Product information registration device and program

Abstract

To provide an article information registration device and a program that can more smoothly interact with an operator during article registration.SOLUTION: A self-service POS terminal (article information registration device) includes: an article code reading unit (reading unit) that reads identification information of an article from the article; a sales data processing unit (registration unit) that registers an article corresponding to the identification information read by the article code reading unit; and a screen display control unit (display control unit) that displays a current screen (first display screen) including article information of a currently registered article, information indicating the number of registered articles and the total amount of money, both of which are smaller than the article information, and a detail display button (first operator) for displaying a registration detail screen (second display screen) including a detailed list of the registered articles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product information registration device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a face-to-face POS, it is known to switch and display product information of currently registered products and a product list of products registered so far on an operator display (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The display operation system provided in the product sales data processing device disclosed in Patent Document was easy to use for an operator accustomed to the operation. However, for the display operation systems of self-POS and cart POS that customers operate themselves, further improvement in visibility and operability has been demanded so that customers do not have trouble with the operation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product information registration device and a program that can more smoothly perform interaction with an operator during product registration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The product information registration device of the embodiment includes a reading unit, a registration unit, and a display control unit. The reading unit reads identification information of the product from the product. The registration unit registers the product corresponding to the identification information read by the reading unit. The display control unit causes the display device to display a first display screen including product information of currently registered products, information indicating the number of registered products and the total amount, both of which are smaller in size than the product information, It is an icon that resembles a container for holding goods, and causes the display device to display a second display screen including a detailed list of registered products. ru and an operation element. When the registration unit registers a new product, it displays the product information of the previously registered product on the first display screen, accompanied by a movement to store it in the operator, and then displays the product information of the newly registered product in the position where the product information of the previously registered product was displayed. .

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of a self-service POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of a product master. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of a product registration file. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the current screen displayed on the display device of a self-service POS terminal when registering a product. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an animation displayed on the display device of a self-service POS terminal when a product is registered. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the registration details screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when the details display button is pressed. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of an animation displayed on the display device of a self-service POS terminal when the "Show Details" button is pressed. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration process performed by a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when a bulk discount product is registered. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display device of a self-service POS terminal when multiple bundle discount items are registered. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when the conditions for a bulk discount are met. [Figure 14]Figure 14 shows an example of the registration details screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when the conditions for a bulk discount are met. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration process for bulk discount items performed by a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a screen for selecting the type and number of shopping bags. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of the current screen displayed when the number of shopping bags runs out during product registration. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an example of the registration details screen displayed when the plastic bag alert button is pressed. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of a screen displayed when selecting a different shopping bag. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining whether a shopping bag is sufficient, performed by a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of the current screen that appears when there is advertising information for a customer during product registration. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows an example of the registration details screen that appears when there is advertising information for the customer during product registration. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows an example of a screen that appears when viewing advertising information. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows an example of a screen that appears when product registration is put on hold. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of advertising information display processing performed by a self-service POS terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An embodiment in which the product information registration device of the present disclosure is applied to the self-POS terminal 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The application range of the present disclosure is not limited to the self-POS terminal 1, and can also be applied to cart POS, smartphone POS, or face-to-face POS, etc.

[0008] (Schematic configuration of the self-POS terminal) The schematic configuration of the self-POS terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a self-POS terminal according to an embodiment.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the self-POS terminal 1 has, for example, a vertically long substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. The self-POS terminal 1 includes a deposit / withdrawal unit 4 below. The deposit / withdrawal unit 4 deposits the money received from the customer under the control of the control unit 100 described later, and withdraws the change paid to the customer. Note that the self-POS terminal 1 is an example of the product information registration device in the present disclosure.

[0010] The control unit 100 described later is housed in the upper part of the housing 2. Also, in the upper part of the housing 2, as an interface for the customer to operate, a code reader 5, a card reader 6, and a printing unit 7 are installed.

[0011] The code reader 5 is a reading device that reads information held in a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The code reader 5 reads the code symbol through a reading window 51 formed in the housing 2. For example, the code reader 5 reads the code symbol attached to the product or the code symbol displayed on the customer's form terminal or the like. Also, the code reader 5 reads the code information indicating the store membership information displayed on the customer's smartphone. Identification information for uniquely identifying the customer is registered in the code information. Note that the code reader 5 may be of a type that the customer holds and operates, such as a handheld scanner.

[0012] The card reader unit 6 is a reading device that reads information held on a card-type medium. The card reader unit 6 reads information from a card medium inserted into the card slot 61. For example, the card reader unit 6 reads information related to electronic payments from credit cards and electronic money cards. The card reader unit 6 also reads identification information that uniquely identifies a customer from a membership card held by the customer and inserted into the card slot 61.

[0013] The printing unit 7 is a printing device such as a thermal printer. The printing unit 7 prints a receipt for the goods purchased by the customer and outputs (issues) the printed receipt from the receipt issuing slot 71 formed in the housing 2.

[0014] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 1 is equipped with a display and operation unit 8 on the top of the housing 2. The display and operation unit 8 has a display device 81, which is composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and an operation unit 82, which is composed of a touch panel or the like. The display device 81 displays various screens under the control of the control unit 100. The operation unit 82 is provided on the surface of the display device 81 and outputs information to the control unit 100 according to the position touched by the customer.

[0015] Furthermore, a basket rest 9 is provided on one side or lateral side of the self-service POS terminal 1. The basket rest 9 is a stand for placing baskets, and is used, for example, when placing baskets containing goods.

[0016] Furthermore, the other side or lateral side of the self-service POS terminal 1 is equipped with a bagging table 10 for bagging products after the code symbol has been read by the code reading unit 5.

[0017] (Hardware configuration of self-service POS terminals) The hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to this embodiment.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes the deposit / withdrawal unit 4, code reading unit 5, card reading unit 6, printing unit 7, display device 81, and operation unit 82, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, an audio output unit 15, and a communication unit 16, etc. The CPU 11 is connected to each of the hardware components shown in Figure 2 via a bus or the like.

[0020] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls each part of the self-service POS terminal 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data. Here, the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100, which is an example of a computer.

[0021] The storage unit 14 has a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 14 stores various programs and setting information that the CPU 11 can execute. The storage unit 14 also stores control programs 141, product masters 142, product registration files 143, etc.

[0022] The control program 141 is a program that enables the self-service POS terminal 1 to perform its functions.

[0023] The control program 141 may be provided pre-installed in the ROM 12. Alternatively, the control program 141 may be provided as a file in a format installable or executable by the control unit 100, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Furthermore, the control program 141 may be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and allowing users to download it via the network. Finally, the control program 141 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0024] The product master 142 is a master file that stores information about the products to be sold. The specific structure of the product master 142 will be described in detail later (see Figure 3). Since the contents of the product master 142 are updated as needed, the self-service POS terminal 1 continuously obtains the latest product master 142 from a store server (not shown in Figure 2) via the communication unit 16.

[0025] The product registration file 143 is a file that stores information related to the product code read by the code reading unit, that is, information related to the product purchased by the customer. The specific structure of the product registration file 143 will be described in detail later (see Figure 4).

