JP2025104894A - Program and settlement device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To improve business operations. [Solution] A program for causing a device used by a store clerk to function as a computer, the program making the computer function as a receiving means for receiving information that requires the store clerk's confirmation regarding a transaction performed by a customer, a transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the result of the store clerk's response, a location acquiring means for acquiring location information of the device, and a control means for controlling the transmitting means not to transmit the information indicating the result of the response based on the location information. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

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

There is known technology that uses an operator terminal installed in the store to monitor and support customers' product registration, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-248919 A

However, there is room for improvement in the operations described above.

The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and aims to provide technology that improves business operations.

One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a program for causing a device used by a store clerk to function as a computer, the program causing the computer to function as receiving means for receiving information that requires confirmation by the store clerk regarding a transaction performed by a customer, transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the result of the response by the store clerk, location acquisition means for acquiring location information of the device, and control means for controlling the transmitting means not to transmit information indicating the result of the response based on the location information.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a sales system. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a store clerk terminal and an example of the appearance of the store clerk terminal. 13 is a display example of a store clerk terminal. 13 is a display example of a store clerk terminal. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a store clerk terminal. 13 is a display example of a store clerk terminal. 13 is a display example of a store clerk terminal. 13 is a display example of a store clerk terminal. 13 is a display example of a registration settlement device. 13 is an example of a display on a settlement device.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a sales system 1 according to this embodiment. The sales system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a cloud server 20, a transaction status management device 40, a registration and settlement device 50, and a store clerk terminal (store clerk device) 80.

The sales system 1 can be introduced in various business formats (supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, home centers, electronics retailers, etc.). In FIG. 1, the dashed line T indicates the inside of the store (product display area, accounting area, back yard, office, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, the transaction status management device 40 and the registration and settlement device 50 are installed in the store. A store clerk terminal 80 is present in the store. The cloud server 20 is installed outside the store (for example, at the head office or a data center). A store controller 30 (not shown) may also be installed in the store.

Note that the number of devices (terminals) in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, "..." is shown to the right of the registration and settlement device 50 in FIG. 1, but the number of registration and settlement devices 50 installed in a store may be one or more. Also, for example, two store clerk terminals 80 are shown in FIG. 1, but the number of store clerk terminals 80 used in a store changes depending on, for example, the number of store clerks on duty.

The transaction status management device 40 and the cloud server 20 can communicate with each other. Specifically, the transaction status management device 40 and the cloud server 20 communicate directly (or via the store controller 30). The registered settlement device 50 and the cloud server 20 can communicate with each other. Specifically, the registered settlement device 50 and the cloud server 20 communicate directly (or via the store controller 30). The registered settlement device 50 and the transaction status management device 40 can communicate with each other. Specifically, the registered settlement device 50 and the transaction status management device 40 communicate with each other. Specifically, the registered settlement device 50 and the transaction status management device 40 communicate with each other via the cloud server 20 (or via the cloud server 20 and the store controller 30).

In the following, it will be explained that the transaction status management device 40 and the cloud server 20 communicate directly, the registration settlement device 50 and the cloud server 20 communicate directly, and the registration settlement device 50 and the transaction status management device 40 communicate via the cloud server 20.

(Registered settlement device 50)
The registration and settlement device 50 registers merchandise based on the operation of the customer and settles the payment based on the operation of the customer. The registration and settlement device 50 is a so-called fully self-service device.

The registration settlement device 50 includes, for example, a CPU, a memory unit, a display unit, a scanner unit, a payment unit (either a cash payment unit or a non-cash payment unit, or both), a printing unit, an audio output unit, an imaging unit, a communication unit, and a sign pole. The sign pole is provided with a light-emitting unit (e.g., an LED) that can emit light in multiple colors. In addition to the light-emitting unit, the sign pole may also be provided with one or more of a small display unit and a detection unit (such as a human presence sensor).

The registered settlement device 50 generates clerk call clerk response instruction information based on an explicit instruction from the operator (customer) (e.g., operation of the clerk call button) and transmits the generated clerk call clerk response instruction information to the cloud server 20. The registered settlement device 50 may generate clerk call clerk response instruction information and transmit the generated clerk call clerk response instruction information to the cloud server 20 even without an explicit instruction from the operator (customer) (automatically) when clerk assistance is required (e.g., when change is near-end/near-full, when receipts are near-end, or when coins or receipts are jammed). The clerk call clerk response instruction information includes device identification information of the registered settlement device 50 and information indicating that it is a clerk response instruction related to the clerk call. The clerk call clerk response instruction information is transmitted (distributed) to the transaction status management device 40 and the clerk terminal 80 via the cloud server 20.

When the registered settlement device 50 transmits the staff call staff response instruction information, it displays on the display unit that a staff call is in progress and illuminates the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit may be a predetermined light-emitting color for each registered settlement device 50. In other words, each registered settlement device 50 may illuminate its light-emitting unit in a different light-emitting color. For example, the first registered settlement device 50 may illuminate its light-emitting unit in red, the second registered settlement device 50 may illuminate its light-emitting unit in blue, and the third registered settlement device 50 may illuminate its light-emitting unit in yellow.

The registered settlement devices 50 may each emit light in a different light color based on the settings stored in the device. That is, each registered settlement device 50 stores a different light color for each registered settlement device 50 in the storage unit as light color setting information related to the light color. When transmitting the clerk call clerk response instruction information, the registered settlement device 50 causes the light-emitting unit to emit light by referring to the light color setting information stored in the storage unit. Also, the registered settlement devices 50 may each emit light in a different light color based on the instruction of the cloud server 20. That is, the cloud server 20 stores light color setting information in which a different light color is set for each registered settlement device 50. When the cloud server 20 receives the clerk call clerk response instruction information from a certain registered settlement device 50, it may refer to the light color setting information to identify the light color of the registered settlement device 50 and transmit light-emitting instruction information (light-emitting instruction command) specifying the identified light color to the registered settlement device 50.

The color of the light emitting part does not have to be a predetermined color for each registered settlement device 50. Specifically, the color of the light emitting part may be changed cyclically, for example, from red to blue to yellow to green to red to blue, in the order in which the multiple registered settlement devices 50 start to emit light. For example, when the first registered settlement device 50 emits the light emitting part in red, the second registered settlement device 50 may emit the light emitting part in blue, and when the first registered settlement device 50 emits the light emitting part (emits the light emitting part again after the red light is turned off), the light emitting part may emit the light in yellow, and when the first registered settlement device 50 emits the light emitting part (emits the light emitting part again after the yellow light is turned off), the light emitting part may emit the light in green, which is the next color after the yellow light. Note that if the next color is used in another registered settlement device 50 (if the other registered settlement device 50 emits the light emitting part in the next color), another color (the next color, etc.) may be used.

Based on instructions from the cloud server 20, the registered settlement device 50 may cyclically change the light emission color of the multiple registered settlement devices 50 in the order in which they started to emit light. In other words, the cloud server 20 stores light emission order information relating to the light emission order of the light emission colors (red → blue → yellow → green → red → blue → ...) and latest light emission color information relating to the latest light emission color (the light emission color specified by the light emission instruction information transmitted immediately before). When the cloud server 20 receives staff call staff response instruction information from a certain registered settlement device 50, it may refer to the light emission order information and the latest light emission color information to identify the light emission color of the registered settlement device 50, and transmit light emission instruction information (light emission instruction command) specifying the identified light emission color to the registered settlement device 50.

When an age verification product (alcohol, tobacco, etc.) is registered (scanned), the registration and settlement device 50 displays a message (Figure 9 (A)) informing the customer that they will have to wait a while for verification, and also illuminates the light-emitting section in the same way as when a store clerk call/store clerk response instruction information is sent.

When a drug that requires an explanation from a pharmacist or registered salesperson when it is sold (hereinafter referred to as a "specified drug") is registered, the registration settlement device 50 displays a message to the effect that the customer must wait for a while for confirmation, as in the case of age verification products, and illuminates the light-emitting unit. Note that a store clerk who is a pharmacist or a registered salesperson may be referred to as a specified drug sales clerk.

(Cloud server 20)
The cloud server 20 is a device that manages transactions by the sales system 1. The cloud server 20 includes, for example, a CPU, a storage unit, and a communication unit. The cloud server 20 may be composed of multiple servers.

The cloud server 20 stores various information (e.g., product master, customer master, store clerk terminal setting file (described later), transaction information of transactions by registered settlement devices 50, etc.). The transaction information includes, for example, transaction identification information, device identification information of the registered settlement device 50, product registration information by the registered settlement device 50, and customer identification information if the customer is a registered customer (member). Each time a product is registered (scanned) at a registered settlement device 50, the cloud server 20 updates the transaction information of the registered settlement device 50 (adds product information for the product and adds the total amount).

The cloud server 20 receives clerk call/clerk response instruction information from the registered settlement device 50. When the cloud server 20 receives clerk call/clerk response instruction information from the registered settlement device 50, it transmits the received clerk call/clerk response instruction information to the transaction status management device 40 and the clerk terminal 80.

When an age verification product is registered (scanned) at a registered settlement device 50 (i.e., when product identification information for an age verification product is received), the cloud server 20 generates age verification store clerk response instruction information and transmits the generated age verification store clerk response instruction information to the transaction status management device 40 and the store clerk terminal 80. The age verification store clerk response instruction information includes device identification information of the registered settlement device 50 (the registered settlement device 50 where the age verification product has been registered) and information indicating that it is a store clerk response instruction regarding age verification.

When a specific medicine is registered (scanned) at the registered settlement device 50 (i.e., when product identification information for the specific medicine is received), the cloud server 20 generates specific medicine store clerk response instruction information and transmits the generated specific medicine store clerk response instruction information to the transaction status management device 40 and the store clerk terminal 80. The specific medicine store clerk response instruction information includes device identification information of the registered settlement device 50 (the registered settlement device 50 where the specific medicine was registered) and information that it is a store clerk response instruction related to the specific medicine.

In the following, when there is no distinction between clerk call clerk response instruction information, age verification clerk response instruction information, and specific drug clerk response instruction information, they will be collectively referred to as clerk response instruction information. Also, when there is no distinction between clerk response instructions related to clerk call, clerk response instructions related to age verification, and clerk response instructions related to specific drug, they may be referred to as clerk response instructions. In other words, instructions to clerks based on clerk response instruction information may be referred to as clerk response instructions.

Although the registration settlement device 50 has been described as generating the clerk call clerk response instruction information, the cloud server 20 may also generate the clerk call clerk response instruction information. For example, the registration settlement device 50 may transmit information to the cloud server 20 that the clerk call button has been operated or that the change is near end, and the cloud server 20 may generate the clerk call clerk response instruction information when it receives information that the clerk call button has been operated or that the change is near end. The cloud server 20 transmits the generated clerk call clerk response instruction information to the transaction status management device 40 and the clerk terminal 80. Also, although the cloud server 20 has been described as generating the age verification clerk response instruction information, the registration settlement device 50 may also generate the age verification clerk response instruction information. For example, when an age verification product is registered (scanned), the registration settlement device 50 may generate the age verification clerk response instruction information and transmit the generated age verification clerk response instruction information to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 transmits the age verification staff response instruction information received from the registration settlement device 50 to the transaction status management device 40 and the staff terminal 80. Although it has been described that the cloud server 20 generates the specific medicine staff response instruction information, the registration settlement device 50 may also generate the specific medicine staff response instruction information. For example, when a specific medicine is registered, the registration settlement device 50 may generate the specific medicine staff response instruction information and transmit the generated specific medicine staff response instruction information to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 transmits the specific medicine staff response instruction information received from the registration settlement device 50 to the transaction status management device 40 and the staff terminal 80.

