Information processing device and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses an information processing device and a storage medium, which can limit the sales quantity of goods with increased sales demand. The information processing device comprises: a product judgment unit for judging whether a product whose product identification information has been obtained to determine the product is an increased demand product whose sales quantity has increased within a certain period; a threshold judgment unit for judging whether the sales quantity of the increased demand product to the same customer is below a threshold value when it is judged that the product is an increased demand product; and a sales control unit for processing the sales data of the product when it is judged that the sales quantity is below the threshold value, and for outputting information indicating that the sale of the product to the same customer is prohibited when it is judged that the sales quantity exceeds the threshold value.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2020-158665, filed on September 23, 2020, and cites the contents of the above application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Among the products sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, etc., there are cases where the number of specific products sold (sales) increases sharply due to a sharp increase in demand. Such products with increased demand may be hoarded or purchased in large quantities by a certain group of people.

[0004] In response to such an increase in demand for goods, in order to prevent hoarding, the store limits the sales quantity per person to below a threshold, and the clerks sell the increased demand goods while managing the sales in a way that does not exceed the limit.

[0005] However, it is unknown when a sudden increase in demand for a product will occur. Therefore, it is difficult to limit the sales of products that have increased demand. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a storage medium, which can limit sales demand and increase the sales quantity of goods.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problem, one embodiment of the present invention provides an information processing device, comprising: a product judgment unit for judging whether a product whose product identification information has been obtained is an increased-demand product whose sales quantity has increased within a certain period; a threshold judgment unit for judging whether the sales quantity of the increased-demand product to the same customer is below a threshold value when it is judged that the product is an increased-demand product; and a sales control unit for processing sales data of the product when it is judged that the sales quantity is below the threshold value, and for outputting information indicating that the sale of the product to the same customer is prohibited when it is judged that the sales quantity exceeds the threshold value.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can limit sales demand and increase the sales quantity of a product.

[0009] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the threshold judgment unit judges whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by comparing the quantity of the demand-increasing product that has been processed by the sales data in a transaction with the threshold.

[0010] According to the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, it is possible to prohibit the sale of demand-increase commodities based on the number of demand-increase commodities that have been processed by sales data in one transaction.

[0011] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the threshold determination unit determines whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by further comparing the past purchase quantity of the demand-increasing product by the same customer within the first specified period with the threshold.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, when either the number of demand-increasing products processed by the sales data or the number of demand-increasing products purchased by the customer in the past exceeds a threshold value in one transaction, sales can be prohibited.

[0013] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the sales control unit further outputs information indicating prohibition of selling the demand-increasing product to the same customer when the number of store visits of the same customer within the first prescribed period exceeds a prescribed number of times.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to prohibit the sales of the demand-increase product based on the number of visits of the customer to the store.

[0015] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the threshold determination unit determines whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by comparing the past purchase quantity of the demand-increasing product by the same customer within the first specified period with the threshold.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to prohibit the sale of the demand increase commodity based on the purchase quantity of the demand increase commodity by the customer in the past.

[0017] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the threshold judgment unit judges whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by comparing the total number of purchases of the demand-increasing product by the same customer in the past within a first specified period and the number of the demand-increasing product that has been processed by the sales data in a transaction with the threshold.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, it is possible to prohibit sales based on the total number of past purchases by the customer and the number of demand-increased commodities that have been processed by the sales data in one transaction.

[0019] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the product judgment unit compares the sales quantity of the product in a first prescribed period and a second prescribed period before it, and when the sales quantity of the product in the first prescribed period increases compared with the sales quantity of the product in the second prescribed period, the product is judged as a product with increased demand.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to determine a commodity with increased demand based on the sales quantity of the commodity in a predetermined period.

[0021] The above-mentioned information processing device also includes: a comparison unit, which compares the sales quantity of a product in a first specified period with the sales quantity of the product in a second specified period before the first specified period; and a designation unit, which stores information indicating that the product is a product with increased demand, corresponding to the product whose sales quantity in the first specified period has increased relative to the sales quantity in the second specified period, wherein the product judgment unit judges whether the product is a product with increased demand based on whether information indicating that the product is a product with increased demand is stored.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, by determining the demand-increasing commodity based on the information indicating that it is the demand-increasing commodity, it is possible to quickly detect the demand-increasing commodity.

[0023] In the above-mentioned information processing device, a product classification code common to related products is set corresponding to each product, and the designation unit also stores information indicating that it is a product with increased demand in correspondence with the product having the same product classification code as the product with increased sales quantity.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, a product related to the product that has become the demand-increasing product can also be specified as the demand-increasing product.