[0026] The audio output unit 15 is an audio output device such as a speaker. The audio output unit 15 outputs voices and sound effects to assist customer operation according to the control unit 100. The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that can connect to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown). The communication unit 16 communicates with external devices such as a store server installed in the store or an electronic payment server that provides electronic payment services, for example, via the network.

[0027] (Data structure of various data stored by self-service POS terminals) Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the data structure of the various data stored by the self-service POS terminal 1. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the product master. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the product registration file.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the product master 142 associates each product with an identifiable product code and stores the product name, additional information, price, discount amount, weight, size, product icon, bundle sale information, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as product information) of the product identified by that product code.

[0029] A product code is product identification information, such as a JAN code. Each product sold in a store is marked with a code symbol, such as a barcode or QR code, that holds the product code. By reading the product code from the code symbol attached to the product, the product can be identified.

[0030] The product name is information that represents the product's name, such as its official name. In addition to the official name, information such as abbreviations, alternative names, or nicknames may also be stored to simplify the product name.

[0031] Additional information stores extra details related to the product. For example, if the product is apparel such as clothing, the product's size and other details are stored as additional information.

[0032] Price is information that indicates the unit price of a product.

[0033] Weight indicates the weight of the product. Size indicates the dimensions of the product in its packaged state. Weight and size are used to determine whether all items can fit into the shopping bag registered by the customer.

[0034] Product icons are icon information that schematically displays the appearance of a product.

[0035] Bundle deals refer to information about product combinations that offer further discounts when purchased together.

[0036] Note that the data structure of the product master 142 is not limited to the example in Figure 3. For example, the product master 142 may store image data representing the characteristics of the product along with the product information. Furthermore, the product master 142 also stores the aforementioned product information for shopping bags sold in stores.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, when the first product is registered, the product registration file 143 stores the terminal ID, product code, quantity, price, etc., in association with the transaction ID issued by the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0038] The terminal ID is identification information that uniquely identifies self-POS terminal 1. The transaction ID is issued by self-POS terminal 1 when the first product is registered.

[0039] The product code is the product code of the registered product.

[0040] The quantity is the number of registered products corresponding to the product code.

[0041] The price is the price of the product corresponding to the product code (the sum of the unit price and the quantity).

[0042] Note that the data structure of the product registration file 143 is not limited to the example in Figure 4. For example, the product registration file 143 may store an identification number that uniquely identifies a customer. This identification number can be used to provide product information tailored to that customer, or to analyze product sales trends, etc.

[0043] (Functional configuration of self-service POS terminals) The functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to this embodiment.

[0044] The control unit 100 of the self-service POS terminal 1 loads the control program 141 into RAM 13 and operates it, thereby realizing the following functional units as shown in Figure 5: the operation reception unit 101, the customer identification unit 102, the product code reading unit 103, the sales data processing unit 104, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105, the bulk sale condition determination unit 106, the advertising information acquisition unit 107, the hold control unit 108, and the screen display control unit 109. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0045] The operation reception unit 101 receives customer operations via the operation unit 82. Specifically, the operation reception unit 101 receives operations on various screens displayed on the display device 81 and notifies the CPU 11 of the received operations.

[0046] The customer identification unit 102 uniquely identifies a customer operating the self-service POS terminal 1 if the customer is a member of the store. The customer identification unit 102 identifies the customer, for example, based on the information registered on the customer's membership card read by the card reader unit 6. Alternatively, the customer identification unit 102 may identify the customer based on code information indicating the store's membership information displayed on the customer's smartphone, read by the code reader unit 5. The customer identification unit 102 may also identify the customer by performing facial recognition using a camera installed in the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0047] The product code reading unit 103 reads the product identification information from the code reading unit 5. Note that the product code reading unit 103 is an example of a reading unit in this disclosure.

[0048] The sales data processing unit 104 performs various processes related to registering the products purchased by the customer and accounting for the payment of those products. Specifically, the sales data processing unit 104 issues a transaction ID when the identification information of the first product is read. The sales data processing unit 104 also identifies the product corresponding to the product identification information read by the product code reading unit 103 from the product master 142 and performs product registration processing to register the product information related to the identified product in the product registration file 143. Furthermore, when the sales data processing unit 104 receives an operation to start accounting via the operation unit 82, it calculates the total amount of products registered up to that operation and executes accounting processing to settle the amount paid via the deposit / withdrawal unit 4. Note that the accounting processing supports not only cash payments via the deposit / withdrawal unit 4 but also cashless payments such as credit cards and electronic money via the card reading unit 6. The sales data processing unit 104 also has the printing unit 7 print a receipt with product information, total amount, payment amount, etc. The sales data processing unit 104 is an example of a registration unit in this disclosure.

[0049] The shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 determines whether all the items being registered can fit into the shopping bag registered by the customer prior to registering the items. Specifically, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 determines whether all items can fit into the shopping bag based on the weight and size of the registered items and the size and number of shopping bags selected by the customer. Specifically, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 reads the weight and size of the registered items and the capacity and load capacity of the shopping bag selected by the customer from the product master 142. Then, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 determines whether all the registered items can fit into the selected shopping bag.

[0050] The bundle sale condition determination unit 106 determines whether the products registered by the customer satisfy the discount conditions for bundle sales. Specifically, the bundle sale condition determination unit 106 determines whether the discount conditions for bundle sales are satisfied based on the product code of the registered products and the bundle sale information stored in the product master 142.

[0051] The advertising information acquisition unit 107 acquires advertising information appropriate to the customer identified by the customer identification unit 102 via the communication unit 16 from a server device (not shown) connected to the self-service POS terminal 1 via a communication network, etc.

[0052] The hold control unit 108 temporarily suspends the product registration process when it detects that the operation reception unit 101 has instructed the customer to suspend the product registration process. The hold control unit 108 also issues a one-time password to release the suspension when the product registration process is temporarily suspended. Alternatively, instead of issuing a one-time password, the hold control unit 108 may instruct the printing unit 7 to print a receipt with an identification code to release the suspension. The hold control unit 108 may also release the suspension based on the customer's facial image.

[0053] The screen display control unit 109 controls the display device 81 to display various screens. For example, the screen display control unit 109 works in cooperation with the operation reception unit 101 and the sales data processing unit 104 to display various screens on the display device 81 to support the purchase of products. Note that the screen display control unit 109 is an example of a display control unit in this disclosure.

[0054] Specifically, the screen display control unit 109 displays the current screen 21 (see Figure 6) on the display device 81, which includes the registered product information 30 (see Figure 6) of the currently registered product, information showing the total number of registered products 36 and the total amount 38, both smaller in size than the registered product information 30, and a detail display button BTa (see Figure 6) that displays the registration details screen 41 (see Figure 8) which includes a detailed list of registered products. A specific display example will be described later (see Figure 6).

[0055] Furthermore, the screen display control unit 109 displays on the current screen an accounting button BTb (see Figure 6) that instructs the execution of accounting, and operators that indicate the occurrence of an event related to product registration and allow access to detailed information related to that event (such as the shopping bag alert button BTg (see Figure 17), the advertisement display button BTj (see Figure 21), etc.). Specific display examples will be described later (see Figures 6, 17, and 21).

