchandise registration means for salesclerks for executing merchandise registration processing corresponding to operations by salesclerks;
For the customer-side operation unit provided to face the opposite side to the store clerk-side operation unit Respond to customer operationsProduct registrationcustomer service processing means for executing processing;
Settlement processing corresponding to registration information indicating the result of product registration processing obtained by the salesclerk-supported product registration means or the customer-supported processing means in response to a customer's operation on a settlement unit provided on the same side as the customer-side operation unit. settlement processing means for performing
store clerk situation input means for inputting a situation regarding the presence of the store clerk;
Based on the situation regarding the existence of a salesclerk input by the salesclerk situation input means, as an operation mode related to checkout, a first mode in which a salesclerk operates the salesclerk-responsible product registration means, and a salesclerk-responsive product registration means. Mode setting means for setting either a second mode in which no operation is performed for
A program to function as

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