In other words, ultimately, the clerk response instruction information (clerk call clerk response instruction information, age verification clerk response instruction information, specific medicine clerk response instruction information) only needs to be transmitted to the transaction status management device 40 or the clerk terminal 80, and the registration settlement device 50 may generate the clerk response instruction information, or the cloud server 20 may generate the clerk response instruction information.

In addition, the specific drug sales clerk response instruction information may be transmitted to the clerk terminal 80 of a specific drug sales clerk (a clerk who is a pharmacist or a clerk who is a registered sales clerk) and not transmitted to the clerk terminal 80 of a clerk who is not a specific drug sales clerk (a non-specific drug sales clerk).

The clerk terminal setting file stored by the cloud server 20 is a file set for each clerk terminal 80. The clerk terminal setting file may have, for example, the following data items (a) to (e). In other words, the clerk terminal setting file may have, for example, the following items (a) to (e) set for each clerk terminal 80.

(a) Terminal identification information (b) One or both of the clerk name and the clerk identification information (c) Specific drug handling classification For example, if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 is capable of selling specific drugs, "1 (compatible)" is stored, and if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 is not capable of selling specific drugs, "0 (not compatible)" is stored. In other words, if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 is a specific drug sales clerk, "1" is stored, and if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 is not a specific drug sales clerk, "0" is stored. As described above, specific drug sales clerk handling instruction information may be sent to a clerk terminal 80 with a specific drug handling classification of "1" (i.e., a clerk who is a specific drug sales clerk), while specific drug sales clerk handling instruction information may not be sent to a clerk terminal 80 with a specific drug handling classification of "0" (i.e., a clerk who is not a specific drug sales clerk).
(d) Foreign language support category For example, if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 can provide customer service in a foreign language (e.g., English), then “1 (supported)” is stored; if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 cannot provide customer service in a foreign language, then “0 (not supported)” is stored.
(e) Customer Trouble Response Category For example, if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 is capable of responding to customer troubles (complaints, etc.), a "1 (responsive)" is stored; if the clerk using the clerk terminal 80 is not capable of responding to customer troubles, a "0 (non-responsive)" is stored.

The clerk terminal setting file may hold the above (a) and (b), and the above (c) to (e) may be held in a separate file (for example, a clerk master (employee master)). Alternatively, instead of the clerk terminal setting file, a separate file (for example, a clerk master) may hold the above (a) to (e). In other words, the cloud server 20 may store information for controlling (send/non-send) the transmission of various clerk response instruction information (clerk call clerk response instruction information, age verification clerk response instruction information, specific drug clerk response instruction information) to the clerk terminal 80 used by each clerk, as information according to the response ability of each clerk in response to the clerk response instruction (clerk response instruction related to calling a clerk, clerk response instruction related to age verification, clerk response instruction related to specific drug).

(Transaction status management device 40)
The transaction status management device 40 is used by store clerks. The transaction status management device 40 is a device that monitors and manages the registration and settlement devices 50 installed in the store, the transaction details at the registration and settlement devices 50, and the customers who operate the registration and settlement devices 50. The transaction status management device 40 includes, for example, a CPU, a memory unit, a display unit, an operation unit, and a communication unit. The transaction status management device 40 may further include an audio output unit, a printing unit, etc.

The transaction status management device 40 accesses each transaction information stored in the cloud server 20 and monitors and controls transactions, etc., performed by the registered settlement devices 50. The transaction status management device 40 may be installed in a location where multiple registered settlement devices 50 can be seen. The transaction status management device 40 may be, for example, a personal computer.

The transaction status management device 40 receives store clerk call/store clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20. When the transaction status management device 40 receives store clerk call/store clerk response instruction information, it notifies the user of the instruction (for example, by displaying it on the display unit or outputting it as audio). In other words, the transaction status management device 40 notifies the user that a store clerk call has occurred and the corresponding registered settlement device 50 (the registered settlement device 50 where the store clerk call occurred).

The transaction status management device 40 receives age verification store clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20. When the transaction status management device 40 receives age verification store clerk response instruction information, it notifies the user of the instruction (for example, by displaying it on a display unit or outputting it as audio). In other words, the transaction status management device 40 notifies the user that age verification is required and of the relevant registered settlement device 50 (registered settlement device 50 that has registered the age verification product).

The transaction status management device 40 receives specific drug sales clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20. When the transaction status management device 40 receives specific drug sales clerk response instruction information, it notifies the user of the instruction (for example, by displaying it on the display unit or outputting it as audio). In other words, the transaction status management device 40 notifies the user that an explanation from a specific drug sales clerk is required and notifies the relevant registered settlement device 50 (the registered settlement device 50 that has registered the specific drug).

(Store clerk terminal 80)
The clerk terminal 80 is used by a clerk. The clerk terminal 80 can monitor and manage the registration and settlement devices 50 installed in the store, the transaction details at the registration and settlement devices 50, and the customers who operate the registration and settlement devices 50. The clerk terminal 80 is a smart watch. The clerk terminal 80 is used in various places in the store (product display area, accounting area, back yard, office, etc.).

Fig. 2(A) is an example of the configuration of the clerk terminal 80. Fig. 2(B) is an example of the external appearance of the clerk terminal 80. In the following, the same parts in Fig. 2(A) and Fig. 2(B) are given the same reference numerals. The configuration of the clerk terminal 80 shown in Fig. 2(A) will be described below with reference to Fig. 2(B).

The store clerk terminal 80 includes a CPU 81, a memory unit 82, a display unit 83, a communication unit 84, and an operation unit 85.

The CPU 81 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the clerk terminal 80 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 82. The memory unit 82 is a collective term for one or more various storage members (e.g., memory or storage, such as RAM, ROM, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.). The display unit 83 is a touch display (touch screen) that displays various information to the clerk and accepts touch input. The operation unit 84 accepts operations by the clerk. The communication unit 85 is a collective term for one or more various communication members (e.g., mobile wireless communication such as 5G, wireless LAN, short-range wireless communication, etc.).

The clerk terminal 80 may further include a vibration unit that, for example, vibrates the housing to notify the receipt of clerk response instruction information. The clerk terminal 80 may further include a voice output unit that, for example, notifies the receipt of clerk response instruction information by voice. The clerk terminal 80 may further include a light emitting unit that, for example, notifies the receipt of clerk response instruction information by light emission. The clerk terminal 80 may further include a voice input unit that inputs voice when accepting a response to the response screen by voice. The clerk terminal 80 may further include a sensor unit (such as an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor) that detects the movement of the housing when accepting a response to the response screen by movement of the housing (gestures of the clerk wearing the housing).

(Answering (handling) calls to store staff)
The store clerk terminal 80 receives the store clerk call/store clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20. When the store clerk terminal 80 receives the store clerk call/store clerk response instruction information, it displays a store clerk call response screen (FIG. 7(A) or the like).

When the clerk terminal 80 receives clerk call clerk response instruction information (when displaying the clerk call clerk response screen), as described above, it may notify the receipt of the clerk call clerk response instruction information by vibrating the housing, may notify the receipt of the clerk call clerk response instruction information by sound, or may notify the receipt of the clerk call clerk response instruction information by emitting light.

The clerk terminal 80 can accept a response to a clerk call on the clerk call response screen. Response result information (including clerk identification information and information indicating the response content) indicating the response result accepted on the clerk call response screen is sent to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 transmits (deploys) the response result information to other devices based on the response result information (according to the content of the response result information). In other words, the response content to a clerk call made by one clerk terminal 80 can be immediately reflected not only in that clerk terminal 80, but also in the registered settlement device 50, the transaction status management device 40, and other clerk terminals 80.

(Response to age verification)
The store clerk terminal 80 receives age verification store clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20. When the store clerk terminal 80 receives the age verification store clerk response instruction information, it displays an age verification response screen (FIG. 3(B), etc.).

When the store clerk terminal 80 receives age verification clerk response instruction information (when displaying the response screen for calling a store clerk for age verification), as described above, it may notify the receipt of the age verification clerk response instruction information by vibrating the housing, may notify the receipt of the age verification clerk response instruction information by sound, or may notify the receipt of the age verification clerk response instruction information by emitting light. The store clerk terminal 80 may use different notification modes (vibration pattern, sound content, light emission pattern) depending on whether it has received clerk call store clerk response instruction information or age verification clerk response instruction information.

The store clerk terminal 80 can accept a response regarding age verification on the age verification response screen. Response result information (including store clerk identification information and information indicating the response content) indicating the response result accepted on the age verification response screen is sent to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 transmits (deploys) the response result information to other devices based on the response result information (depending on the content of the response result information). In other words, the response content regarding age verification from one store clerk terminal 80 can be immediately reflected not only in that store clerk terminal 80, but also in the registration settlement device 50, the transaction status management device 40, and other store clerk terminals 80.

(Location Restrictions)
When the position of the store clerk terminal 80 (i.e., the position of the store clerk wearing the terminal) is not suitable for responding to the age verification, the store clerk terminal 80 does not transmit response result information to the cloud server 20.

The store clerk terminal 80 has a location identification function that identifies (estimates) the location of the terminal itself. Communication devices (not shown) that transmit (transmit) beacons each containing a unique ID are installed in various places in the store. The store clerk terminal 80 stores location identification information for identifying a location within the store from the reception strength of beacons received from one or more communication devices. The location identification information is information that associates the reception strength of each beacon with a location within the store. In other words, it is information that can identify a location within the store based on the reception strength of beacons received from one or more communication devices.

The store clerk terminal 80 receives beacons from one or more communication devices. The store clerk terminal 80 identifies its location within the store based on the reception strength of each beacon received from one or more communication devices and the location identification information.

The store clerk terminal 80 may be equipped with a GPS function and may identify the location within the store using the GPS function instead of or in addition to the above method using a beacon.

The store clerk terminal 80 stores map information indicating locations suitable for verifying the age of a customer and locations where a store clerk is permitted to respond to the age verification (hereinafter referred to as age verification response permitted locations). The age verification response permitted locations are locations near the registered settlement device 50 (locations where the customer operating the registered settlement device 50 can be seen) or locations where the screen of a display device 90 (e.g., a surveillance monitor installed in a back yard or office; not shown) that displays an image of the customer operating the registered settlement device 50 (video or still image of the face or upper body) can be seen. The display device 90 displays an image of the customer captured by a surveillance camera installed on the ceiling or pillars in the store, or an image of the customer captured by the imaging unit of the registered settlement device 50. Multiple display devices 90 may be installed in the store.

As described above, when the store clerk terminal 80 receives age verification store clerk response instruction information (when an age verification product has been registered at the registered settlement device 50), it can display an age verification response screen (e.g., FIG. 3(B)) and accept a response regarding age verification. When a response regarding age verification is accepted, if the position of the store clerk terminal 80 is in an age verification response permitted position shown in the map information, it transmits response result information to the cloud server 20, but if the position of the store clerk terminal 80 is not in an age verification response permitted position shown in the map information, it does not transmit the response result information to the cloud server 20.

(Response to specific medicines)
The clerk terminal 80 receives the specific medicine clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20. When the clerk terminal 80 receives the specific medicine clerk response instruction information, it displays a response screen for the specific medicine (FIG. 6(E) and the like).