[0056] Furthermore, when the sales data processing unit 104 (registration unit) registers products eligible for bulk discounts, the screen display control unit 109, on the condition that the bulk discount has been successfully applied, displays the registered product information 30 related to the products eligible for bulk discounts and the registered product information 30 related to already registered products eligible for bulk discounts side by side on the current screen 23 (see Figure 12) at the same size. In addition, the screen display control unit 109 displays a bulk discount successful icon 54 (see Figure 13) to indicate that the bulk discount has been successfully applied. Specific display examples will be described later (see Figures 11, 12, and 13).

[0057] Furthermore, the screen display control unit 109, based on the condition that the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 has determined that the items registered so far cannot fit into the shopping bags registered based on the selected information of the type and number of shopping bags to be used, displays a shopping bag alert button BTg on the current screen 25 to indicate that there are insufficient shopping bags. A specific display example will be described later (see Figure 17). When the shopping bag alert button BTg is pressed, the screen display control unit 109 displays a purchase quantity input box 63 on the shopping bag selection screen 65 to instruct the user to change or add to the already registered type and number of shopping bags. A specific display example will be described later (see Figure 19).

[0058] Furthermore, the screen display control unit 109, on the condition that it has acquired advertising information corresponding to the customer identified by the customer identification unit 102, displays an advertising display button BTj (see Figure 21) on the current screen to indicate that advertising information is available. When the advertising display button BTj is operated, the advertising display screen 45 displays the advertising information and an operator that instructs the user to purchase the product related to the advertising information. Specific display examples will be described later (see Figures 21 and 23).

[0059] Furthermore, when the sales data processing unit 104 (registration unit) registers a product, the screen display control unit 109 causes the registered product information 30 displayed on the current screen to be displayed in a detailed display button BTa that mimics a container for the product. A specific example of the display will be described later (see Figure 7).

[0060] Furthermore, upon receiving confirmation that the detail display button BTa on the current screen has been pressed, the screen display control unit 109 causes the display device 81 to display a registered product list 46 containing all products registered up to that point by the sales data processing unit 104, and a registration details screen 41 including a button BTc to close the current screen. A specific example of the display will be described later (see Figure 8).

[0061] Furthermore, upon receiving a press of the detail display button BTa on the current screen, the screen display control unit 109 displays an animation on the display device 81 that shows all products registered by the sales data processing unit 104 being retrieved in registration order from the detail display button BTa, which is modeled after a storage container, and displays the registration details screen 41, which includes the registered product list 46. A specific example of the display will be described later (see Figure 9).

[0062] Furthermore, the screen display control unit 109 may also cause the audio output unit 15 to output sounds and sound effects corresponding to the screen displayed on the display device 81.

[0063] (Screen displayed during product registration) Figures 6 to 9 illustrate specific examples of the GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display device 81 when the self-service POS terminal 1 performs product registration processing. Figure 6 shows an example of the current screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device during product registration. Figure 7 shows an example of the animation screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device during product registration. Figure 8 shows an example of the registration details screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when the details display button is pressed. Figure 9 shows an example of the animation screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when the details display button is pressed.

[0064] The screen display control unit 109 of the self-service POS terminal 1 displays a start screen (not shown) on the display device 81. The start screen displays various buttons indicating the main menu. The main menu includes, for example, "Scan membership information," "Purchase a shopping bag," and "Call a store employee." The customer presses the button that indicates the action they want to take from among the various buttons displayed on the main menu.

[0065] For example, if a customer is a member of the store, they select "Scan Member Information" from the main menu before registering their products. Then, the customer holds their membership card, which identifies them, over the reading window 51 of the self-service POS terminal 1 for the code reading unit 5 to read. Alternatively, the customer inserts their membership card into the card slot 61 for the card reading unit 6 to read. The code reading unit 5 or card reading unit 6 identifies the customer by reading the membership code registered on the membership card. By identifying the customer, the self-service POS terminal 1 provides personalized advertising information and awards points based on the purchase amount. Further details will be provided later.

[0066] Next, the customer holds the item to be purchased over the reading window 51 of the self-service POS terminal 1, and the code reading unit 5 reads the code symbol attached to the item. Then, the screen display control unit 109 causes the display device 81 to display the current screen 21 shown in Figure 6. Note that the current screen 21 is an example of the first display screen in this disclosure.

[0067] The current screen 21 displays a screen title 28 indicating that a product is being registered, registered product information 30 for the currently registered product, the total number of registered products 36, the total discount amount to date 37, and the total amount to date 38. Note that the total number of products 36, the total discount amount to date 37, and the total amount to date 38 are all displayed in a smaller size than the registered product information 30. In other words, the registered product information 30 is displayed in a larger size than the total number of products 36, the total discount amount to date 37, and the total amount to date 38.

[0068] Furthermore, the current screen 21 displays a detailed display button BTa that instructs the user to view a detailed list of registered products, a checkout button BTb, and a total points icon 39.

[0069] The registered product information 30 displays the product information of the currently registered product in a speech bubble from the detailed display button BTa. The registered product information 30 includes the product icon 31, product name 32, quantity 33, price 34, and discount amount 35. The screen display control unit 109 retrieves this product information from the product master 142 and displays it as the registered product information 30.

[0070] The total number of registered items (36), the total discount amount to date (37), and the total amount to date (38) are the item counts and amounts calculated by the sales data processing unit (104). This information is displayed in a designated position at the bottom of the current screen (21).

[0071] The detail display button BTa is an icon that mimics a container for holding products. In the example in Figure 6, the detail display button BTa has a shape that mimics a shopping cart. The detail display button BTa may also have the shape of a container such as a shopping basket or a shopping bag. Since the detail display button BTa also serves as a button to instruct the display of a detailed list of registered products, it is labeled, for example, "View All". The detail display button BTa is an example of the first operator in this disclosure.

[0072] The checkout button BTb is an operator that instructs the sales data processing unit 104 of the self-service POS terminal 1 to perform the checkout process. After the customer has finished reading the code symbols of all the products, they press the checkout button BTb to have the self-service POS terminal 1 perform the checkout process. The checkout button BTb is displayed in a predetermined location, such as the lower right corner of the current screen 21.

[0073] The total score icon 39 indicates the total score of registered products. The total score icon 39 is displayed near the details display button BTa. Customers can check the total score of products registered to date by checking the total score icon 39. Note that the information shown by the total score icon 39 overlaps with the total score of registered products 36 mentioned above, so the display of the total score of registered products 36 may be omitted.

[0074] The screen display control unit 109 displays an animation in which the registered product information 30 is drawn into the detailed display button BTa, which is modeled after a storage unit, at the moment the product code of the next product is read.

[0075] For example, as shown in Figure 7, when the product code for product E is read and the sales data processing unit 104 completes the registration of product E, the registered product information 30 displayed gradually shrinks in size and is absorbed into the detailed display button BTa when the product code for the next product F is read. Then, when the sales data processing unit 104 completes the registration of product F, the registered product information 30 showing the product information for product F is displayed at its normal size.

[0076] By displaying animations that involve such movements, the process of the product being placed into the container is visualized, allowing customers to be sure that the product they are purchasing has been registered.

[0077] When the screen display control unit 109 detects that the detail display button BTa has been pressed on the current screen 21, it causes the display device 81 to display the registration details screen 41 shown in Figure 8. Note that the registration details screen 41 is an example of a second display screen in this disclosure.