[0025] In addition, a storage medium according to another aspect of the present invention stores a program, which enables a computer serving as an information processing device to have the functions of the following units: a product judgment unit, which judges whether a product for which product identification information has been obtained is an increased-demand product whose sales quantity has increased within a certain period, wherein the product identification information is used to determine the product; a threshold judgment unit, which judges whether the sales quantity of the increased-demand product to the same customer is below a threshold when it is judged that the product is an increased-demand product; and a sales control unit, which processes sales data of the product when it is judged that the sales quantity is below the threshold; and outputs information indicating that the sale of the product to the same customer is prohibited when it is judged that the sales quantity exceeds the threshold.

[0026] According to the above-mentioned storage medium, it is possible to provide a computer of an information processing device with a function that can limit sales demand and increase the sales quantity of a commodity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a system of an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server;

[0029] Figure 3is a memory map showing the composition of the sales data department;

[0030] Figure 4 is a memory map showing the composition of the sales management department;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a memory map showing the composition of the customer master file;

[0032] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a POS terminal;

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the server;

[0034] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a POS terminal; and

[0035] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing the control process of the POS terminal.

[0036] Description of Reference Numerals

[0037] 1POS terminal 5 server 10 system 21 display unit 22 operation unit 23 symbol reading unit 24 printing unit 25 card reader 61 display unit 62 operation unit 100 control unit 101 commodity determination unit 102 threshold determination unit 103 sales control unit 131 commodity information unit 132 settlement information unit 142 commodity master file 143 sales management unit 144 customer master file 221 start button 222 end button 500 control unit 531 sales data unit 542 sales management unit 543 customer master file 2423 today's sales quantity unit 5311 commodity code unit 5312 today's sales quantity unit 5313 today's sales amount unit 5421 commodity code unit 5422 previous day's sales quantity unit 5423 today's sales quantity unit 5424 restriction mark unit 5425 restriction number unit 5431 customer code unit 5432 customer information unit

[0038] 5433 Purchase history department 5434 Number of store visits department DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following describes an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment, a POS terminal is described as an example of an information processing device. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0040] Figure 1 is a diagram of a system 10 including an embodiment. Figure 1As shown, the system 10 includes one or more POS terminals 1 and a server 5 installed in a store S. The POS terminal 1 and the server 5 are connected via a communication line L such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The POS terminal 1 in the embodiment is a self-service POS terminal for customers to perform sales registration and settlement operations of commodities by themselves.

[0041] The POS terminal 1 is installed in the accounting section of the store S. The POS terminal 1 includes a registration section that reads symbols such as barcodes and QR codes attached to the goods to be purchased, and a settlement section that performs settlement operations based on the product information corresponding to the read symbols. The sales registration operation in the registration section and the settlement operation in the settlement section are both performed by the customer himself.

[0042] The customer operates the start button 221 (see Figure 6 Then, the customer uses the registration unit to perform a sales registration operation by photographing or optically reading the symbol attached to the product. The POS terminal 1 performs sales data processing based on the sales registration operation performed by the customer. When the sales registration operation is performed for all the products to be purchased, the customer operates the end button 222 (see Figure 6 ) and, for example, input a customer code identifying the customer using a customer card, etc., and then perform a settlement operation. The POS terminal 1 performs a settlement process based on the settlement operation performed by the customer.

[0043] It should be noted that the number of commodities for which sales registration operation is performed and sales data processing is executed, but settlement processing is not executed, is regarded as the number of commodities for which sales data processing has been executed (the number that customers have not purchased yet). The number of commodities for which sales data processing is executed and settlement processing is executed is regarded as the purchase quantity (the number that customers have purchased). The number of commodities for which sales data processing has been executed and the number of commodities purchased by customers are collectively referred to as the sales quantity. In addition, the number of commodities sold managed by the store is regarded as the sold quantity.

[0044] Here, the sales data processing refers to displaying the product information such as the product name and price of the product based on the product code read and input by the customer, and storing the product information in the product information unit 131 (refer to Figure 6 ) processing. In addition, settlement processing refers to the processing of displaying the total amount of transactions with customers and the amount of change based on the product information processed by sales data. When the POS terminal 1 performs settlement processing on the product processed by sales data, it sends the product information, settlement information and customer code of the product to the server 5.

[0045] When the commodity to be purchased by the customer is a commodity with increased demand, the POS terminal 1 limits the sales quantity to the same customer. The commodity with increased demand refers to a commodity with a rapidly increasing demand, and since the demand for the commodity has increased, it is a commodity that many customers want to buy. Rapidly increasing demand means that the sales quantity increases sharply within a certain period (for example, one day or one week). In the embodiment, one day is used as an example of a certain period and then described.

[0046] The server 5 as a store server is installed in the back office of the store S, for example. The server 5 updates the sales data unit 531 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sales data unit 531 manages the sales data of the store S in the first predetermined period (for example, one day). Figure 3 The POS terminal 1 cannot sell the increased-demand merchandise whose quantity exceeds the threshold value of the restricted number during the first predetermined period to the same customer.