When the clerk terminal 80 receives specific pharmaceutical clerk response instruction information (when displaying the response screen for the specific pharmaceutical clerk call), as described above, it may notify the receipt of the specific pharmaceutical clerk response instruction information by vibrating the housing, or may notify the receipt of the specific pharmaceutical clerk response instruction information by sound, or may notify the receipt of the specific pharmaceutical clerk response instruction information by emitting light. The clerk terminal 80 may use different notification modes (vibration pattern, sound content, light emission pattern) depending on whether it receives clerk call clerk response instruction information, age verification clerk response instruction information, or specific pharmaceutical clerk response instruction information.

The clerk terminal 80 can accept responses regarding specific medicines on the response screen for specific medicines. Response result information (including clerk identification information and information indicating the response content) indicating the response result accepted on the response screen for specific medicines is sent to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 sends (deploys) the response result information to other devices based on the response result information (according to the content of the response result information). In other words, the response content regarding a specific medicine from one clerk terminal 80 can be immediately reflected not only in that clerk terminal 80, but also in the registration settlement device 50, the transaction status management device 40, and other clerk terminals 80 (clerk terminals 80 of other clerks selling specific medicines).

(Other devices)
Other devices may be installed in the store (i.e., the sales system 1 may include other devices). For example, in the store, in addition to a CPU and a communication unit, a registration and settlement device (registration and settlement device 51) may be installed that includes a clerk-side display unit, a product registration unit (scanner unit), etc. on one side (the clerk side) and a customer-side display unit, a settlement unit (either a cash settlement unit or a non-cash settlement unit, or both), a printing unit, etc. on the other side (the customer side), and that registers products based on the operation of the clerk and settles the bill based on the operation of the customer. Also, in the store, a registration settlement device (registration settlement device 52) may be installed which is equipped with a CPU, a communication unit, a clerk display unit, a clerk product registration unit, etc. on one side (clerk side) and a customer display unit, customer product registration unit, a settlement unit (either a cash settlement unit or a non-cash settlement unit, or both), a printing unit, etc. on the other side (customer side), and has operation modes including a normal mode (similar to the registration settlement device 51, an operation mode in which products are registered based on the operation of the clerk and settlement is based on the operation of the customer) and a full self-service mode (similar to the registration settlement device 50, an operation mode in which products are registered based on the operation of the customer and settlement is based on the operation of the customer). The registration settlement device 52 may be equipped with a sign pole similar to that of the registration settlement device 50.

A group of semi-self-service devices (registration device 53, settlement device 54) may be installed in the store, which registers products based on the operation of a store clerk and settles the payment based on the operation of a customer. The settlement device 54 may also be equipped with a sign pole similar to that of the registration settlement device 50.

In the store, a customer may register products using a registration terminal (registration terminal 60) while walking around the product display area (sales floor). The registration terminal 60 may be any terminal that allows customers to register products while walking around the product display area. For example, the registration terminal 60 may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The registration terminal 60 may be owned by the customer, or may be a rental terminal (rented item) rented by the store. The registration terminal 60 may be attached to a shopping cart for use. The registration terminal 60, which is a rental terminal, may be configured as part of the shopping cart (configured integrally with the shopping cart, or fixed to the shopping cart).

A settlement device (settlement device 55) may be installed in the store to settle the items registered by the registration terminal 60 based on the customer's operation. The settlement device 55 includes, for example, a CPU, a memory unit, a display unit, a scanner unit, a settlement unit (either a cash settlement unit or a non-cash settlement unit, or both), a printing unit, an audio output unit, an imaging unit, a communication unit, and a sign pole. The sign pole included in the settlement device 55 may be the same as the sign pole included in the registered settlement device 50.

(Flow of product registration by the registration terminal 60 and settlement by the settlement device 55)
When an operation to start shopping is performed, the registered terminal 60 transmits shopping start information including the terminal identification information of the registered terminal to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20, which has received the shopping start information, issues (assigns) transaction identification information for the transaction by the registered terminal 60, and stores (generates) the transaction information for the transaction by the registered terminal 60 (the product registration information is blank when generated) in the storage unit. The cloud server 20 transmits the issued transaction identification information to the registered terminal 60.

When a product is registered, the registration terminal 60 transmits the product identification information of the product together with the transaction identification information to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 records (adds) the product identification information of the product to the transaction information of the transaction identified by the transaction identification information.

When an operation is performed to proceed to checkout, the registration terminal 60 displays a settlement code (e.g., a coded transaction identification information of a transaction made by the registration terminal 60) on the display unit to be read by the settlement device 55. The customer causes the settlement code displayed by the registration terminal 60 to be read by the settlement device 55.

When the settlement device 55 reads the settlement code displayed by the registration terminal 60, it receives transaction information of the transaction made by the registration terminal 60 from the cloud server 20. The settlement device 55 displays a list of products registered by the registration terminal 60 based on the transaction information. Thereafter, the settlement device 55 executes the settlement process based on the customer's operation.

In addition, devices other than the settlement device 55 (registered settlement device 50, registered settlement device 51, registered settlement device 52, settlement device 54) may settle the products registered by the registration terminal 60 based on the customer's operation.

A terminal (exit terminal 70) may be installed in the store to read an exit code (e.g., a coded transaction identification information) presented by a customer who has completed payment. The exit terminal 70 may include, for example, a CPU, a memory unit, a light-emitting unit, a scanner unit, a voice output unit, a human presence sensor, and a communication unit. The exit terminal 70 may further include a display unit, an operation unit, a printing unit, a sign pole, etc.

When the store exit terminal 70 is installed, the registered settlement device 50 (this also applies to the registered settlement device 52, settlement device 54, and settlement device 55 in full self-service mode) may issue a medium (a receipt or a medium other than a receipt) on which a store exit code is printed after settlement is completed. When the store exit terminal 70 is installed, the registered terminal 60 may display the store exit code on the display unit after settlement is completed at the settlement device 55. When settlement is completed at the settlement device 55, information that settlement is complete is sent from the settlement device 55 to the cloud server 20 and then sent from the cloud server 20 to the registered terminal 60, so that the registered terminal 60 may display the store exit code on the display unit when it receives information that settlement is complete.

When the store exit terminal 70 reads the store exit code, it notifies the user that the store exit code has been read. For example, the store exit terminal 70 that reads the store exit code illuminates the light-emitting unit. Instead of or in addition to illuminating the light-emitting unit, the store exit terminal 70 that reads the store exit code may output a confirmation sound that the store exit code has been read by the audio output unit, or may output a voice (for example, "Thank you for visiting us"). Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the above, the store exit terminal 70 that reads the store exit code may illuminate a sign pole.

Figures 3 and 4 are examples of the display of a clerk terminal 80. In the following explanation, it is assumed that three registered settlement devices 50 (No. 1 to No. 3) are installed in the store. There are also other clerks in the store, but in Figures 3 and 4, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki (clerk identification information: 013) and the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato (clerk identification information: 036) will be explained.

Figure 3 (A) shows the initial screen of clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80. On the initial screen of clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 (the initial screens of the clerk terminals 80 of the other clerks are similar), a business contact button BT10 and a schedule button BT11 are arranged. The business contact button BT10 is a button for displaying business contacts. When the business contact button BT10 is operated, the clerk terminal 80 displays a business contact screen (not shown). The schedule button BT11 is a button for displaying a schedule. When the schedule button BT11 is operated, the clerk terminal 80 displays a schedule screen (not shown).

(Age verification response screen)
When an age verification product is registered at the registration settlement device 50 (machine No. 3), the clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays an age verification response screen as shown in Fig. 3(B) instead of the initial screen of Fig. 3(A), and the clerk terminal 80 of Sato displays an age verification response screen as shown in Fig. 3(C) instead of the initial screen (not shown). In other words, when an age verification product is registered at the registration settlement device 50 (machine No. 3), each clerk terminal 80 receives age verification clerk response instruction information (including device identification information of machine No. 3 and information indicating that it is a clerk response instruction regarding age verification) from the cloud server 20, and displays the age verification response screen of Fig. 3(B) or Fig. 3(C).

The name of the store clerk (store clerk identification information) is displayed at the top of the response screen in FIG. 3(B) (as are the other response screens). A notification area AR1 is provided on the response screen in FIG. 3(B) (as are the other response screens). "Machine 3/Age Verification" is displayed in notification area AR1 on the response screen in FIG. 3(B) (as are the response screens in FIG. 3(C) to FIG. 4(F)), indicating that this is a store clerk instruction regarding age verification for Machine 3.

The response screen in FIG. 3(B) (similar to the response screens in FIG. 3(C) and elsewhere) displays a message MS100 asking whether or not to permit the sale of the age verification product, and includes a permission button BT20 and a disallowance button BT21. Clerk Suzuki checks the customer of machine No. 3, and if he permits, he operates the permission button BT20 on the response screen in FIG. 3(B), and if he does not permit, he operates the disallowance button BT21 on the response screen in FIG. 3(B). Similarly, Clerk Sato checks the customer of machine No. 3, and if he permits, he operates the permission button BT20 on the response screen in FIG. 3(C), and if he does not permit, he operates the disallowance button BT21 on the response screen in FIG. 3(C). Note that, when necessary (when Clerk Suzuki or Clerk Sato are not in a position where they can confirm the customer of machine No. 3 (age verification response permitted position)), they move to the age verification response permitted position where they can confirm the customer of machine No. 3, and confirm the customer of machine No. 3.

(If you are in an age verification response permitted location)
It is assumed that the Suzuki and Sato store clerks are in the age confirmation response permission positions. When the Suzuki store clerk operates the permission button BT20 on the response screen of Fig. 3(B), the Suzuki store clerk terminal 80 displays the age confirmation response screen as shown in Fig. 3(D) instead of the age confirmation response screen of Fig. 3(B), and the Sato store clerk terminal 80 displays the age confirmation response screen as shown in Fig. 3(E) instead of the age confirmation response screen of Fig. 3(C). In other words, when the Suzuki store clerk terminal 80 operates the permission button BT20 on the age confirmation response screen of Fig. 3(B), the Suzuki store clerk terminal 80 displays the age confirmation response screen of Fig. 3(D). When the Sato store clerk terminal 80 operates the permission button BT20 on another terminal (the Suzuki store clerk terminal 80) while the Sato store clerk terminal 80 is displaying the age confirmation response screen of Fig. 3(C), the Sato store clerk terminal 80 displays the age confirmation response screen of Fig. 3(E). In addition, information that clerk Suzuki has operated the permission button BT20 is sent as response result information to clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 via the cloud server 20 (also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks, the registration settlement device 50, and the transaction status management device 40).

The response screen in FIG. 3(D) displays a message MS101 indicating that permission information (i.e., response result information indicating that the permission button BT20 has been operated) has been sent, and includes an OK button BT30. When clerk Suzuki operates the OK button BT30 on the response screen in FIG. 3(D), clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki displays the initial screen in FIG. 3(A) instead of the response screen in FIG. 3(D).

The response screen in FIG. 3(E) displays a message MS102 indicating that clerk Suzuki has given permission, and includes an OK button BT30. When clerk Sato operates the OK button BT30 on the response screen in FIG. 3(E), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays an initial screen (not shown) instead of the response screen in FIG. 3(E).