[0078] The registration details screen 41 displays a screen title 28 indicating that the product is being registered, a list of registered products 46, the total number of registered products 36, the total discount amount to date 37, and the total amount to date 38.

[0079] Furthermore, the registration details screen 41 displays a checkout button BTb and a close button BTc.

[0080] The Registered Products List 46 is a detailed list of product information for all currently registered products. The Registered Products List 46 is displayed in a format of one product per line. The Registered Products List 46 includes the product name 47, quantity 48, price 49, and discount amount 52. The Registered Products List 46 displays product information from bottom to top, in the order in which the products were registered. That is, product E, displayed on the bottom line of the Registered Products List 46, is the most recently registered product. If there are many registered products and they do not all fit on one screen, the customer can scroll through the Registered Products List 46 by swiping up or down to view the product information for all registered products.

[0081] Furthermore, the registered product list 46 includes a change button BTd and a cancel button BTe.

[0082] The Change button BTd is an operator that instructs the self-service POS terminal 1 that the quantity of a product needs to be changed. The Change button BTd is displayed for each product shown in the registered product list 46. When the sales data processing unit 104 of the self-service POS terminal 1 detects that the Change button BTd has been pressed, it instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display a pop-up window in which numbers indicating quantities are arranged from the quantity box 48 to the right of the pressed Change button BTd. The sales data processing unit 104 then re-registers the quantity selected by the customer from the pop-up window as the changed product and quantity.

[0083] The Cancel button BTe is an operator that instructs the self-service POS terminal 1 to cancel the registration of a product. The Cancel button BTe is displayed for each product shown in the registered product list 46. When the sales data processing unit 104 of the self-service POS terminal 1 detects that the Cancel button BTe has been pressed, it cancels the registration of the product in the row for which the Cancel button BTe was pressed. Then, the screen display control unit 109 removes the display of the canceled product from the registered product list 46.

[0084] Furthermore, the registration details screen 41 displays a close button BTc and a checkout button BTb. The close button BTc is an operator that returns the registration details screen 41 to the current screen 21. When the screen display control unit 109 of the self-service POS terminal 1 detects that the close button BTc has been pressed, it displays the current screen 21 (see Figure 6) on the display device 81.

[0085] The checkout button BTb is an operator that instructs the sales data processing unit 104 of the self-service POS terminal 1 to execute the checkout process. In other words, the checkout button BTb has the same function as the checkout button BTb displayed on the current screen 21. After completing the registration of all items, the customer can transition the screen display from the current screen 21 to the registration details screen 41 to confirm the registration details, and then instruct the customer to execute the checkout process on the registration details screen 41 without returning to the current screen 21.

[0086] When the detail display button BTa on the current screen 21 is pressed, the screen display control unit 109 displays an animation in which all previously registered products are retrieved from the detail display button BTa, which is modeled after a storage container, in the order in which they were registered, and displays the registration details screen 41.

[0087] For example, as shown in Figure 9, when the details display button BTa is pressed, the product information for product A, which was registered first, is retrieved from the details display button BTa. Subsequently, product information is retrieved in the order in which it was registered, and the registration details screen 41 (see Figure 8), which includes the registered product list 46, is displayed.

[0088] By using animations that involve such movements, the process of the product being removed from its container is visualized, allowing customers to reliably understand the contents of the product they are purchasing.

[0089] (Flow of product registration process performed by self-service POS terminals) Figure 10 illustrates the flow of product registration processing performed by the self-service POS terminal 1. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration processing flow performed by the self-service POS terminal.

[0090] The customer identification unit 102 identifies the customer using the self-service POS terminal 1 (step S11). Customer identification is performed using the various methods described above.

[0091] The shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 determines whether the customer has selected a shopping bag to purchase (step S12). If it is determined that the customer has selected a shopping bag to purchase (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the customer has not selected a shopping bag to purchase (step S12: No), the process proceeds to step S14. The fact that the customer has selected a shopping bag to purchase is determined by the selection of a shopping bag on the shopping bag selection screen 62 (see Figure 16), which will be described later.

[0092] In step S12, if it is determined that the customer has selected a shopping bag to purchase, the sales data processing unit 104 registers the shopping bag selected by the customer (step S13).

[0093] The screen display control unit 109 causes the display device 81 to display the current screen 21 (step S14). At this time, if the customer has selected a shopping bag to purchase, the registered product information 30 shown in Figure 6 will display the product information (product icon, product name, quantity, price) related to the shopping bag selected by the customer. Alternatively, if the customer has selected a shopping bag to purchase, the current screen 21 will be displayed without the registered product information 30.

[0094] The product code reading unit 103 determines whether it has read the product code (step S15). If it is determined that the product code has been read (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the product code has been read (step S15: No), the process repeats step S15.

[0095] In step S15, if it is determined that the product code has been read, the screen display control unit 109 displays the registered product information 30 on the current screen 21 (step S16).

[0096] Next, the sales data processing unit 104 registers the product corresponding to the read product code (step S17).

[0097] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the payment button BTb has been pressed (step S18). If it is determined that the payment button BTb has been pressed (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the payment button BTb has been pressed (step S18: No), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0098] In step S18, if it is determined that the payment button BTb has been pressed, the sales data processing unit 104 performs the payment processing (step S19). After that, the self-service POS terminal 1 completes the process shown in Figure 10.

[0099] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S18 that the accounting button BTb has been pressed, the operation reception unit 101 determines whether the detail display button BTa has been pressed (step S20). If it is determined that the detail display button BTa has been pressed (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the detail display button BTa has been pressed (step S20: No), the process returns to step S15.

[0100] In step S20, if it is determined that the detail display button BTa has been pressed, the screen display control unit 109 displays the registration details screen 41, which includes the registered product list 46 (step S21).

[0101] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the change button BTd or the cancel button BTe was pressed on the registration details screen 41 (step S22). If it is determined that the change button BTd or the cancel button BTe was pressed (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the change button BTd or the cancel button BTe was pressed (step S22: No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0102] In step S22, if it is determined whether the change button BTd or the cancel button BTe was pressed, the sales data processing unit 104 performs the change or cancel process corresponding to the pressed button (step S23). If it is determined that the change button BTd was pressed, the sales data processing unit 104 changes the quantity of the product corresponding to the pressed change button BTd to the quantity specified by the customer. If it is determined that the cancel button BTe was pressed, the sales data processing unit 104 cancels the registration of the product corresponding to the pressed cancel button BTe and removes the product from the registered product list 46.

[0103] If it is not determined in step S22 whether the change button BTd or the cancel button BTe was pressed, or if, following step S23, the operation reception unit 101 determines whether the close button BTc was pressed (step S24). If it is determined that the close button BTc was pressed (step S24: Yes), the process returns to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the close button BTc was pressed (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0104] In step S24, if it is not determined that the close button BTc was pressed, the operation reception unit 101 determines whether the payment button BTb was pressed (step S25). If it is determined that the payment button BTb was pressed (step S25: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the payment button BTb was pressed (step S25: No), the process returns to step S22.