[0047] After collecting the settlement information from each POS terminal 1 installed in the store S, the server 5 compares the sales quantity of the goods on the current day (first prescribed period) with the sales quantity of the previous day (second prescribed period) (comparison unit). Then, the goods whose sales quantity on the current day increases sharply by more than a prescribed ratio (e.g., two times, three times, etc.) relative to the sales quantity of the previous day are designated as goods with increased demand (designation unit). The prescribed ratio can be set in the server 5 according to the situation of the store S.

[0048] The server 5 stores the threshold value at which the demand-increasing product can be sold to the same customer, and transmits information specifying the demand-increasing product and information on the threshold value of the product to the POS terminal 1 .

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 2 , the hardware structure of the server 5 of the embodiment is described. Figure 2As shown, the server 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a memory unit 54, etc. CPU51 is a control body. ROM52 stores various programs. RAM53 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. CPU51, ROM52, RAM53 and the memory unit 54 are connected to each other via a bus 55. CPU51, ROM52 and RAM53 constitute a control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 operates according to the control program stored in ROM52 or the memory unit 54 and expanded in RAM53 through CPU51, and executes the control processing of the server 5 described later.

[0050] The RAM 53 includes a sales data unit 531. The sales data unit 531 cumulatively stores sales data (sold quantity, sales amount, etc. of each product) of the products in the store S based on the product information and settlement information of the products received from each POS terminal 1. Figure 3 This will be described later.

[0051] The memory unit 54 is composed of a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a flash memory, etc., and maintains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 54 includes a control program unit 541, a sales management unit 542, and a customer master file 543. The control program unit 541 stores a control program for controlling the server 5.

[0052] The sales management unit 542 stores the sales quantity and sales amount of the goods in the store S during a first prescribed period (for example, the current day and in units of one day) for each commodity. In addition, the sales management unit 542 stores the sales quantity and sales amount of the goods in the store S during a second prescribed period (for example, the previous day and in units of one day) for each commodity. In an embodiment, the second prescribed period is the day before the first prescribed period. It should be noted that the first prescribed period may also be a period other than one day (for example, a week). In this case, the second prescribed period is the week before the first prescribed period. It should be noted that the sales management unit 542 refers to Figure 4 It will be described later. It should be noted that it is preferable that the first predetermined period and the second predetermined period are periods of the same length. By doing so, since the same period is managed, the management of the period becomes simple.

[0053] The customer master file 543 stores customer information including a customer code (customer identification information) for identifying the customer. Figure 5 This will be described later.

[0054] The control unit 500 is connected to a display unit 61 and an operation unit 62 via a bus 55 and a controller 56. The display unit 61 displays information to an operator who operates the server 5. The operation unit 62 is a keyboard.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to a communication interface (I / F) 63 via a bus 55. The communication interface 63 is connected to each POS terminal 1 installed in the store S via a communication line L, and transmits and receives information.

[0056] Next, the sales data unit 531 will be described. Figure 3 is a memory map showing the structure of the sales data unit 531. Figure 3 As shown, the sales data unit 531 includes a product code unit 5311, a daily sales quantity unit 5312, and a daily sales amount unit 5313. The product code unit 5311 stores a product code (product identification information) for each product sold in the store S. The daily sales quantity unit 5312 stores the sales quantity of the product sold in the store S on the same day (within a certain period) corresponding to the product code stored in the product code unit 5311 for each product. The daily sales amount unit 5313 stores the sales amount of the product sold in the store S on the same day (within a certain period) corresponding to the product code stored in the product code unit 5311 for each product. The sales data unit 531 is used, for example, to manage the sales of the store S on a day.

[0057] Next, the sales management section 542 will be described. Figure 4 is a memory map showing the structure of the sales management unit 542. Figure 4 As shown, the sales management unit 542 includes a product code unit 5421, a previous day sales quantity unit 5422, a current day sales quantity unit 5423, a restriction mark unit 5424, and a restriction number unit 5425. The product code unit 5421 stores a product code (product identification information) for each product sold in the store S. The previous day sales quantity unit 5422 stores, for each product, the sales quantity of the product on the previous day (second prescribed period) corresponding to the product code stored in the product code unit 5421. The current day sales quantity unit 5423 stores, for each product, the sales quantity of the product sold in the store S on the current day (first prescribed period) corresponding to the product code stored in the product code unit 5421.

[0058] The restriction flag unit 5424 sets the restriction flag "1" based on the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the previous day sales quantity unit 5422 corresponding to the commodity code stored in the commodity code unit 5421 and the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the current day sales quantity unit 5423 when the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the current day sales quantity unit 5423 exceeds the predetermined ratio set in advance relative to the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the previous day sales quantity unit 5422. In other words, the commodity for which the restriction flag "1" is set in the restriction flag unit 5424 is a commodity whose sales quantity on the current day has increased significantly compared with the sales quantity on the previous day, and is a commodity with increased demand. In addition, the commodity for which the restriction flag "0" is set in the restriction flag unit 5424 is a commodity whose sales quantity on the current day has not increased significantly compared with the sales quantity on the previous day, and is not a commodity with increased demand. The restriction flag "1" is information indicating that it is a commodity with increased demand. The commodity for which the restriction flag "0" is set is a commodity for which no information indicating that it is a commodity with increased demand is stored.