When clerk Suzuki operates the disallow button BT21 on the response screen of Figure 3(B), clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays the age confirmation response screen as shown in Figure 3(F) instead of the age confirmation response screen of Figure 3(B), and clerk terminal 80 of Sato displays the age confirmation response screen as shown in Figure 3(G) instead of the age confirmation response screen of Figure 3(C). In other words, when clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 operates the disallow button BT21 on the age confirmation response screen of Figure 3(B), it displays the age confirmation response screen of Figure 3(F). When clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 operates the disallow button BT21 on another terminal (clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki) while the age confirmation response screen of Figure 3(C) is displayed, it displays the age confirmation response screen of Figure 3(G). The information that clerk Suzuki operated the disapproval button BT21 is sent as response result information to clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 via the cloud server 20 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks, the registration settlement device 50, and the transaction status management device 40).

The response screen in FIG. 3(F) displays a message MS103 indicating that disapproval information (i.e., response result information indicating that the disapproval button BT21 has been operated) has been sent, and includes an OK button BT30. When clerk Suzuki operates the OK button BT30 on the response screen in FIG. 3(F), clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays the initial screen in FIG. 3(A) instead of the response screen in FIG. 3(F).

The response screen in FIG. 3(G) displays a message MS104 indicating that clerk Suzuki has not given permission, and includes an OK button BT30. When clerk Sato operates the OK button BT30 on the response screen in FIG. 3(G), clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki displays an initial screen (not shown) instead of the response screen in FIG. 3(G).

When clerk Sato operates the permission button BT20 on the response screen of FIG. 3(C), clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki displays an age confirmation response screen as shown in FIG. 4(A) (a response screen similar to the response screen of FIG. 3(E)) instead of the age confirmation response screen of FIG. 3(B). Information that clerk Sato operated the permission button BT20 is sent as response result information to clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki via cloud server 20 (it is also sent to clerk terminals 80 of other clerks, the registration settlement device 50, and the transaction status management device 40).

In addition, if clerk Sato operates the disapproval button BT21 on the response screen of FIG. 3(C), clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki will display an age confirmation response screen as shown in FIG. 4(B) (a response screen similar to the response screen of FIG. 3(G)) instead of the age confirmation response screen of FIG. 3(B). Information that clerk Sato operated the disapproval button BT21 is sent as response result information to clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki via cloud server 20 (it is also sent to clerk terminals 80 of other clerks, the registration settlement device 50, and the transaction status management device 40).

(If you are not in an area where age verification is permitted)
It is assumed that store clerk Suzuki is not in the age verification response permission position. When store clerk Suzuki operates the permission button BT20 on the response screen of Fig. 3(B), store clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays the age verification response screen as shown in Fig. 4(C) instead of the age verification response screen of Fig. 3(B), and when store clerk Suzuki operates the disallowance button BT21 on the response screen of Fig. 3(B), the age verification response screen as shown in Fig. 4(D) instead of the age verification response screen of Fig. 3(B) is displayed.

The response screen in FIG. 4(C) displays a message MS105 stating that permission information will not be sent because the user is not in the specified position (age verification response permission position), and includes a confirmation button BT31 after movement and a confirmation cancel button BT32. The response screen in FIG. 4(D) displays a message MS106 stating that permission information will not be sent because the user is not in the specified position, and includes a confirmation button BT31 after movement and a confirmation cancel button BT32.

In other words, if there is a response (operation of the permission button BT20 or the disallowance button BT21) at a position where the age verification response is permitted, the store clerk terminal 80 will transmit response result information (permission information, disallowance information) and display a message indicating that it has been transmitted (FIGS. 3(D), 3(F)), but if there is a response at a position where the age verification response is not permitted, the store clerk terminal 80 will not transmit the response result information and will display a message indicating that it will not be transmitted along with the reason (FIGS. 4(C), 4(D)).

When clerk Suzuki operates the post-move confirmation button BT31 on the response screen of FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays the response screen of FIG. 3(B) instead of the response screen of FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D), and clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the age confirmation response screen as shown in FIG. 4(E) instead of the response screen of FIG. 3(C). In addition to message MS100, the response screen of FIG. 4(E) also displays message MS200 indicating that clerk Suzuki will move to confirm.

When clerk Suzuki operates the confirmation cancel button BT32 on the response screen of FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays the initial screen of FIG. 3(A) instead of the response screen of FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D), and clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the age confirmation response screen as shown in FIG. 4(F) instead of the response screen of FIG. 3(C). In addition to message MS100, the response screen of FIG. 4(F) displays message MS201 to the effect that clerk Suzuki has left because he is outside the designated position.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the store clerk terminal 80. The flowchart in Figure 5 starts by receiving age verification store clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20.

Step S10: The store clerk terminal 80 displays a response screen for age verification. For example, the store clerk terminal 80 displays a response screen such as that shown in Fig. 3(B). Then, the process proceeds to step S11.
Step S11: The store clerk terminal 80 judges whether there is a response, that is, whether the permission button BT20 or the non-permission button BT21 is operated. If there is a response (Step S11: YES), proceed to Step S13. If there is no response (Step S11: NO), proceed to Step S12.
Step S12: The clerk terminal 80 judges whether there has been a response from the other clerk terminals 80. In other words, the clerk terminal 80 judges whether it has received response result information from the cloud server 20. If there has been a response from the other clerk terminals 80 (Step S12: YES), the process proceeds to Step S20. If there has been no response from the other clerk terminals 80 (Step S12: NO), the process returns to Step S11.

Step S13: The store clerk terminal 80 judges whether it is in a predetermined position (age verification response permission position). If it is in the predetermined position (Step S13: YES), the process proceeds to Step S14. If it is not in the predetermined position (Step S13: NO), the process proceeds to Step S16.
Step S14: The store clerk terminal 80 transmits the response result (response result information) to the cloud server 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.
Step S15: The store clerk terminal 80 displays a message to the effect that the store clerk has responded. For example, the store clerk terminal 80 displays a response screen such as that shown in FIG. 3(D) (or that shown in FIG. 3(F)). Then, this flow chart ends.

Step S16: The store clerk terminal 80 displays a message indicating that transmission will not be made because the position is not the specified position (age verification response permitted position). For example, the store clerk terminal 80 displays a response screen such as that shown in FIG. 4(C) (or a response screen such as that shown in FIG. 4(D)). Then, proceed to step S17.

Step S17: The store clerk terminal 80 judges whether an operation to move and check (operation of the post-move check button BT31) has been performed. If an operation to move and check has been performed (Step S17: YES), the process returns to Step S10. If an operation to move and check has not been performed (Step S17: NO), the process proceeds to Step S18.
Step S18: The sales clerk terminal 80 judges whether there has been a response from the other sales clerk terminals 80, similar to step S12. If there has been a response from the other sales clerk terminals 80 (step S18: YES), the process proceeds to step S20. If there has been no response from the other sales clerk terminals 80 (step S18: NO), the process returns to step S19.
Step S19: The store clerk terminal 80 judges whether or not an operation to cancel the confirmation (operation of the confirmation cancel button BT32) has been performed. If an operation to cancel the confirmation has been performed (Step S19: YES), this flow chart ends. If an operation to cancel the confirmation has not been performed (Step S19: NO), the process returns to Step S17.

Step S20: The store clerk terminal 80 displays the response results of the other terminals. For example, the store clerk terminal 80 displays a response screen such as that shown in FIG. 4(A) (or a response screen such as that shown in FIG. 4(B)). This flowchart then ends.

Figure 6 shows an example of a display on the store clerk terminal 80. Figures 6(A) to 6(D) are response screens for age verification. Specifically, Figures 6(A) to 6(D) are other display examples of the response screen for age verification.

When clerk Suzuki operates the post-movement confirmation button BT31 on the response screen of FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 may display an age confirmation response screen as shown in FIG. 6(A) instead of the response screen of FIG. 3(B). The response screen of FIG. 6(A) displays a message MS107 indicating whether the movement is complete, and has a movement complete button BT34 and a confirmation cancel button BT32. When clerk Suzuki has completed the movement to the age verification response permitted position, he operates the movement complete button BT34.

When clerk Suzuki operates the Move Complete button BT34 on the response screen of FIG. 6(A), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays the response screen of FIG. 3(B) instead of the response screen of FIG. 6(A). When clerk Suzuki operates the Cancel Confirmation button BT32 on the response screen of FIG. 6(A), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays the initial screen of FIG. 3(A) instead of the response screen of FIG. 6(A).

In other words, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, if an operation to move and confirm is performed (step S17: YES), the store clerk terminal 80 returns to step S10 and redisplays the initial response screen (the response screen of FIG. 3(B)). However, if an operation to move and confirm is performed (step S17: YES) and then an operation to indicate that movement (movement to the age verification response permitted position) has been completed, the initial response screen may be redisplayed.

When the store clerk terminal 80 receives age verification store clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20 at a location that is not an age verification response permitted location, the store clerk terminal 80 may display an age verification response screen such as that shown in FIG. 6(B). In other words, if the store clerk terminal 80 is located at a location that is not an age verification response permitted location when it receives the age verification store clerk response instruction information, the store clerk terminal 80 may display a response screen that includes a post-movement confirmation button BT31 and a confirmation cancel button BT32 even before the response.

When the clerk terminal 80 receives age verification clerk response instruction information from the cloud server 20, the clerk terminal 80 may display an age verification response screen as shown in FIG. 6(C). In addition to the permission button BT20 and the disapproval button BT21, the response screen in FIG. 6(C) has a non-responsive button BT22. If the clerk does not perform the permission or non-approval operation, the clerk may explicitly operate the non-responsive button BT22. When clerk Suzuki operates the non-responsive button BT22 on the response screen in FIG. 6(C), the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki displays the initial screen of FIG. 3(A) instead of the response screen in FIG. 6(C). Also, when clerk Suzuki operates the non-responsive button BT22 on the response screen in FIG. 6(C), the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato displays a response screen as shown in FIG. 6(D). In addition to the message MS100, the response screen in FIG. 6(D) displays a message MS202 indicating that clerk Suzuki has left because he is unable to respond.

(Response screen for specific medicines)
6(E) to 6(H) are response screens for a specific medicine. In FIG. 6(E) to FIG. 6(H), the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki (clerk identification information: 013) and the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka (clerk identification information: 022) will be described.

Note that clerks Suzuki and Tanaka are designated drug sales clerks, and the other clerks are not designated drug sales clerks. In other words, the clerk terminal setting file stores the designated drug handling category "1" as the setting for clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80, stores the designated drug handling category "1" as the setting for clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80, and stores the designated drug handling category "0" as the setting for clerk terminals 80 of the other clerks.

When a specific medicine is registered at the registration settlement device 50 (machine No. 1), the clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays a response screen for the specific medicine as shown in FIG. 6 (E) instead of the initial screen of FIG. 3 (A), and the clerk terminal 80 of Tanaka displays a response screen for the specific medicine as shown in FIG. 6 (F) instead of the initial screen (not shown). In other words, when a specific medicine is registered at the registration settlement device 50 (machine No. 1), each clerk terminal 80 (which may be only the clerk terminal 80 of the specific medicine sales clerk) receives specific medicine clerk response instruction information (including the device identification information of machine No. 1 and information that it is a clerk response instruction related to the specific medicine) from the cloud server 20, and displays the response screen for the specific medicine of FIG. 6 (E) or FIG. 6 (F).

In the notification area AR1 of the response screen in FIG. 6(E) (the same applies to the response screens in FIG. 6(F) to FIG. 6(H)), "Unit 1/Specific Drug" is displayed, indicating that the instruction is for the store clerk to respond to a specific drug on Unit 1.