[0105] (Product registration process for bulk discount items performed by self-service POS terminals) Figures 11 to 14 illustrate specific examples of the GUI displayed on the display device 81 when registering products eligible for bulk discounts. Figure 11 shows an example of the screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when bulk discount products are registered. Figure 12 shows an example of the screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when multiple bulk discount products are registered. Figure 13 shows an example of the screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when the conditions for a bulk discount are met. Figure 14 shows an example of the registration details screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal's display device when the conditions for a bulk discount are met.

[0106] When a product eligible for a bulk discount is registered, the screen display control unit 109 displays the current screen 22 shown in Figure 11 on the display device 81 of the self-service POS terminal 1. The screen configuration of the current screen 22 is the same as that of the current screen 21 (see Figure 6) described above. Then, in the registered product information 30 displayed in a pop-up from the detailed display button BTa, the bulk discount product identification information 53 is displayed along with the various product information explained in Figure 6. The bulk discount product identification information 53 is a tag that indicates that the product is eligible for a bulk discount.

[0107] When products are repeatedly registered and a product eligible for a bulk discount is registered again, the screen display control unit 109 displays the current screen 23 shown in Figure 12 on the display device 81 of the self-service POS terminal 1. Figure 12 shows the case when product G, which is eligible for a bulk discount, is registered again. The screen display control unit 109 displays the registered product information 30 showing the product information of product G that was previously registered, and the registered product information 30 showing the product information of the newly registered product G, side by side on the current screen 23, both at the same size. Since the current screen 23 displays identical registered product information 30 side by side, the screen display control unit 109 may, for example, change the color of the registered product information 30 of previously registered products to make it clearer that multiple products registered at different times have become eligible for a bulk discount.

[0108] Then, the screen display control unit 109 displays the current screen 24 shown in Figure 13, provided that the bulk sale condition determination unit 106 has determined that the conditions for a bulk discount have been met. The current screen 24 is the current screen 23 with a bulk discount confirmed icon 54 superimposed to indicate that the bulk discount has been met. In this example, purchasing two units of product G makes the customer eligible for a bulk discount. Similarly, if purchasing three or more units makes the customer eligible for a bulk discount, the screen display control unit 109 displays the registered product information for the three units side by side at the same size. The customer can easily confirm that the bulk discount has been met by looking at the bulk discount confirmed icon 54 displayed on the current screen 24. In cases where the conditions for a bulk discount are not met, for example, if a discount is available when purchasing three units together, but only two units of the target product are registered, the registered product information may also be displayed side by side at the same size to draw the customer's attention. In this case, it is desirable to display on the current screen 24 that a bulk discount will be available if one more of the target product is purchased. Note that current screens 22, 23, and 24 are all examples of the first display screen in this disclosure.

[0109] When the screen display control unit 109 detects that the detail display button BTa has been pressed on the current screen 24, it causes the display device 81 to display the registration details screen 42 shown in Figure 14. The registration details screen 42 is an example of a second display screen in this disclosure.

[0110] The screen configuration of the registration details screen 42 is the same as that of the registration details screen 41 (see Figure 8) mentioned above. In the column for products eligible for bulk discounts displayed in the registered product list 46, bulk discount completion information 55 is displayed to indicate that the bulk discount has been completed. As mentioned above, the registered product list 46 is displayed from bottom to top in the order in which the product codes are read, but the screen display control unit 109 may rearrange the order so that products with bulk discount completion information 55 attached are adjacent to each other when a bulk discount has been completed.

[0111] (Flowchart for registering discounted items using a self-service POS terminal) Figure 15 illustrates the flow of product registration for bulk discount items performed by the self-service POS terminal 1. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration process for bulk discount items performed by the self-service POS terminal. Note that the flowchart in Figure 15 shows the process performed when the product registered in step S17 of the product registration flowchart shown in Figure 10 is a product eligible for a bulk discount.

[0112] The sales data processing unit 104 determines whether it has accepted the registration of the bulk discounted product (step S31). If it is determined that the registration of the bulk discounted product has been accepted (step S31: Yes), the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the registration of the bulk discounted product has been accepted (step S31: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 15 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10.

[0113] In step S31, if it is determined that the registration of bulk discount items has been accepted, the sales data processing unit 104 determines whether the bulk discount conditions have been met (step S32). If it is determined that the bulk discount conditions have been met (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bulk discount conditions have not been met (step S32: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 15 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10.

[0114] In step S32, if it is determined that the bulk discount conditions have been met, the screen display control unit 109 displays the registered product information 30 of the registered bulk discount products on the current screen, side by side, at the same size (step S33).

[0115] Furthermore, the screen display control unit 109 superimposes the bulk discount completion icon 54 onto the current screen displayed in step S33 (step S34). After that, the self-service POS terminal 1 completes the process shown in Figure 15 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10.

[0116] Although not shown in the flowchart of Figure 15, the screen display control unit 109 performs the process of displaying the bulk discount completion information 55 in the registered product information 30 of the products that were subject to the bulk discount when the detailed display button BTa is pressed when the bulk discount conditions are met and the user transitions to the registration details screen.

[0117] (Screen display when the shopping bag capacity is insufficient) Next, using Figures 16 to 19, we will explain specific examples of the GUI displayed on the display device 81 when the capacity of the shopping bag selected by the customer to hold the purchased items becomes insufficient during the product registration process of the self-service POS terminal 1. Figure 16 is an example of a screen for selecting the type and number of shopping bags. Figure 17 is an example of the current screen displayed when the number of shopping bags becomes insufficient during product registration. Figure 18 is an example of a registration details screen displayed when the shopping bag alert button is pressed. Figure 19 is an example of a screen displayed when re-selecting shopping bags.

[0118] When a customer wants to purchase a shopping bag to hold their purchased items, they select the type of shopping bag they want to buy before having the self-service POS terminal 1 read the product code symbol. For example, on the main screen displayed on the display device 81 of the self-service POS terminal 1, the customer selects "Purchase a shopping bag." At this time, the screen display control unit 109 displays the shopping bag selection screen 62 shown in Figure 16 on the display device 81.

[0119] The shopping bag selection screen 62 displays a window showing the sizes and prices of the available shopping bags, an image of the amount of goods that can fit in each size of shopping bag, and a confirmation button BTf. Within the window corresponding to each shopping bag, a quantity input box 63 is displayed for specifying the number of bags to purchase.

[0120] The quantity input box 63 is a box for entering the number of shopping bags to be purchased. When the screen display control unit 109 of the self-service POS terminal 1 detects that the quantity input box 63 has been pressed, it displays a pop-up window with numbers indicating quantities arranged in a row from the pressed quantity input box 63. The sales data processing unit 104 then registers the number selected by the customer from the pop-up window as the number of shopping bags of the corresponding size to be purchased. By repeating the same operation, the customer can purchase shopping bags of multiple sizes.

[0121] The confirmation button BTf is an operator that signals to the self-service POS terminal 1 that the input into the quantity input box 63 has been completed. The sales data processing unit 104 detects that the confirmation button BTf has been pressed and confirms the registration information for the shopping bags. The actual shopping bags are displayed, for example, near the self-service POS terminal 1, and the customer obtains the shopping bags corresponding to the size and quantity they registered from the display area.

[0122] Subsequently, the customer holds the product they wish to purchase over the reading window 51 of the self-service POS terminal 1, causing the code reading unit 5 to read the code symbol attached to the product. The screen display control unit 109 then displays the current screen 25 shown in Figure 17 on the display device 81. The current screen 25 is an example of the first display screen in this disclosure.