[0059] The limit number unit 5425 corresponds to the commodity code stored in the commodity code unit 5421 and stores the upper limit number (threshold value) that can be sold to the same customer within the first prescribed period when the commodity is a demand-increasing commodity. In addition, the threshold value stored in the limit number unit 5425 is also the upper limit number that can be sold to the customer in one transaction. That is, the same customer can purchase the demand-increasing commodity of the number below the threshold value within the first prescribed period. In addition, the customer can purchase the demand-increasing commodity of the number below the threshold value in one transaction. For example, in the case of purchasing a demand-increasing commodity below the threshold value in one transaction, the customer can further purchase the demand-increasing commodity until the number reaches the threshold value within the first prescribed period, but cannot purchase the demand-increasing commodity whose number exceeds the threshold value. For example, in the case where the threshold value of a certain demand-increasing commodity is 10, when a customer purchases 6 of the demand-increasing commodities in one transaction, the customer can purchase up to 4 more of the demand-increasing commodities within the first prescribed period. By making the first prescribed period and the period that cannot be purchased the same period when comparing the purchase quantity, the management of the period becomes easy. It should be noted that the period that cannot be purchased may not be the same period as the first prescribed period. For example, the first prescribed period may be set as one week, and the period during which purchase is prohibited may be set as one day. If the period during which purchase is prohibited is shorter than the first prescribed period when the purchase quantity is compared, the opportunity for customers prohibited from purchasing to purchase the demand-increasing product can be increased. On the other hand, the first prescribed period may be set as one day, and the period during which purchase is prohibited may be set as one week. If the period during which purchase is prohibited is longer than the first prescribed period when the purchase quantity is compared, the opportunity for customers other than customers prohibited from purchasing to purchase the demand-increasing product can be increased.

[0060] Next, the customer master file (customer data storage area) 543 is described. Figure 5 is a memory map showing the structure of the customer master file 543. Figure 5 As shown, the customer master file 543 has a customer code section 5431, a customer information section 5432, a purchase history section 5433, and a store visit number section 5434. The customer code section 5431 stores a customer code (customer identification information) for identifying a customer. The customer information section 5432 stores customer information (customer name, address, telephone number, email address, etc.) of the customer identified by the customer code stored in the customer code section 5431 for each customer. The purchase history section 5433 stores a history of which product was purchased by the customer identified by the customer code stored in the customer code section 5431 at what time. In other words, if the purchase history stored in the purchase history section 5433 is seen, the number of items (purchase quantity) of the items that the customer purchased for each additional item can be known in the first prescribed period. The store visit number section 5434 stores the number of times the customer identified by the customer code stored in the customer code section 5431 came to the store during the first prescribed period.

[0061] Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 will be described. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1. Figure 6 As shown, the POS terminal 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a memory unit 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is a control body. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory unit 14 are connected to each other via a bus 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13 by the CPU 11, and executes the control processing of the POS terminal 1 described later.

[0062] RAM 13 includes a product information unit 131 and a settlement information unit 132. Product information unit 131 stores product information obtained from product master file 142 for products for which sales data has been processed based on product codes obtained based on read symbols in a transaction. Settlement information unit 132 stores settlement information for which settlement has been processed in a transaction.

[0063] The memory unit 14 is composed of an HDD, a flash memory, etc., and retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 14 includes a control program unit 141, a product master file 142, a sales management unit 143, and a customer master file 144. The control program unit 141 stores a control program for controlling the POS terminal 1. The product master file 142 stores product information such as the product name and unit price of the product for each product code. The sales management unit 143 stores the same information as the sales management unit 542 of the server 5. The POS terminal 1 receives the information of the sales management unit 542 from the server 5 at a predetermined time (for example, once a day), and stores it in the sales management unit 143. It should be noted that, in the sales management unit 143, the product code unit 1431 corresponds to the product code unit 5421, the previous day sales quantity unit 1432 corresponds to the previous day sales quantity unit 5422, the current day sales quantity unit 1433 corresponds to the current day sales quantity unit 5423, the restriction mark unit 1434 corresponds to the restriction mark unit 5424, and the quantity restriction unit 1435 corresponds to the quantity restriction unit 5425 (all refer to Figure 4 ).

[0064] The customer master file 144 stores the same information as the customer master file 543 of the server 5. The POS terminal 1 receives the information of the customer master file 543 from the server 5 at a predetermined time (for example, once a day) and stores it as the customer master file 144. It should be noted that in the customer master file 144, the customer code part 1441 corresponds to the customer code part 5431, the customer information part 1442 corresponds to the customer information part 5432, the purchase history part 1443 corresponds to the purchase history part 5433, and the store visit number part 1444 corresponds to the store visit number part 5434 (all refer to Figure 5 ).