The response screen of FIG. 6(E) (similar to the response screen of FIG. 6(F)) displays a message MS110 indicating whether the customer can provide an explanation of the specific medicine, and includes a Can Help button BT40 and a Can't Help button BT42. If the customer can, Suzuki presses the Can Help button BT40 on the response screen of FIG. 6(E), and if the customer cannot, he presses the Can't Help button BT42 on the response screen of FIG. 6(E). If the customer can, Tanaka presses the Can Help button BT40 on the response screen of FIG. 6(F), and if the customer cannot, he presses the Can't Help button BT42 on the response screen of FIG. 6(F).

When clerk Suzuki operates the Can respond button BT40 on the response screen of Fig. 6 (E), clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays the initial screen of Fig. 3 (A) instead of the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (E), and clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka displays the response screen of the specific medicine as shown in Fig. 6 (G) instead of the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (F). In other words, when clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 operates the Can respond button BT40 on the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (E), it displays the initial screen of Fig. 3 (A). When clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 operates the Can respond button BT40 on another terminal (clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki) while the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (F) is displayed, it displays the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (G). The information that Suzuki has pressed the Available button BT40 is sent as response result information to Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 via the cloud server 20 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks, the registration settlement device 50, and the transaction status management device 40).

The response screen in FIG. 6(G) displays a message MS112 indicating that store clerk Suzuki will respond, and includes an OK button BT50. When store clerk Tanaka operates the OK button BT50 on the response screen in FIG. 6(G), the store clerk terminal 80 of store clerk Tanaka displays an initial screen (not shown) instead of the response screen in FIG. 6(G).

When clerk Suzuki operates the Cannot Respond button BT42 on the response screen of Fig. 6 (E), clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays the initial screen of Fig. 3 (A) instead of the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (E), and clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka displays the response screen of the specific medicine as shown in Fig. 6 (H) instead of the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (F). In other words, when clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 operates the Cannot Respond button BT42 on the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (E), it displays the initial screen of Fig. 3 (A). When clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 operates the Cannot Respond button BT42 on another terminal (clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki) while the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (F) is displayed, it displays the response screen of the specific medicine of Fig. 6 (H). The information that Suzuki pressed the unavailable button BT42 is sent as response result information to Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 via the cloud server 20 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks and to the transaction status management device 40).

In addition to message MS110, the response screen in FIG. 6 (H) displays message MS202 indicating that the person has left because they are unable to assist. Furthermore, with Suzuki's departure, only Tanaka is the remaining specific drug sales clerk, so the response screen in FIG. 6 (H) does not display the unable to assist button BT42. If there are two or more specific drug sales clerks remaining, the clerk terminal 80 displays the unable to assist button BT42.

(Response screen for calling a store attendant)
7 and 8 are examples of displays on the clerk terminal 80. In Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki (clerk identification information: 013), the clerk Sato (clerk identification information: 036), and the clerk Tanaka (clerk identification information: 022) will be described.

Note that clerks Suzuki and Tanaka are designated pharmaceutical sales clerks, while the other clerks are not. Additionally, clerk Tanaka can speak foreign languages, while the other clerks cannot. Additionally, clerk Tanaka can handle customer problems, while the other clerks cannot. In other words, the clerk terminal setting file stores the settings for clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 as specific drug response category "1", foreign language response category "0", and customer trouble response category "0", the settings for clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 as specific drug response category "0", foreign language response category "0", and customer trouble response category "0", the settings for clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 as specific drug response category "1", foreign language response category "1", and customer trouble response category "1", and the settings for clerk terminals 80 of other clerks as specific drug response category "0", foreign language response category "0", and customer trouble response category "0".

When a specific medicine is registered at the registration settlement device 50 (machine No. 2), the clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays a clerk call response screen as shown in FIG. 7(A) instead of the initial screen of FIG. 3(A), the clerk terminal 80 of Sato displays a clerk call response screen as shown in FIG. 7(B) instead of the initial screen (not shown), and the clerk terminal 80 of Tanaka displays a clerk call response screen as shown in FIG. 7(C) instead of the initial screen (not shown). In other words, each clerk terminal 80 receives clerk call clerk response instruction information (including the device identification information of machine No. 2 and information indicating that it is a clerk response instruction related to the clerk call) from the cloud server 20 and displays the clerk call response screens of FIG. 7(A) to FIG. 7(C).

The notification area AR1 of the response screen in FIG. 7(A) (the same applies to the response screens in FIG. 7(B) to FIG. 8(H)) displays "Unit 2/Staff Call," indicating that this is a staff response instruction related to calling a staff member on Unit 2.

The response screen of FIG. 7(A) (similar to the response screens of FIG. 7(B) and FIG. 7(C)) displays a message MS120 indicating whether the store clerk can respond to the call, and includes a Available button BT60 and a Not Available button BT62. If Suzuki can respond, he operates the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(A), and if not, he operates the Not Available button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 7(A). If Sato can respond, he operates the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(B), and if not, he operates the Not Available button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 7(B). If Tanaka can respond, he operates the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(C), and if not, he operates the Not Available button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 7(C).

When clerk Sato operates the available button BT60 on the response screen of Fig. 7(B), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen shown in Fig. 7(D) instead of the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(B), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen shown in Fig. 7(E) instead of the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(A), and clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen shown in Fig. 7(F) instead of the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(C). In other words, when clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 operates the available button BT60 on the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(B), it displays the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(D). If the Available button BT60 is pressed on another terminal (the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(A) is displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(E). If the Available button BT60 is pressed on another terminal (the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(C) is displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(F). Note that information that clerk Sato pressed the Available button BT60 is sent as response result information to the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki and the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka via the cloud server 20 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks, the registration settlement device 50, and the transaction status management device 40).

The response screen in FIG. 7(D) displays a message MS121 regarding whether the store clerk call has been completed, and includes a Complete button BT70 and a Help button BT71. When the store clerk call has been completed, Sato operates the Complete button BT70 on the response screen in FIG. 7(D), and when help (rescue) from another store clerk is required, he operates the Help button BT71.

The response screen in FIG. 7(E) displays a message MS122 indicating that sales clerk Sato will respond, and includes an OK button BT80. When sales clerk Suzuki operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen in FIG. 7(E), sales clerk terminal 80 of Suzuki displays the initial screen in FIG. 3(A) instead of the response screen in FIG. 7(E). The same applies to the response screen in FIG. 7(F) of sales clerk Tanaka.

When clerk Sato operates the completion button BT70 on the response screen of FIG. 7(D), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the initial screen (not shown) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(D).

When clerk Sato operates the help button BT71 on the response screen of FIG. 7(D), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays a response screen for a clerk call as shown in FIG. 8(A) instead of the response screen for a clerk call of FIG. 7(D). The response screen of FIG. 8(A) will be described later.

When clerk Sato operates the cannot respond button BT62 on the response screen of Fig. 7(B), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays an initial screen (not shown) instead of the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(B), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays a clerk call response screen as shown in Fig. 7(G) instead of the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(A), and clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 displays a clerk call response screen as shown in Fig. 7(H) instead of the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(C). In other words, clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the initial screen when the cannot respond button BT62 on the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(B) is operated. If the "cannot respond" button BT62 is pressed on another terminal (the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(A) is displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(G). If the "cannot respond" button BT62 is pressed on another terminal (the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(C) is displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(H). Note that information that clerk Sato pressed the "cannot respond" button BT62 is sent as response result information to the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki and the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka via the cloud server 20 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks and the transaction status management device 40).

In addition to message MS120, the response screen in FIG. 7(G) displays message MS202 indicating that the call was left because the caller was unable to respond. The same is true for the response screen of clerk Tanaka in FIG. 7(H).

The response screen in FIG. 8(A) displays a message MS123 prompting the user to select the content (reason) of help, and includes a Specific Drug button BT72, a Foreign Language button BT73, and a Customer Trouble button BT74. If the content of the help is about a specific drug, clerk Sato operates the Specific Drug button BT72; if the content of the help is in a foreign language, he operates the Foreign Language button BT73; and if the content of the help is about a customer trouble, he operates the Customer Trouble button BT74.

When clerk Sato operates the specific medicine button BT72 on the response screen of FIG. 8 (A), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8 (B) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8 (A), clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen as shown in FIG. 8 (C) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7 (E) (the initial screen displayed after clerk Suzuki operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen of FIG. 7 (E)), and clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen as shown in FIG. 8 (D) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7 (F) (the initial screen displayed after clerk Tanaka operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen of FIG. 7 (F)). That is, when the specific medicine button BT72 on the clerk call response screen of Fig. 8(A) is operated, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato displays the clerk call response screen of Fig. 8(B). When the specific medicine button BT72 is operated on another terminal (clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(E) (or initial screen) is displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Suzuki displays the clerk call response screen of Fig. 8(C). When the specific medicine button BT72 is operated on another terminal (clerk terminal 80 of clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen of Fig. 7(F) (or initial screen) is displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of clerk Tanaka displays the clerk call response screen of Fig. 8(D). Information that clerk Sato pressed the specific medicine button BT72 is sent as response result information via the cloud server 20 to clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 and clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks and the transaction status management device 40).

The response screen in FIG. 8(B) displays a message MS124 indicating that help has been requested for a specific medicine, and includes an OK button BT80. When clerk Sato operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen in FIG. 8(B), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays an initial screen (not shown) instead of the response screen in FIG. 8(B).

The response screen of FIG. 8(C) (similar to the response screen of FIG. 8(D)) displays a message MS130 indicating whether help for a specific medicine is available, and includes a Can Help button BT60 and a Can't Help button BT62. The response screen of FIG. 8(C) (similar to the response screen of FIG. 8(D)) also displays a message MS203 indicating that help is from clerk Sato. If clerk Suzuki is available, he operates the Can Help button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 8(C), and if he is not available, he operates the Can't Help button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 8(C). If clerk Tanaka is available, he operates the Can Help button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 8(D), and if he is not available, he operates the Can't Help button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 8(D).

The operation when clerk Suzuki operates the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 8(C) is the same as the operation when clerk Suzuki operates the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(A) (i.e., the operation when clerk Sato operates the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(B) described above). The operation when clerk Suzuki operates the Unavailable button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 8(C) is the same as the operation when clerk Suzuki operates the Available button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 7(A) (i.e., the operation when clerk Sato operates the Unavailable button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 7(B) described above). The same is true for the operation when clerk Tanaka operates the Available button BT60 or the Unavailable button BT62 on the response screen of FIG. 8(D).

When clerk Sato operates the foreign language button BT73 on the response screen of FIG. 8(A), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(E) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(A), and clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen as shown in FIG. 8(F) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(F) (if clerk Tanaka operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen of FIG. 7(F), the initial screen displayed after the operation). In other words, when clerk Sato operates the foreign language button BT73 on the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(A), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(E). If the foreign language button BT73 is operated on another terminal (the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen (or initial screen) of FIG. 7(F) is being displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk Tanaka will display the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(F). Information that the clerk Sato has operated the foreign language button BT73 is sent as response result information to the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk Tanaka via the cloud server 20 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks and to the transaction status management device 40).

Note that because clerk Suzuki does not speak foreign languages (because the foreign language support setting on clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 is set to "0"), information that clerk Sato has operated the foreign language button BT73 is not sent to clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80. Therefore, clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 does not display the response screen corresponding to FIG. 8 (F). Also, because there is only clerk Tanaka, the response screen in FIG. 8 (F) does not display the unable to speak button BT62.