[0123] The shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 of the self-service POS terminal 1 determines, each time an item is registered, whether all the items registered so far can fit into the shopping bag selected by the customer. If it determines that there is a possibility that the items cannot fit into the shopping bag, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the shopping bag alert button BTg on the current screen 25 in addition to the information described in Figure 6.

[0124] The shopping bag alert button BTg is an icon displayed near the detailed display button BTa that indicates that previously registered items may not fit into the shopping bag selected by the customer. The shopping bag alert button BTg also functions as an operation button, and by pressing it, the customer can re-select a shopping bag, as described later (see Figure 19). To ensure that the customer is notified that the shopping bag alert button BTg has been displayed, the screen display control unit 109 may output a voice message or sound effect from the audio output unit 15 indicating that the shopping bag alert button BTg has been displayed. Note that the shopping bag alert button BTg is an example of a second operator in this disclosure.

[0125] When the operation reception unit 101 detects that the shopping bag alert button BTg has been pressed on the current screen 25, it instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the shopping bag selection screen 65 on the display device 81.

[0126] The shopping bag selection screen 65 displays the total number of registered items, the total price, and the amount paid. The shopping bag selection screen 65 also displays the information related to shopping bag selection as explained in Figure 16. Furthermore, the shopping bag selection screen 65 displays a back button BTi.

[0127] As explained in Figure 16, the customer re-selects a shopping bag by operating the quantity input box 63 displayed on the shopping bag selection screen 65. After re-selecting the shopping bag, the customer presses the confirm button BTf. The operation reception unit 101 detects that the confirm button BTf has been pressed and confirms the re-selection of the shopping bag with the sales data processing unit 104.

[0128] Furthermore, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 of the self-service POS terminal 1 may not only determine if there is a shortage of shopping bags, but may also suggest to the customer the size and number of shopping bags necessary to accommodate all the items registered so far. Specifically, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 reads the weight and size of all items registered so far from the product master 142 and compares them with the capacity of shopping bags of each size. Then, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 calculates the size of shopping bags that are thought to be able to accommodate all the items. The calculated size of the shopping bags is displayed on the shopping bag selection screen 65 as suggestion information 66, for example, as shown in Figure 19.

[0129] The back button BTi is an operator used to return to the current screen 25. The customer presses the back button BTi after they have finished re-selecting a shopping bag, or after they have decided that they do not need to re-select a shopping bag. When the operation reception unit 101 detects that the back button BTi has been pressed, it instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the current screen 25 on the display device 81.

[0130] Furthermore, when the operation reception unit 101 detects that the detail display button BTa has been pressed on the current screen 25, it instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the registered details screen 43 on the display device 81. The registered details screen 43 is an example of a second display screen in this disclosure.

[0131] The registration details screen 43 displays the information described in Figure 8. Specifically, the registered product list 46 displays a detailed list of product information for all currently registered products, in the order they were registered, from bottom to top. At this time, the screen display control unit 109 always displays the shopping bag registration information 64, which is product information related to shopping bags, at the top of the registered product list 46. This is because customers are likely to re-select shopping bags after receiving an alert that they do not have enough bags, and if the product information related to shopping bags is not displayed in the registered product list 46 at this time, it would impair usability. If the customer has selected multiple sizes of shopping bags, for example, small and medium sizes, the screen display control unit 109 displays the shopping bag registration information 64 in the top two rows of the registered product list 46.

[0132] Additionally, the registration details screen 43 displays a shopping bag re-selection button BTh. Customers can re-select a shopping bag by pressing either the shopping bag re-selection button BTh or the change button BTd displayed in the row of the shopping bag registration information 64.

[0133] When the operation reception unit 101 detects that the re-selection button BTh or the change button BTd displayed in the row of the shopping bag registration information 64 has been pressed, it instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the shopping bag selection screen 65 on the display device 81.

[0134] (Flowchart of the process by which self-service POS terminals determine if there are enough shopping bags) Figure 20 illustrates the flow of the shopping bag sufficiency determination process performed by the self-service POS terminal 1. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the shopping bag sufficiency determination process performed by the self-service POS terminal. Note that the flowchart in Figure 20 is the process that is executed when a shopping bag is registered in step S13 of the product registration flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0135] The shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 executes the process shown in Figure 20 each time a new product is registered. First, the shopping bag sufficiency determination unit 105 determines whether there are enough shopping bags registered by the customer to accommodate all the products registered so far (step S41). If it is determined that there are enough shopping bags (step S41: Yes), the self-POS terminal 1 finishes the process in Figure 20 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are not enough shopping bags (step S41: No), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0136] In step S41, if it is determined that there are not enough shopping bags, the screen display control unit 109 displays the shopping bag alert button BTg on the current screen 25 (step S42).

[0137] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the shopping bag alert button BTg has been pressed (step S43). If it is determined that the shopping bag alert button BTg has been pressed (step S43: Yes), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the shopping bag alert button BTg has been pressed (step S43: No), the process proceeds to step S47.

[0138] In step S43, if it is determined that the shopping bag alert button BTg has been pressed, the screen display control unit 109 displays the shopping bag selection screen 65 (see Figure 19) on the display device 81 (step S44).

[0139] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the quantity input box 63 has been operated and the confirm button BTf has been pressed on the shopping bag selection screen 65 (step S45). If it is determined that the quantity input box 63 has been operated and the confirm button BTf has been pressed (step S45: Yes), the process proceeds to step S46. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the quantity input box 63 has been operated and the confirm button BTf has been pressed (step S45: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 20 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10.

[0140] The sales data processing unit 104 registers the selected shopping bag (step S46). After that, the self-service POS terminal 1 completes the process shown in Figure 20 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10.

[0141] Returning to step S43, if it is determined that the shopping bag alert button BTg was not pressed in step S43, the operation reception unit 101 determines whether the detail display button BTa was pressed (step S47). If it is determined that the detail display button BTa was pressed (step S47: Yes), the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the detail display button BTa was pressed (step S47: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 20 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10.

[0142] In step S47, if it is determined that the detail display button BTa has been pressed, the screen display control unit 109 displays the registered details screen 43 (see Figure 18) on the display device 81 (step S48).

[0143] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the change button BTd or the re-selection button BTh was pressed on the registration details screen 43 (step S49). If it is determined that the change button BTd or the re-selection button BTh was pressed (step S49: Yes), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the change button BTd or the re-selection button BTh was pressed (step S49: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 20 and returns to step S18 in Figure 10.

[0144] (Advertisement information display processing performed by self-service POS terminals) Figures 21 to 24 illustrate specific examples of the GUI displayed on the display device 81 when the self-service POS terminal 1 presents advertising information to a customer registering a product. Figure 21 shows an example of the current screen displayed when there is advertising information for the customer during product registration. Figure 22 shows an example of the registration details screen displayed when there is advertising information for the customer during product registration. Figure 23 shows an example of the screen displayed when viewing advertising information. Figure 24 shows an example of the screen displayed when product registration is put on hold.