[0065] The control unit 100 is connected to the display unit 21, the operation unit 22, the symbol reading unit 23, the printing unit 24, and the card reader 25 through the bus 15 and the controller 16. The display unit 21 displays product information, settlement information, etc. to the operator (customer) who operates the POS terminal 1. The operation unit 22 is a keyboard composed of touch keys including a start button 221 and an end button 222, and is operated by the operator (customer). The start button 221 is operated by the customer when the customer starts the sales registration operation in the POS terminal 1. The end button 222 is operated by the customer when the sales registration operation of reading symbols for all the products to be purchased is completed and the transition to the settlement operation is made. The symbol reading unit 23 has, for example, an imaging unit such as a camera, and captures and reads the symbol. The symbol reading unit 23 may also be a structure that reads the symbol after receiving light irradiated on the symbol. The card reader 25 is operated, for example, when reading a customer code that identifies the customer from a customer card.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to a communication interface (I / F) 26 via the bus 15. The communication interface 26 is connected to the server 5 via a communication line L to transmit and receive information.

[0067] Thus, the control of the server 5 will be described. Figure 7 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the server 5. Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 500 of the server 5 determines whether sales data (including product information and settlement information) is received from the POS terminal 1 (S11). When it is determined that sales data is received (Yes in S11), the control unit 500 adds the received sales data in the sales data unit 531 (S12). That is, the control unit 500 adds the sales quantity of the received product to the sales quantity unit 5312 of the day corresponding to the product code of the product, and adds the sales amount of the received product to the sales amount unit 5313 of the day corresponding to the product code of the product. In addition, the control unit 500 updates the purchase history stored in the purchase history unit 5433 of the customer master file 543 based on the received sales data (S13). Specifically, the control unit 500 adds the sales quantity of the received product to the sales quantity of the product on the day (first specified period) stored in the purchase history unit 5433. The sales quantity of the purchase history becomes the purchase quantity of the customer. Furthermore, the control unit 500 adds up the number of visits to the store on the same day (first predetermined period) for each customer. Then, the control unit 500 returns to S11.

[0068] In addition, when it is determined that the sales data is not received (No in S11), the control unit 500 determines whether it is a specified time (S21). The specified time is a time set by the store S, for example, a time set at 0:00 every day in the store S. When it is determined that it is a specified time (Yes in S21), the control unit 500 overwrites the previous day's sales quantity unit 5422 with the information of the number of sales of each commodity on the day stored in the current day's sales quantity unit 5423 (S22). At this time, the data already stored in the previous day's sales quantity unit 5422 is deleted. Next, the control unit 500 overwrites the current day's sales quantity unit 5423 with the information of the number of sales of each commodity on the day stored in the current day's sales quantity unit 5312 (S23). At this time, the data already stored in the current day's sales quantity unit 5423 is deleted. In this state, the previous day's sales quantity unit 5422 stores the number of sales of the commodity sold on the previous day for each commodity. In addition, the daily sales quantity unit 5423 stores the sales quantity of the goods sold on the same day for each commodity. It should be noted that in the above example, the information on the sales quantity is stored once a day. However, the information on the sales quantity can also be stored multiple times a day. For example, the time is set to 0 minutes per hour. By storing the information on the sales quantity multiple times a day, it is possible to grasp the goods whose sales quantity has increased sharply when the sales volume increases sharply during the day.

[0069] Next, the control unit 500 specifies a commodity. Then, the control unit 500 compares the sales quantity stored in the previous day sales quantity unit 5422 (the sales quantity of the commodity in the second prescribed period) with the sales quantity stored in the current day sales quantity unit 5423 (the sales quantity of the commodity in the first prescribed period) for the commodity (S25) (comparison unit). Then, the control unit 500 determines whether the sales quantity stored in the current day sales quantity unit 5423 exceeds the prescribed ratio and increases significantly relative to the sales quantity stored in the previous day sales quantity unit 5422 (S26). In the case where it is determined that the sales quantity exceeds the prescribed ratio and increases significantly (Yes in S26), the control unit 500 sets the restriction flag "1" (indicating that it is information that the demand is increasing) in the restriction flag unit 5424 of the commodity (S27) (specification unit). On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the sales quantity does not exceed the prescribed ratio and increases significantly (No in S26), the control unit 500 sets the restriction flag "0" in the restriction flag unit 5424 related to the commodity (S28).

[0070] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether all the commodities stored in the previous day's sales quantity unit 5422 and the current day's sales quantity unit 5423 have been specified (S29). When it is determined that all the commodities have not been specified (No in S29), the control unit 500 returns to S24 and performs the processing and determination of S24 to S28 on the next commodity. In addition, when it is determined that all the commodities have been specified (Yes in S29), the control unit 500 sends the information of the sales management unit 542 and the information of the customer master file 543 to each POS terminal 1 (S30). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S11.