The response screen in FIG. 8(E) displays a message MS125 indicating that help in a foreign language has been requested, and an OK button BT80 is provided. When clerk Sato operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen in FIG. 8(E), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays an initial screen (not shown) instead of the response screen in FIG. 8(E).

The response screen in FIG. 8(F) displays a message MS131 asking whether help in a foreign language is available, and includes a "Available" button BT60. The response screen in FIG. 8(F) also displays a message MS203 indicating that help is available from sales clerk Sato.

The action taken when clerk Tanaka presses the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 8(F) is the same as the action taken when clerk Tanaka presses the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(C) (i.e., the action taken when clerk Sato presses the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(B) described above).

When clerk Sato operates the customer trouble button BT74 on the response screen of FIG. 8(A), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(G) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(A), and clerk Tanaka's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen as shown in FIG. 8(H) instead of the clerk call response screen of FIG. 7(F) (the initial screen displayed after clerk Tanaka operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen of FIG. 7(F)). In other words, when clerk Sato operates the customer trouble button BT74 on the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(A), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(G). If the customer trouble button BT74 is operated on another terminal (the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk Sato) while the clerk call response screen (or initial screen) of FIG. 7(F) is being displayed, the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk Tanaka will display the clerk call response screen of FIG. 8(H). Information that the clerk Sato operated the customer trouble button BT74 is sent as response result information to the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk Tanaka via the cloud server 20 (it is also sent to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks and to the transaction status management device 40).

Note that because clerk Suzuki does not respond to customer troubles (because the customer trouble response category setting on clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 is "0"), no information is sent to clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 that clerk Sato has operated the customer trouble button BT74. Therefore, clerk Suzuki's clerk terminal 80 does not display the response screen corresponding to FIG. 8 (H). Also, because there is only clerk Tanaka, the response screen in FIG. 8 (H) does not display the cannot respond button BT62.

The response screen in FIG. 8(G) displays a message MS126 indicating a request for help with a customer problem, and includes an OK button BT80. When clerk Sato operates the OK button BT80 on the response screen in FIG. 8(G), clerk Sato's clerk terminal 80 displays an initial screen (not shown) instead of the response screen in FIG. 8(G).

The response screen in FIG. 8(H) displays a message MS132 asking whether help with the customer's problem is available, and includes a button BT60 indicating that help is available. The response screen in FIG. 8(H) also displays a message MS203 indicating that help is available from sales clerk Sato.

The action taken when clerk Tanaka presses the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 8(H) is the same as the action taken when clerk Tanaka presses the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(C) (i.e., the action taken when clerk Sato presses the Available button BT60 on the response screen of FIG. 7(B) described above).

Figure 9 is an example of the display of the registration and settlement device 50. For example, if a customer registers XX mayonnaise as the first item and XX beer (an example of an age verification product) as the second item on the registration and settlement device 50 (machine No. 3), the registration and settlement device 50 will display a small screen SG01 in front of the registration screen as shown in Figure 9 (A). Note that a store clerk call button BT501 is located in the bottom left of the registration screen. The small screen SG01 informs the customer that the registered product is an age verification product and requests that the customer wait for a while.

When the permission button BT20 is operated on the age verification response screen of one clerk terminal 80 (for example, when the permission button BT20 is operated on the response screen of FIG. 3(B)), the registration settlement device 50 displays the small screen SG02 of FIG. 9(B) instead of the small screen SG01 of FIG. 9(A). The small screen SG02 notifies the user that the age verification has been completed and that further registration is possible. The small screen SG02 is immediately erased (for example, after 2 to 3 seconds). As described above, the response result (response result information) on the clerk terminal 80 is transmitted to the registration settlement device 50 via the cloud server 20 (and also transmitted to the clerk terminals 80 of other clerks, the registration settlement devices 50, and the transaction status management device 40).

When the disallow button BT21 is pressed on the age verification response screen of one store clerk terminal 80 (for example, when the disallow button BT21 is pressed on the response screen of FIG. 3(B)), the registration and settlement device 50 displays small screen SG03 of FIG. 9(C) instead of small screen SG01 of FIG. 9(A). Small screen SG03 informs the user that a store clerk is coming and asks the user to wait for a while.

The registered settlement device 50 may output the content by voice instead of or in addition to displaying it on the small screen SG01 (similar to small screen SG02 and small screen SG03). The same applies to the "other devices" described below.

(Prohibiting registration of other products after registration of age verification product)
Although some of the content has already been explained, when an age verification product is registered (scanned) on the product registration screen, the registration and settlement device 50 may display a restriction screen showing a message such as "Age verification product has been registered" and maintain the display of the restriction screen and prohibit subsequent product registration until the store clerk terminal 80 responds with permission (operation of permission button BT20) or denial (operation of denial button BT21).When the store clerk terminal 80 responds with permission or denial, the registration and settlement device 50 may display the product registration screen instead of the restriction screen (or may resume product registration).

If the clerk terminal 80 responds with permission, the registered settlement device 50 will reflect the age verification product in the transaction (include it in the registration details as a registered product) and resume the transaction, but if the clerk terminal 80 responds with disapproval, the age verification product must not be reflected in the transaction (without being included in the registration details) and must be collected. In other words, if the clerk responds with disapproval on the clerk terminal 80 (operates the disapproval button BT21), the clerk must ultimately visit the registered settlement device 50 to collect the age verification product. For this reason, it can be said that there is little point in using the clerk terminal 80 to remotely respond with disapproval. As shown in FIG. 9, immediately after scanning the age verification product, the user is notified of the wait without mentioning whether a store clerk will arrive (small screen SG01 in FIG. 9(A)), and then after a denial response, the user is notified of the arrival of a store clerk (small screen SG03 in FIG. 9(C)). In other words, by changing the content of the notification according to the situation, the user is less likely to feel anxious or give the impression that the age verification product has been left alone after being scanned, and in this respect, the denial response can be said to be meaningful. However, while a remote permission response has great merit because it can be completed completely remotely, a remote denial response cannot be completed remotely, and therefore when the effort required for making a denial response is taken into consideration, the denial response to age verification may be eliminated (the denial button BT21 may not be necessary).

(Allowing registration of other products even after registration of age verification product)
Although there is some difference from the contents already explained, when an age verification product is registered (scanned) on the product registration screen, the registration settlement device 50 may display a message such as "An age verification product has been registered," but may permit the registration of subsequent products even if there is no approval or disapproval response from the store clerk terminal 80, or even if there is a disapproval response. The registration settlement device 50 places the age verification product in a pending state, and registers subsequent products without reflecting the age verification product in the transaction (without including it in the registration details).

The clerk registration terminal 50 can continue to register products even if there is no response (permission or denial) from the clerk terminal 80, or even if there is a denial response, but it may not allow the user to proceed to checkout if there is no response from the clerk terminal 80. In other words, by restricting the transition to checkout, the user can effectively utilize the time until a response or a clerk arrives (by registering products one after another) and prohibit the user from proceeding to checkout (i.e. completing the transaction) without confirmation by the clerk. If the clerk terminal 80 responds with permission, the clerk registration terminal 50 removes the restriction on the transition to checkout, and if there is a denial response, the restriction on the transition to checkout is maintained and the user waits for the clerk's response. As in the case of the "mode in which registration of other products is prohibited after registration of an age verification product", in the case of the "mode in which registration of other products is permitted even after registration of an age verification product", the denial response from the remote control is not completed remotely (because there is little benefit), so the denial response to age verification may be omitted (the denial button BT21 may not be necessary).

(Monitoring and managing other devices)
The clerk terminal 80 (as well as the transaction status management device 40) monitors the registration settlement device 50 installed in the store, the transaction details at the registration settlement device 50, and the customer who operates the registration settlement device 50, but as mentioned above, devices other than the registration settlement device 50 (registration settlement device 51, registration settlement device 52, registration device 53, settlement device 54, settlement device 55, and exit terminal 70) may also be installed in the store.

The clerk terminal 80 (as well as the transaction status management device 40) may monitor devices other than the registered settlement device 50 (for example, the registered settlement device 52, settlement device 54, settlement device 55, and the exit terminal 70 in full self-service mode), the transaction details at these devices, and the customer who is operating these devices. When the clerk terminal 80 monitors the settlement device 55, the transaction details at the settlement device 55, and the customer who is operating the settlement device 55, it displays an image of the customer operating the settlement device 55 on the display device 90. The same applies when the registered settlement device 52, settlement device 54, and the exit terminal 70 in full self-service mode are the targets of monitoring.

Figure 10 is an example of a display on the settlement device 55. For example, if a customer registers XX mayonnaise as the first item on the registration terminal 60, registers XX beer (an example of an age verification product) as the second item, performs an operation to proceed to checkout, causes the registration terminal 60 to display a settlement code, and has the settlement device 55 read the settlement code displayed by the registration terminal 60, the settlement device 55 may display a small screen SG01 in front of the product list screen as shown in Figure 10. Note that a store clerk call button BT551 is located in the upper right corner of the product list screen.

When the permission button BT20 is operated on the age verification response screen of one store clerk terminal 80, the settlement device 55 displays small screen SG02 (FIG. 9(B)) instead of small screen SG01, as in the case of the registered settlement device 50. When the disapproval button BT21 is operated on the age verification response screen of one store clerk terminal 80, the settlement device 55 displays small screen SG03 (FIG. 9(C)) instead of small screen SG01, as in the case of the registered settlement device 50.

The store clerk terminal 80 may notify (display, output audio) the store exit terminal 70 about customers who have not had the store exit code read.

The above describes an embodiment. According to the above embodiment, customer monitoring and support (for example, age verification, specific medicines, responding to calls to store staff) can be performed efficiently, improving business operations.

(Modifications, etc.)
Although the embodiment has been described above, the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be appropriately changed, for example, as shown in the following (1) to (17). In addition, the following (1) to (17) may be appropriately combined with each other.

(1) In the above embodiment, when the disapproval button BT is operated for age verification, an example is described in which a disapproval response (message MS103) is displayed. However, a message instructing the user to collect the age verification product (for example, "Please collect the age verification product") may also be displayed.

(2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the initial screen was displayed after the OK button (OK button BT30, OK button BT50, OK button BT80) was operated. However, even if the OK button is not operated, the initial screen may be displayed after a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed.

Alternatively, the screen on which the OK button (OK button BT30, OK button BT50, OK button BT80) that displays the initial screen is located does not have to be displayed. As an example, in the above embodiment, operation of the permission button BT20 on the response screen of FIG. 3(B) → operation of the OK button BT30 on the response screen of FIG. 3(D) → the initial screen of FIG. 3(A) is displayed, but operation of the permission button BT20 on the response screen of FIG. 3(B) → the initial screen of FIG. 3(A) may also be displayed.

(3) In the above embodiment, the notification area AR1 of the response screen notifies the device and contents (for example, "Machine No. 3/Age Verification", "Machine No. 1/Specific Drug", "Machine No. 2/Call for Store Clerk"), but the notification area AR1 may be displayed in a display mode according to the device. For example, when a specific drug is registered in Machine No. 1, the sign pole of Machine No. 1 may be illuminated in red, and the background part (or frame part) of the wording "Machine No. 1/Specific Drug" in the notification area AR1 of the response screen of the store clerk terminal 80 may be displayed in red, and when a store clerk is called in Machine No. 2, the sign pole of Machine No. 2 may be illuminated in yellow, and the background part (or frame part) of the wording "Machine No. 2/Call for Store Clerk" in the notification area AR1 of the response screen of the store clerk terminal 80 may be displayed in yellow. As described above, the light emitting color of the light emitting part may be a light emitting color predetermined for each device, or may not be a light emitting color predetermined for each device.