[0145] The advertising information acquisition unit 107 (see Figure 5) of the self-service POS terminal 1 acquires advertising information from a server device (not shown) connected to the self-service POS terminal 1 via a communication network, etc., via the communication unit 16, that is appropriate for a customer identified by the customer identification unit 102 who is registering products at the self-service POS terminal 1. At this time, the unit instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the current screen 26 shown in Figure 21 on the display device 81. The current screen 26 is an example of the first display screen in this disclosure.

[0146] In addition to the information described in Figure 6, the current screen 26 displays an advertisement display button BTj. The advertisement display button BTj is displayed near the details display button BTa and is an icon that indicates that there is relevant advertisement information for the customer. The advertisement display button BTj also functions as an operation button, and by pressing it, the customer can view the advertisement information as described later (see Figure 23). To ensure that the customer is notified that the advertisement display button BTj has been displayed, the screen display control unit 109 may output a sound or sound effect from the audio output unit 15 to indicate that the advertisement display button BTj has been displayed. Note that the advertisement display button BTj is an example of a second operator in this disclosure.

[0147] When the screen display control unit 109 detects that the advertisement display button BTj has been pressed on the current screen 26, it causes the display device 81 to display the registration details screen 44 shown in Figure 22. The registration details screen 44 is an example of a second display screen in this disclosure.

[0148] The registration details screen 44 displays the information described in Figure 8. Specifically, the registration details list 46 displays a detailed list of product information for all currently registered products, in the order they were registered, from bottom to top. The registration details screen 44 also displays the advertisement display button BTk. The advertisement display button BTk is an icon that indicates that there is advertisement information corresponding to the customer, and is also an operator that instructs the display of the advertisement information. When the operation reception unit 101 detects that the advertisement display button BTk has been pressed, it causes the screen display control unit 109 to display the advertisement display screen 45, which displays the advertisement corresponding to the customer.

[0149] The advertising display screen 45 displays advertising information 68 in addition to the information displayed in the registered product list 46. The advertising information 68 is an advertisement for a product relevant to the customer, acquired by the advertising information acquisition unit 107 of the self-service POS terminal 1 from a server device (not shown) connected to the self-service POS terminal 1 via a communication network, etc. There is not limited to one piece of advertising information 68 that is displayed. In the example in Figure 23, three pieces of advertising information 68 are displayed. The customer can scroll through the advertising information 68 by swiping the area where the advertising information 68 is displayed and view the content of each advertisement. Note that the advertising display screen 45 is an example of the second display screen in this disclosure.

[0150] Among the advertising information 68, the centrally displayed advertising information shows a product purchase button BTL. When a customer wants to purchase the product displayed in the advertising information 68, they press the product purchase button BTL. When the operation reception unit 101 detects that the product purchase button BTL has been pressed, the hold control unit 108 temporarily holds the registration operation. Then, the screen display control unit 109 displays the hold screen 72 shown in Figure 24 on the display device 81.

[0151] Although the registered product list 46 is also displayed on the ad display screen 45, the display space is reduced by the display of ad information 68, so only the most recently registered product information is displayed in the registered product list 46.

[0152] On the pending screen 72, as shown in Figure 24, a screen title indicating that the registration is pending is displayed in the header of the registration details screen 44. Since the self-service POS terminal 1 is used by a large number of customers, and multiple customers may put the product registration process on hold during product registration, it is desirable that the screen title indicate how many product registration processes are currently pending.

[0153] Furthermore, the hold screen 72 displays the hold release button BTm shown in Figure 24. The hold release button BTm is an operator that instructs the user to release the hold on the product registration process. When the operation reception unit 101 detects that the hold release button BTm has been pressed, it instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display a GUI on the display device 81 requesting the input of a one-time password (not shown). The operation reception unit 101 then accepts the input of the one-time password. When the hold control unit 108 determines that a correct one-time password has been entered, it releases the hold state of the product registration process and instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the registration details screen 44 (see Figure 22) on the display device 81. At this time, the registration details screen 44 may display a message such as "The hold state has been released. Please continue with product registration." for a predetermined period of time. In addition, when the product purchase button BTl is pressed, the hold control unit 108 may instruct the printing unit 7 to issue a receipt with an identification code for releasing the hold printed on it.

[0154] Furthermore, if the self-service POS terminal 1 is attached to a shopping cart used by a customer, that is, if the self-service POS terminal 1 constitutes a so-called cart POS, then the cart POS is used only by the customer currently using it until the checkout process is completed, and therefore, hold control is unnecessary. Also, when the self-service POS terminal 1 is used as a cart POS, when the operation reception unit 101 detects that the product purchase button BTL has been pressed, the screen display control unit 109 may display a map showing the location of the products on the advertising display screen 45.

[0155] Furthermore, the advertising information acquisition unit 107 of the self-service POS terminal 1 may, without identifying the customer who registered the product at the self-service POS terminal 1, present advertising information related to the product based on the content of the product registered by the customer. For example, it may present information based on statistical data such as the fact that customers who purchase a certain product often purchase other related products.

[0156] (Flow of advertising information display processing performed by self-service POS terminals) Figure 25 illustrates the flow of the advertising information display process performed by the self-service POS terminal 1. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the advertising information display process performed by the self-service POS terminal. Note that the flowchart in Figure 25 is executed in parallel with the product registration process shown in the flowchart for product registration in Figure 10.

[0157] The advertising information acquisition unit 107 determines whether there is any advertising information that is relevant to the customer (step S51). If it is determined that there is any advertising information that is relevant to the customer (step S51: Yes), the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no advertising information that is relevant to the customer (step S51: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 25 and returns to the product registration process shown in Figure 10.

[0158] In step S51, if it is determined that there is advertising information that is relevant to the customer, the screen display control unit 109 displays the advertising display button BTj on the current screen 26 (step S52).

[0159] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the ad display button BTj has been pressed on the current screen 26 (step S53). If it is determined that the ad display button BTj has been pressed (step S53: Yes), the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the ad display button BTj has been pressed (step S53: No), the process proceeds to step S60.

[0160] In step S53, if it is determined that the advertisement display button BTj has been pressed, the screen display control unit 109 displays the advertisement display screen 45 on the display device 81 (step S54).

[0161] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the product purchase button BTL has been pressed (step S55). If it is determined that the product purchase button BTL has been pressed (step S55: Yes), the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the product purchase button BTL has been pressed (step S55: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 25 and returns to the product registration process shown in Figure 10.

[0162] In step S55, if it is determined that the product purchase button BTL has been pressed, the hold control unit 108 puts the product registration process on hold and instructs the screen display control unit 109 to display the hold screen 72 on the display device 81 (step S56).

[0163] The hold control unit 108 issues a one-time password (step S57).

[0164] The hold control unit 108 determines whether a one-time password has been entered after the hold release button BTm is pressed (step S58). If it is determined that a one-time password has been entered after the hold release button BTm is pressed (step S58: Yes), the process proceeds to step S59. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a one-time password has been entered after the hold release button BTm is pressed (step S58: No), the process repeats step S58.

[0165] In step S58, if it is determined that a one-time password has been entered after the hold release button BTm is pressed, the hold control unit 108 releases the hold on the product registration process (step S59). Then, the screen display control unit 109 displays the registration details screen 44 on the display device 81. After that, the self-POS terminal 1 finishes the process shown in Figure 25 and returns to the product registration process shown in Figure 10.