[0071] Thus, the functional configuration of the POS terminal 1 will be described. Figure 8 This is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 1. The control unit 100 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13, and functions as a commodity determination unit 101, a threshold determination unit 102, and a sales control unit 103.

[0072] The commodity determination unit 101 determines whether the commodity is an increased-demand commodity whose sales quantity has increased significantly within a certain period by obtaining the commodity code of the specified commodity. Specifically, the commodity determination unit 101 determines that the commodity is an increased-demand commodity when it detects information indicating that the sales quantity of the day (first specified period) stored in the sales quantity unit 1433 of the day has increased by more than a specified ratio relative to the sales quantity of the previous day (second specified period) stored in the sales quantity unit 1432 of the previous day. More specifically, the commodity determination unit 101 determines whether the commodity is an increased-demand commodity based on whether the restriction mark "1" or the restriction mark "0" is stored in the restriction mark unit 1434 of the commodity. When the restriction mark "1" is stored, the commodity determination unit 101 determines that the commodity is an increased-demand commodity. When the restriction mark "0" is stored, the commodity determination unit 101 determines that the commodity is not an increased-demand commodity.

[0073] The threshold determination unit 102 determines whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing commodity is below the threshold value when the commodity determination unit 101 determines that the commodity is a demand-increasing commodity. Specifically, the threshold determination unit 102 determines whether the sales quantity of the commodity to the same customer is below the threshold value (the upper limit sales quantity) stored in the limit quantity unit 1435 when the commodity determination unit 101 determines that the commodity is a demand-increasing commodity. The threshold value includes an upper limit value in one transaction (one shopping) (the upper limit value of the number of demand-increasing commodities processed by sales data) and an upper limit value in the first prescribed period (the upper limit value of the number of purchases by the customer). In the embodiment, the upper limit values ​​of both parties are taken as the same value (that is, the threshold value is the same value). By taking the upper limit value as the same value, it becomes easy to compare the total number of the number of demand-increasing commodities processed by sales data and the number of purchases of the same customer with the threshold value. In the limit quantity unit 1435, one type of threshold value is stored. However, the threshold value in one transaction and the threshold value in the first prescribed period may be different values. In this case, the threshold value in one transaction and the threshold value in the first prescribed period are stored in the limit quantity unit 1435, respectively. Furthermore, a threshold value within the first prescribed period that is less than the threshold number in a transaction is usually stored. For example, when the threshold value in a transaction is regarded as 5 and the threshold value within the first prescribed period is regarded as 10, the demand-increasing commodity can be purchased at most 5 in one shopping, and can be purchased at most 10 within the first prescribed period. The commodity judgment unit 101 judges whether it is below the threshold value (5) in a transaction or below the threshold value (10) in the first prescribed period, or judges whether it is below the threshold value (5) in a transaction and below the threshold value (10) in the first prescribed period. In the case of judging either side, it is as follows. Take the case where it is judged whether the number of demand-increasing commodities that have been processed by sales data in a transaction is below the threshold value (5), and whether the purchase quantity in the first prescribed period is below the threshold value (10) as an example. The sales data processing of the demand-increasing commodity is performed within the range where the number of demand-increasing commodities that have been processed by sales data in a transaction does not exceed the threshold value (5).

[0074] By doing so, a customer can purchase the demand increase product multiple times as long as the threshold for one transaction is below the threshold. That is, the customer can repeatedly purchase five demand increase products that have been processed by sales data in one transaction. In addition, as long as this operation is used, the sales of demand increase products can be restricted for ordinary customers who are not members.

[0075] For example, instead of determining whether the number of demand-increasing commodities processed by sales data in a transaction is below a threshold value (5), it is determined whether the purchase quantity in the first prescribed period is below a threshold value (10). If the purchase quantity in the first prescribed period is below the threshold value (10), the sale to the customer is carried out.

[0076] By doing so, as long as the purchase quantity in the first prescribed period is below the threshold, the customer can purchase the demand-increasing product without restriction. That is, a customer whose sales quantity in the first prescribed period is 3 can purchase 15 demand-increasing products in a subsequent shopping transaction. However, since the customer purchased 18 products, the sales of demand-increasing products to the customer from next time onwards are prohibited. In this way, as long as sales can be restricted, the sales quantity does not need to be below the threshold.

[0077] Even if the above is done, it is still possible to limit demand and increase sales of goods.

[0078] When judging both parties, it is determined whether the number of demand-increased commodities processed by sales data in a transaction is below a threshold value (5), and whether the purchase quantity in the first prescribed period is below a threshold value (10).