(4) In the above embodiment, it has been described that an image of a customer operating the registered settlement device 50 (a moving or still image of the face or upper body) is displayed on the display device 90 (e.g., a monitoring monitor installed in a back yard or an office), but the clerk terminal 80 may also display an image of a customer operating the registered settlement device 50. For example, the image of the customer may be displayed on the response screen of FIG. 3(B) or FIG. 3(C). The clerk terminal 80 may display the image of the customer on the response screen of FIG. 3(B) or FIG. 3(C) from the beginning, or may display an image of a customer operating the registered settlement device 50 based on an operation (e.g., an operation of an image button arranged in addition to the permission button BT20 or the non-permission button BT21, or an operation of the operation unit 85). The same applies when a device other than the registered settlement device 50 (e.g., the registered settlement device 52 in full self-service mode, the settlement device 54, the settlement device 55, the exit terminal 70) is to be monitored. In other words, the clerk terminal 80 may display an image of a customer operating the settlement device 55, etc.

In the above embodiment, the specified location (age verification response permission location) where a response (allow/not allow) for the age verification product is permitted is described as a location near the registration settlement device 50 or a location where the screen of the display device 90 can be confirmed, but if the registration settlement device 50 displays an image of the customer, a response for the age verification product may be permitted even if it is not a specified location. The same applies to cases where devices other than the registration settlement device 50 (for example, the registration settlement device 52, settlement device 54, settlement device 55 in full self-service mode, and the exit terminal 70) are subject to monitoring.

(5) This is also related to (4) above, but the following control may be performed. In various devices used by customers (registered settlement device 50, registered settlement device 51, registered settlement device 52, settlement device 54, settlement device 55, exit terminal 70), images (video, still images) of the customer's hands or face may be captured for the purpose of crime prevention or dealing with customer troubles. This is also related to (4) above, but the captured images may be displayed on the clerk terminal 80 so that the clerk can check them. For example, when an age verification product is registered in the settlement device 54 (the same applies to other devices where customers register products, such as the registered settlement device 50), the captured images at the time of registration and before and after the registration are uploaded to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 transmits age verification clerk response instruction information to each clerk terminal 80 so that the uploaded captured images can be viewed. "Viewable" may be control to download the captured images to each terminal as file data, or control to distribute the captured images so that they can be browsed. The store clerk estimates the customer's age from the image displayed on the store clerk terminal 80 and operates the response screen. This causes the store clerk terminal 80 to transmit permission information or non-permission information. The store clerk terminal 80 may display the response screen based on an operation for displaying the captured image (such as a file open operation or an operation for accepting age verification store clerk response instruction information). In other words, the store clerk terminal 80 may be controlled so as not to transmit permission information or non-permission information until the store clerk displays the captured image.

(6) In the above embodiment, the clerk responds to the age verification, specific medicines, and clerk call on the response screen (i.e., remotely), but control may be performed according to the authority of the clerk who is the operator. Clerks have job titles and authority (part-time, full-time, store manager, supervisor, headquarters employee, etc.), and may also be assigned job types (checker, cashier, attendant, product display, sales demonstration, etc.). The availability of remote response may be set for each job title and authority or job type, and the clerk terminal 80 held by each clerk may refer to information (hereinafter, setting information) set for the availability of remote response for each job title and authority or job type when responding (remote response) using the response screen (remote response) (as a condition for whether or not to respond), and control the response using the response screen. For example, the setting information may be set to prohibit part-time clerks from responding to permission/prohibition of remote age verification, and the clerk terminal 80 held by the part-time clerk may not be able to respond to age verification using the response screen. Also, for example, the setting information may be set to permit all remote responses except for specific medicines for the manager's clerk, and the clerk terminal 80 held by the manager's clerk may be set to be able to respond to age confirmation requests using a response screen and to respond to clerk calls using a response screen. Also, for clerks whose main area of work is the accounting area, such as checkers, cashiers, and attendants, it may be set to allow them to respond to age confirmation requests using a response screen and to respond to clerk calls using a response screen, while for clerks whose main area of work is the product display area, such as product display and demonstration sales, it may be set not to allow them to respond to age confirmation requests using a response screen or to respond to clerk calls using a response screen.

The age verification response screen may not be displayed on a clerk's mobile terminal 60 that is configured to be unable to handle age verification, the response button (permission/denial button) may not be operable on a clerk's mobile terminal 60 that is configured to be unable to handle age verification, and information (permission information, denial information) may not be transmitted even if the response button is operated on a clerk's mobile terminal 60 that is configured to be unable to handle age verification. The same applies to other response screens (response screen for calling a clerk, response screen for specific medicines, etc.).

(7) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the control may be varied depending on the time period. For example, if the business hours of a store are 9:00 to 22:00, the managed time may be divided into several periods such as 9:00 (opening) to 12:00, 12:00 to 16:00, 16:00 to 20:00, and 20:00 to 22:00 (closing), and the control of the response by the response screen (remote response) may be varied depending on the time period. For example, if the store's past performance shows that there is almost no record of minors registering age verification products during the 9:00-12:00 time slot (past performance shows that there is almost no possibility of minors registering age verification products during that time slot), but there is a certain amount of record of minors registering age verification products during other time slots (12:00-16:00, 16:00-20:00, 20:00-22:00) (past performance shows that there is a reasonable possibility that minors will register age verification products during that time slot), then it is possible to allow the age verification response via the response screen during the 9:00-12:00 time slot, but prohibit the age verification response via the response screen during other time slots, as the reliability of the judgment is somewhat lower during those times.

As explained at the beginning, "these may be combined as appropriate," so the control according to the authority of store clerks in (6) above and the control according to the time of day in (6) above may be combined and operated.

(8) In the above embodiment, responses to the screens (initial screen, response screen) (i.e., input of instructions to the store clerk terminal 80) are made by operating (touching) the display unit 83, but responses (input of instructions) may be made by other methods instead of or in addition to operating the display unit 83.

For example, the response may be made by operating the operation unit 85, or by voice input (voice recognition).

You may also respond to the response screen with a movement (gesture). As an example, you may respond to the response screen by twisting the wrist or bending the fingers of the hand (e.g., the left hand) on which you are wearing the store clerk terminal 80 (smart watch). Specifically, for example, the sensor unit may detect the movement, refer to an action instruction file (a file that associates actions with instructions) stored in advance in the memory unit 82, identify the instruction from the movement detected by the sensor unit, and respond to the response screen.

(9) In the above embodiment, age verification products and specified medicines were described as products that require a response from a store clerk on the response screen, but products that require the intervention of a store clerk are not limited to age verification products and specified medicines. For example, products with security tags or products that are not actually displayed but are handed over after product identification information printed on a sample or backing is read (such as New Year's cards sold at convenience stores or EC gift cards) may also be products that require a response from a store clerk on the response screen.

(10) In the above embodiment, various messages (messages MSxxx) are displayed, but they may be notified by sound.

(11) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which specific medicines, foreign languages, and customer troubles were selected as help options (details) (FIG. 8(A)), but other options may be provided. For example, options related to equipment such as a change machine may be provided. Also, there may be options that do not specify the content of help such as specific medicines, foreign languages, or customer troubles (options in which all other store clerks are the target of help), or an option of "other." Also, the target of help (individual store clerks, or a group of two or more store clerks) may be provided as an option.

(12) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the registered settlement device 50 and the clerk terminal 80 communicate via the cloud server 20 (for example, an example in which clerk call/clerk response instruction information is sent in the order of the registered settlement device 50 → cloud server 20 → clerk terminal 80; see (a) below), but the communication method is not limited to this. For example, any of the methods (a) to (f) below may be used. Note that only the direction from the registered settlement device 50 to the clerk terminal 80 is shown, but the same applies in the opposite direction. The same applies to other devices (for example, the registered settlement device 52, settlement device 54, settlement device 55, and exit terminal 70 in full self-service mode).

(a) Registration settlement device 50 → cloud server 20 → store clerk terminal 80
(b) Registration settlement device 50 → store controller 30 → cloud server 20 → store controller 30 → clerk terminal 80
(c) Registration settlement device 50 → cloud server 20 → transaction status management device 40 → store clerk terminal 80
(d) Registration settlement device 50 → store controller 30 → cloud server 20 → store controller 30 → transaction status management device 40 → store clerk terminal 80
(e) Registration settlement device 50 → transaction status management device 40 → store clerk terminal 80
(f) Registration settlement device 50 → clerk terminal 80

In the case of (e) above, the transaction status management device 40 may, for example, refer to the transaction information of the transaction in the registered settlement device 50 or the clerk terminal setting file, and control communication (destination, etc.) with the clerk terminal 80. The clerk terminal setting file may be stored in the transaction status management device 40 itself, or in another device (for example, the cloud server 20). The transaction status management device 40 may also refer to the transaction information stored in the cloud server 20, or may refer to the transaction information stored in the memory unit of the registered settlement device 50. The same applies to the cases of (c) and (d) above.

In the case of (f) above, the clerk terminal 80 may refer to the clerk terminal setting file and ignore irrelevant information even if it receives it, and may not display a response screen. For example, in addition to the clerk terminals 80 of the clerks who are specific medicine sales clerks (clerk Suzuki, clerk Tanaka), the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk who is not a specific medicine sales clerk (clerk Sato) may also receive specific medicine sales clerk response instruction information, but the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk who is not a specific medicine sales clerk (clerk Sato) may not display the response screen for the specific medicine (response screen as shown in FIG. 6(E)). Similarly, the clerk terminal 80 of the clerk who is not a specific medicine sales clerk (clerk Sato) may also receive response result information for help on the specific medicine (response result information by operating the specific medicine button BT72 on the other clerk terminals 80), but may not display the response screen for the specific medicine (response screen as shown in FIG. 8(C)). The same applies to the cases of (a) to (e) above.

(13) Staff response instruction information (staff call staff response instruction information, age verification staff response instruction information, specific drug staff response instruction information) may not be sent to the staff terminal 80 of a staff member who is not at work. Whether or not a staff member is at work may be determined by the device (e.g., cloud server 20) that transmits the staff response instruction information by referring to an attendance file (attendance file). The attendance file may be stored in a location that can be referenced by the device that transmits the staff response instruction information.

(14) If no specific drug sales clerk is present at work, the specific drug sales clerk response instruction information may not be sent. Whether or not a specific drug sales clerk is present at work may be determined by the device that sends the clerk response instruction information (e.g., cloud server 20) by referring to the clerk master or attendance file (attendance file).

The registration settlement device 50 (and other devices as well) may display a message indicating that the specific drug cannot be sold if no specific drug sales staff are present at work.

(15) In the above embodiment, the clerk terminal 80 is described as a smart watch, but the smart watch that is the clerk terminal 80 may be a loaned item provided by the store (which the clerk may take home or store in the office after work), or it may be a personal property (with the program as the clerk terminal 80 installed).

(16) In the above embodiment, the store clerk terminal 80 is described as a smart watch, but the store clerk terminal 80 may be a wearable terminal (bracelet type, ring type, glasses type, earphone type, etc.). Alternatively, the store clerk terminal 80 may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

In relation to the above, the clerk terminal 80 may have a simple configuration that, in addition to the communication function, has a function to notify the occurrence of an event such as a call to a clerk or age verification (e.g., a light-emitting unit) and a function to accept a positive response (e.g., an indication that the call to the clerk will be answered, an indication that the sale of an age-verification product is permitted) (e.g., an operation unit). As an example, the clerk terminal 80 may be a bracelet-type terminal that has multiple light-emitting units (or one light-emitting unit that emits light in multiple colors) and an operation unit (a bracelet-type terminal that notifies an event with the light-emitting color and accepts a positive response with the operation unit). Note that the events to be notified do not necessarily have to be of multiple types (e.g., a call to a clerk, age verification, specific medicine), but may be of one type. When the clerk is to respond to multiple events, the clerk may wear multiple types of clerk terminals 80, each of which corresponds to a single event.