[0166] Returning to step S53, if it is not determined that the advertisement display button BTj was pressed in step S53, the operation reception unit 101 determines whether the detail display button BTa was pressed (step S60). If it is determined that the detail display button BTa was pressed (step S60: Yes), the process proceeds to step S61. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the detail display button BTa was pressed (step S60: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 25 and returns to the product registration process shown in Figure 10.

[0167] In step S60, if it is determined that the detail display button BTa has been pressed, the screen display control unit 109 displays the registered details screen 44 on the display device 81 (step S61).

[0168] The operation reception unit 101 determines whether the advertisement display button BTk was pressed on the registration details screen 44 (step S62). If it is determined that the advertisement display button BTk was pressed (step S62: Yes), the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the advertisement display button BTk was pressed (step S62: No), the self-service POS terminal 1 terminates the process shown in Figure 25 and returns to the product registration process shown in Figure 10.

[0169] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the self-service POS terminal 1 (product information registration device) of this embodiment includes a product code reading unit 103 (reading unit) that reads the identification information of a product from the product, a sales data processing unit 104 (registration unit) that registers the product corresponding to the identification information read by the product code reading unit 103, and a screen display control unit 109 (display control unit) that displays a current screen 21 (first display screen) on the display device 81, which includes a detail display button BTa (first operator) that displays a registration details screen 41 (second display screen) including product information of the currently registered product, information showing the number of registered products and the total amount, both in a smaller size than the product information, and a detailed list of registered products. Therefore, interaction with the operator during product registration can be made smoother. In particular, customers can easily check the currently registered product information, which is displayed larger than other information, and can view the detailed list of registered products at the time they want to see it, so they can see the information they want in a timely manner.

[0170] Furthermore, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, the detail display button BTa (first operator) is an icon that mimics a container for storing products, and the screen display control unit 109 (display control unit) causes the product information displayed on the current screen 21 (first display screen) to be displayed in conjunction with the movement of being stored in the detail display button BTa when the sales data processing unit 104 (registration unit) registers a product. Therefore, customers can understand that the product they wish to purchase is being reliably registered and stored in the container, thus gaining a sense of security.

[0171] Furthermore, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, when the sales data processing unit 104 (registration unit) registers products eligible for bulk discounts, the screen display control unit 109 (display control unit) displays the product information related to the products eligible for bulk discounts and the product information related to already registered products eligible for bulk discounts side by side on the current screen 24 (first display screen) at the same size, provided that the bulk discount has been successfully applied. In addition, it displays a bulk discount successful icon 54 (icon) to indicate that the bulk discount has been successfully applied. Therefore, customers can realize that the bulk discount has been successfully applied.

[0172] Furthermore, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, the screen display control unit 109 (display control unit) displays on the current screens 25 and 26 (first display screens) an accounting button BTb that instructs the execution of accounting, and a shopping bag alert button BTg and an advertisement display button BTj (second operator) that indicate the occurrence of an event related to product registration and provide access to detailed information related to the event. Therefore, if an unexpected situation or interruption occurs during the product registration process, the detailed information can be obtained by immediately transitioning to the details screen.

[0173] Furthermore, the self-POS terminal 1 of this embodiment is further equipped with a customer identification unit 102 that identifies the customer using the self-POS terminal 1. The screen display control unit 109 (display control unit) displays an advertisement display button BTj (second operator) on the current screen 26 (first display screen) indicating that there is advertisement information, provided that the customer identification unit 102 has acquired advertisement information 68 corresponding to the customer identified by the customer identification unit 102. When the advertisement display button BTj is operated, the advertisement display screen 45 (second display screen) displays the advertisement information and a product purchase button BTl that instructs the customer to purchase the product related to the advertisement information and to postpone the product registration operation. Therefore, if a customer finds a product they want in the advertisement information 68, they can postpone the product registration process and continue shopping.

[0174] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1. Self-service POS terminal (product information registration device) 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Current screen (first display screen) 28 Screen Title 30 Registered Product Information 31 Product Icons 32 Product name 33 Quantity 34 Price 35 Discount Amount 36 Total score 37. Total discount amount 38 Total amount 39 Total score icon 41, 42, 43, 44 Registration details screen (second display screen) 45. Ad display screen (second display screen) 46 Registered Product List 47 Product name 48 quantity 49 Price 52 Discount amount 53. Bulk Discount Product Identification Information 54 Bulk discount completed icon 55. Information on successful bundle discounts. 62,65 Shopping bag selection screen 63. Input box for the number of items to purchase 64. Plastic bag registration information 66 Proposal Information 68 Advertising Information 72 Hold screen 81 Display device 100 Control Unit 101 Operation Reception Section 102 Customer identification department 103 Product code reading unit (reading unit) 104 Sales Data Processing Unit (Registration Unit) 105 Plastic bag sufficiency determination unit 106 Bulk Sale Condition Determination Unit 107 Advertising Information Acquisition Department 108 Hold Control Unit 109 Screen display control unit (display control unit) BTa Detailed Display Button (First Operator) BTb Checkout button BTc Close button BTd Change button BTe Cancel button BTf Confirm button BTg Plastic Bag Alert Button (Second Operator) BTh Re-select Shopping Bag Button BTi Back button BTj Ad Display Button (Second Operator) BTk Ad Display Button BTL Product Purchase Button BTm Hold Release Button [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0176] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-198386

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads the identification information of the product from the product, A registration unit that registers the product corresponding to the identification information read by the reading unit, The display device is shown a first display screen which includes product information for currently registered products, information indicating the number of registered products and the total amount, both smaller in size than the product information, and an operator that displays a second display screen which includes a second display screen containing a detailed list of registered products, and is an icon resembling a container for storing products. The system includes a display control unit that, when the registration unit registers a new product, causes the first display screen to display the product information of the previously registered product, accompanied by a movement to accommodate the operator, and then displays the product information of the newly registered product at the position where the product information of the previously registered product was displayed. Product information registration device.

2. The display control unit, on the condition that it determines that it may not be possible to fit all of the registered items into the shopping bag selected by the customer, displays an operator on the first display screen prompting the customer to re-select a shopping bag. The product information registration device according to claim 1.

3. The product information registration device is a stationary self-service POS terminal in which the customer performs operations related to product registration and payment of the price themselves, The device further includes a customer identification unit that identifies the customer using the product information registration device, The display control unit, on the condition that it has obtained advertising information corresponding to the customer identified by the customer identification unit, displays an operator on the first display screen that allows access to the advertising information. When the operator that allows access to the advertising information is operated, the second display screen displays the advertising information and an operator that instructs the purchase of the product related to the advertising information and the postponement of the product registration operation. The product information registration device according to claim 1.

4. Computers, A reading unit that reads the identification information of the product from the product, A registration unit that registers the product corresponding to the identification information read by the reading unit, The display device is shown a first display screen which includes product information for currently registered products, information indicating the number of registered products and the total amount, both smaller in size than the product information, and an operator that displays a second display screen which includes a second display screen containing a detailed list of registered products, and is an icon resembling a container for storing products. When the registration unit registers a new product, the display control unit causes the product information of the previously registered product displayed on the first display screen to be displayed in conjunction with the operation device, and then displays the product information of the newly registered product in the position where the product information of the previously registered product was displayed. A program that can be made to function.

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