[0079] The sales control unit 103 processes the sales data of the product when the threshold judgment unit 102 determines that the price is below the threshold, and outputs information indicating that the sale of the product to the same customer is prohibited when the threshold judgment unit 102 determines that the price exceeds the threshold. Specifically, the sales control unit 103 processes the sales data of the product when the threshold judgment unit determines that the price is below the threshold; and displays a message indicating that the sale of the product to the same customer is prohibited when the threshold judgment unit 102 determines that the price exceeds the threshold, and does not process the sales data of the product. Furthermore, the sales control unit 103 checks the number of visits to the store by the same customer during a first prescribed period (e.g., one day), and outputs information indicating that the demand increase product sales are prohibited when the same customer has visited the store more than a prescribed number of times (e.g., 3 times) during the first prescribed period.

[0080] Thus, the control of the POS terminal 1 will be described. In this example, the total number of the number of demand-increased commodities processed by the sales data and the purchase number of the same customer is compared with a threshold value. Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing the control process of the POS terminal 1. Fig. 9 As shown, the control unit 100 of the POS terminal 1 determines whether the start button 221 has been operated (S41). The control unit 100 waits until the start button 221 is operated (No in S41), and when it is determined that the start button 221 has been operated (Yes in S41), the control unit 100 obtains the customer code stored in the customer card from the card reader 25 (S42).

[0081] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the symbol read by the symbol reading unit 23 has been input (S43). If it is determined that the symbol has been input (Yes in S43), the control unit 100 obtains the commodity code of the commodity corresponding to the symbol and to which the symbol is attached based on the input symbol (S44).

[0082] Next, the commodity judgment unit 101 judges whether the commodity is a commodity with increased demand (S45). If it is judged that the commodity is a commodity with increased demand (Yes in S45). Next, the control unit 100 judges whether the customer has visited the store more than the limited number of times on the same day (first prescribed period) based on the number of visits of the customer on the same day stored in the number of visits unit 1444 of the customer master file 144 (S46). In the embodiment, a threshold is set to prevent the same customer from purchasing a large number of commodities with increased demand, but the number of visits of the same customer on the same day is also checked. If the same customer visits the store more than the prescribed number of times (for example, 3 times) during the day, the commodity with increased demand cannot be purchased (it is prohibited to sell commodities with increased demand to the same customer). If it is judged that the number of visits of the same customer does not exceed the prescribed number (No in S46), the control unit 100 obtains the threshold value related to the commodity from the limit number unit 1435 (S47). Furthermore, the control unit 100 searches the purchase history section 1443 of the customer master file 144 based on the acquired customer code, and acquires the purchase history of the product of the customer on that day (first predetermined period) (S48).

[0083] Next, the threshold determination unit 102 determines whether the total number of the demand-increasing commodities purchased by the customer in the past on the same day (first predetermined period) (purchased quantity) and the number of demand-increasing commodities that have been processed by sales data in this transaction exceeds the threshold (S49). If it is determined that the total number does not exceed the threshold (i.e., is below the threshold) (No in S49), the sales control unit 103 performs sales data processing on the commodity whose commodity code has been obtained in S44 (S50). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S43 to prepare for the input of the next symbol.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded (Yes in S49), the sales control unit 103 outputs a message indicating that the product cannot be purchased any more (information indicating that the product is prohibited from being sold to the same customer) to the display unit 21 (S51) for the product whose product code has been obtained in S44. In this case, the sales control unit 103 does not perform sales data processing for the product. Then, the control unit 100 returns to S43 and prepares for the input of the next symbol. The customer understands that the product cannot be purchased in this transaction through the message output by the display unit 21.

[0085] It should be noted that, when the threshold value in a transaction is different from the threshold value in the first prescribed period, the threshold value determination unit 102 determines whether any threshold value is exceeded in the determination of S49, and executes the processing of S50 if it is below any threshold value, and executes the processing of S51 if it exceeds any threshold value. In addition, when it is determined in S45 that the product is not a product with increased demand (No in S45), the control unit 100 executes the processing of S50. In addition, when it is determined that the number of visits to the store by the same customer exceeds the prescribed number of times (Yes in S46), the control unit 100 executes the processing of S51.

[0086] In addition, when it is determined in S43 that the input symbol is not input (No in S43), the control unit 100 determines whether the end button 222 has been operated (S61). When it is determined that the end button 222 has been operated (Yes in S61), the control unit 100 performs the settlement processing of the transaction based on the commodity information stored in the commodity information unit 131 (S62). Then, the control unit 100 sends the sales data including the commodity information, the settlement information and the customer code to the server 5 (S63). Then, the control unit 100 ends the processing and returns to S41. It should be noted that, when it is determined that the end button 222 is not operated (No in S61), the control unit 100 returns to S41.