(17) Some or all of the functions (input/output, memory, processing (including judgment)) of each device (store controller 30, transaction status management device 40, registration settlement device 50, registration settlement device 51, registration settlement device 52, registration device 53, settlement device 54, settlement device 55, registration terminal 60, exit terminal 70, clerk terminal 80) may be realized in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which each store clerk terminal 80 determines whether or not it is in a predetermined location (a location where age verification response is permitted), but the entity that determines whether or not it is in a predetermined location (a location where age verification response is permitted) does not have to be the store clerk terminal 80. For example, the cloud server 20 may determine whether or not each store clerk terminal 80 is in a predetermined location. In an aspect in which the cloud server 20 is the entity that makes the determination, the flow may be, for example, as follows. Note that in an aspect in which the cloud server 20 is the entity that makes the determination, the cloud server 20 itself may store the map information.

The cloud server 20 (or another device related to (12) above) transmits age verification clerk response instruction information to the clerk terminal 80. Having received the age verification clerk response instruction information, the clerk terminal 80 replies (transmits) its own terminal's location information to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20, having received the location information from the clerk terminal 80, determines whether the location information received from the clerk terminal 80 is an age verification response permitted location shown in the map information. If the cloud server 20 determines that the location is an age verification response permitted location, it transmits to the clerk terminal 80 the determination result that it is an age verification response permitted location, and if it determines that the location is not an age verification response permitted location, it transmits to the clerk terminal 80 the determination result that it is not an age verification response permitted location. A store clerk terminal 80 that receives a determination result that the location is permitted for age verification response may display a screen (e.g., the age verification response screen in FIG. 3(B)) in which the user responds as to whether or not to permit the response, and a store clerk terminal 80 that receives a determination result that the location is not permitted for age verification response may display a screen (e.g., the age verification response screen in FIG. 6(B)) in which the user responds as to whether or not to move and verify the response or to cancel the verification. In other words, it can be said that the cloud server 20 controls the response screen (type, display content) of the store clerk terminal 80 based on the location information received from the store clerk terminal 80.

The above flow may be different. For example, the cloud server 20 (or another device related to the above (12)) transmits age verification clerk response instruction information to the clerk terminal 80. The clerk terminal 80 that receives the age verification clerk response instruction information displays a screen (for example, the age verification response screen of FIG. 3 (B)) that responds whether or not to permit. If there is a response (permission, denial), the clerk terminal 80 returns (transmits) the location information of its own terminal together with the response result information (permission information, denial information) to the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 that receives the location information and the response result information from the clerk terminal 80 judges whether the location information received from the clerk terminal 80 is the age verification response permitted location shown in the map information. If the cloud server 20 judges that the location is the age verification response permitted location, it transmits the judgment result that the location is the age verification response permitted location to the clerk terminal 80, and if it judges that the location is not the age verification response permitted location, it transmits the judgment result that the location is not the age verification response permitted location to the clerk terminal 80. The clerk terminal 80 sends permission information to the cloud server 20 as response result information, and when it receives the determination result from the cloud server 20 that the location is permitted for an age verification response, it displays a screen indicating that permission information has been sent (for example, the age verification response screen of Figure 3 (C)). The clerk terminal 80 sends disapproval information to the cloud server 20 as response result information, and when it receives the determination result from the cloud server 20 that the location is permitted for an age verification response, it displays a screen indicating that disapproval information has been sent (for example, the age verification response screen of Figure 3 (F)). The clerk terminal 80 transmits permission information to the cloud server 20 as response result information, and upon receiving from the cloud server 20 a determination result that the location is not permitted for an age verification response, displays a screen indicating that permission information was not transmitted (e.g., the age verification response screen of FIG. 4(C)). The clerk terminal 80 transmits disapproval information to the cloud server 20 as response result information, and upon receiving from the cloud server 20 a determination result that the location is not permitted for an age verification response, displays a screen indicating that disapproval information was not transmitted (e.g., the age verification response screen of FIG. 4(D)). In this case, too, it can be said that the cloud server 20 controls the response screen (type, display content) of the clerk terminal 8 based on the location information received from the clerk terminal 80.

In addition, each device may function as a so-called thin client specialized for input/output interfaces, etc. As an example, a cloud server (which may be the same as cloud server 20 or another cloud server) executes a program for controlling the operation of each device, the cloud server generates the screen of each device, and each device displays the screen generated by the cloud server using a browsing function.

<Overview of the embodiment>
[Technical field]
The present invention relates to a program and a settlement device.
[Background technology]
There is known a technique for monitoring and supporting product registration and the like by customers using an operator terminal installed in a store (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-233663).
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Documents]
[Patent Document 1] JP 2011-248919 A [Summary of the Invention]
[Problem to be solved by the invention]
However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned business. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique for improving the business.
[Means for solving the problems]

(1) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a program for causing a device used by a store clerk (e.g., store clerk terminal 80) to function as a computer, the program causing the computer to function as a receiving means for receiving information requiring the store clerk's confirmation regarding a transaction performed by a customer (e.g., store clerk response instruction information), a transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the result of the store clerk's response (e.g., response result information), a location acquiring means for acquiring location information of the device (e.g., acquiring location information using a beacon or GPS), and a control means (e.g., the part of step S13 in FIG. 5) for controlling the sending means not to send information indicating the result of the response based on the location information (e.g., controlling not to send age verification response result information if the location is not permitted for age verification response).
According to the program (1), the business can be improved favorably. For example, the business efficiency can be improved while ensuring the effectiveness of customer monitoring and support. Since the clerk can monitor and support the customer using the clerk terminal 80 (e.g., a smart watch), there is no need for the clerk to go to the device (e.g., the registration settlement device 50) operated by the customer, and there is no need to keep looking at the screen of the device for monitoring and supporting the customer (e.g., the transaction status management device 40), and the clerk can monitor and support the customer at the location where the clerk is performing each business while performing each business (improving business efficiency). On the other hand, the clerk may work at a location where he/she cannot monitor or support the customer (e.g., a location where he/she cannot confirm the customer's age). However, since it is meaningless for the clerk to monitor and support the customer at a location where he/she cannot monitor or support the customer, the response of the clerk terminal 80 is limited depending on the location of the clerk (the location of the clerk terminal 80), so that the clerk can monitor and support the customer as it is intended (ensuring the effectiveness of customer monitoring and support).

(2) A program described in (1) for functioning as a display means for displaying a message indicating that the information indicating the result of the response will not be sent (for example, displaying message MS105 in FIG. 4(C) or message MS106 in FIG. 4(D)) if the information indicating the result of the response is not to be sent.
The program (2) can favorably improve business operations. For example, since the store clerk can recognize the results that will not be sent, it is possible to prevent confusion that may occur when the store clerk cannot recognize the results that will not be sent.

(3) The program described in (2) is characterized in that the display means is capable of displaying the content to be confirmed by the store clerk (for example, by displaying various response screens), and displays the content to be confirmed by the store clerk when the content to be confirmed by the store clerk matches the attributes of the store clerk using the device (for example, displaying a response screen for a specific medicine to a store clerk who is a pharmacist, etc.).
According to the program (3), it is possible to improve the work in an optimal manner. By requesting confirmation from the relevant store clerk, the other store clerks can concentrate on their individual tasks.

(4) The display means displays the fact that there has been a response by another store clerk (for example, a response by pressing each button on various response screens) (for example, message MS102 in FIG. 3(E), message MS104 in FIG. 3(G), message MS102 in FIG. 4(A), message MS104 in FIG. 4(B), message MS200 in FIG. 4(E), message M201 in FIG. 4(F), message MS202 in FIG. 6(D), message MS112 in FIG. 6(G), message MS202 in FIG. 6(H), message MS202 in FIG. 7(I), message MS202 in FIG. 7(J), message MS202 in FIG. 7(K), message MS202 in FIG. 7(L), message MS202 in FIG. 7(L), message MS202 in FIG. 7(H ... 7(E), message MS122 in FIG. 7(F), message MS202 in FIG. 7(G), message MS202 in FIG. 7(H), message MS130 and message MS203 in FIG. 8(C), message MS130 and message MS203 in FIG. 8(D), message MS131 and message MS203 in FIG. 8(F), and message MS132 and message MS203 in FIG. 8(H).
According to the program (4), it is possible to effectively improve business operations. For example, since the status of responses of store clerks is shared among store clerks, waste is eliminated and efficiency is improved.

(5) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problems is a settlement device in a system (e.g., sales system 1) including a settlement device operated by a customer (e.g., registered settlement device 50, registered settlement device 51, registered settlement device 52, settlement device 54, settlement device 55) and equipment used by a store clerk (e.g., store clerk terminal 80), the settlement device being characterized in that it is equipped with a transmitting means for transmitting information requiring confirmation by the store clerk (e.g., store clerk response instruction information), a receiving means for receiving information in response to the operation of the store clerk on the equipment (e.g., response result information), and a notifying means for notifying information in response to the operation of the store clerk on the equipment (e.g., notifying on small screen SG02 in Figure 9 (B) or notifying on small screen SG03 in Figure 9 (C)).
According to the settlement device of (5), it is possible to preferably improve operations. For example, it is possible to improve the efficiency of operations while maintaining customer satisfaction by notifying the customer.

In addition, a program for implementing the functions of each of the above-described devices (cloud server 20, store controller 30, transaction status management device 40, registration settlement device 50, registration settlement device 51, registration settlement device 52, registration device 53, settlement device 54, settlement device 55, registration terminal 60, exit terminal 70, clerk terminal 80, etc.) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to process each of the above devices. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing a program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the distribution server that can be accessed in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device. Note that the program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The above program may also be one for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be one that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, a so-called difference file (difference program).

1...Sales system 20...Cloud server 30...Store controller 40...Transaction status management device 50...Registration and settlement device 51...Registration and settlement device 52...Registration and settlement device 53...Registration device 54...Settlement device 55...Settlement device 60...Registration terminal 70...Exit terminal 80...Store clerk terminal

Claims (5)

A program for causing a device used by a store clerk to function as a computer,
The computer,
A receiving means for receiving information regarding a transaction made by a customer that requires confirmation by a store clerk;
a transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the result of the response by the store clerk;
A location acquisition means for acquiring location information of the device;
A program for causing the program to function as a control means for controlling so as not to transmit information indicating the result of the response by the transmitting means based on the location information. 2. The program according to claim 1, which functions as a display unit that displays, when the information indicating the result of the response is not to be transmitted, a message indicating that the information will not be transmitted. The display means is
It is possible to display the content that requires confirmation from the store clerk,
3. The program according to claim 2, further comprising displaying the content for which confirmation is requested of the store clerk when the content matches the attributes of the store clerk using the device. The display means is
4. The program according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a message is displayed indicating that there has been a response from another store clerk. A payment device in a system including a payment device operated by a customer and a device used by a store clerk,
A transmitting means for transmitting information that requires confirmation by a store clerk;
a receiving means for receiving information corresponding to an operation of the device by a store clerk;
A payment device comprising a notification means for notifying information corresponding to an operation of the device by a store clerk.

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