[0087] Thus, the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment comprises: a commodity determination unit 101 for determining whether the commodity is an increased-demand commodity whose sales quantity has increased significantly within a certain period of time by obtaining the commodity code of the commodity; a threshold determination unit 102 for determining whether the sales quantity of the increased-demand commodity is below a threshold value when it is determined that the commodity is an increased-demand commodity; and a sales control unit 103 for processing the sales data of the commodity when it is determined that the sales quantity is below the threshold value, and for outputting information indicating that the sale of the commodity to the same customer is prohibited when it is determined that the sales quantity exceeds the threshold value.

[0088] The POS terminal 1 of this embodiment prohibits the sale of the demand-increasing commodity to customers whose demand-increasing commodity exceeds the threshold, and thus can limit the sales quantity of the demand-increasing commodity.

[0089] In addition, in the embodiment, since the POS terminal 1 is operated by the customer himself, the operator checks the demand to increase the sales quantity of the product, but the burden on the operator is reduced. In addition, in the case of the self-service POS terminal 1, even if the waiter is eliminated, the product can be increased on demand and the sales quantity does not exceed the threshold.

[0090] In addition, the embodiment stores a restriction flag "1" for the commodity code of the commodity whose sales quantity has increased significantly within a certain period. However, in addition to the commodities whose sales quantity has increased significantly within a certain period, the restriction flag "1" can also be stored for commodities associated with commodities whose sales quantity has increased significantly within a certain period. For example, the commodities "Mask 1", "Mask 2", and "Mask 3" are explained. In the case where the sales quantity of "Mask 1" has increased significantly, the restriction flag "1" is stored for "Mask 1". Moreover, the restriction flag "1" is also stored for "Mask 2" and "Mask 3" which are masks in the same commodity category. By doing this, all masks in the same commodity category can be sold below the threshold (sales can be restricted).

[0091] Specifically, a commodity classification code unit is further provided in the sales management unit 542. For the associated commodities, a common commodity classification code is stored in correspondence with the commodity code. By doing so, the designation unit stores information indicating that the commodity is a commodity with increased demand in correspondence with the commodity whose sales quantity in the first prescribed period has increased significantly by more than a prescribed ratio relative to the sales quantity in the second prescribed period. Furthermore, after detecting the commodity classification code of the commodity, the information indicating that the commodity is a commodity with increased demand is stored in correspondence with the commodity having the same commodity classification code in the sales management unit 542.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0093] For example, in the embodiment, the sales management unit 143 and the customer master file 144 are provided in the POS terminal 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the POS terminal 1 may not provide the sales management unit 143 and the customer master file 144, but may obtain information from the sales management unit 542 and the customer master file 543 when necessary.

[0094] In addition, in the embodiment, the limit number unit 5425 stores in advance the threshold value for the increase in demand for the commodity. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the threshold value corresponding to the prescribed ratio can be calculated based on the size of the prescribed ratio involved in the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the sales quantity unit 5422 of the previous day and the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the sales quantity unit 5423 of the current day (i.e., the rate of increase of the rapid increase of the commodity), so that the threshold value is changed. In this case, it is preferred that the larger the increase ratio of the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the sales quantity unit 5423 of the current day relative to the sales quantity of the commodity stored in the sales quantity unit 5422 of the previous day, the smaller the threshold value is, so that more people can buy the commodity.

[0095] In addition, in the embodiment, the POS terminal 1 is described as an information processing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the server 5 may be used as an information processing device. In this case, the "commodity determination unit 101", "threshold determination unit 102", and "sales control unit 103" become the components of the server 5, and the "sales control unit 103" outputs information indicating that the sale of the commodity to the same customer is prohibited to the POS terminal 1. In this case, the server 5 may also output information other than the message to the POS terminal 1 (for example, information or a signal that prohibits the POS terminal 1 from processing the sales data of the commodity).

[0096] In addition, although the example in which the comparison unit and the designation unit are processed in the server 5 has been described, when the POS terminal 1 processes the sales data, the sales quantity of the product on the previous day (the second prescribed period) and the sales quantity on the current day (the first prescribed period) may be compared, and based on the comparison result, information indicating that the product is a product with increased demand may be stored. In this way, sales can be restricted immediately.

[0097] Furthermore, the example in which information indicating that the commodity is to be increased in demand is automatically stored in the server 5 based on the comparison result has been described. However, the operator may confirm the sales history and designate the commodity to be increased from the operation unit.

[0098] In addition, the information processing device may not be a single unit but may be constructed in a system manner. For example, the comparison unit and the designation unit may be processed in the server 5, and the commodity determination unit, the threshold determination unit, and the sales control unit may be processed in the POS terminal 1. When constructed in a system manner, it is possible to freely decide where to configure each unit.

[0099] Furthermore, although an example has been described in which the determination of whether or not a product is a product with increasing demand is made based on the sales quantity, determination based on the sales amount that increases in proportion to the increase in the sales quantity is substantially equivalent to determination based on the sales quantity.

[0100] In the embodiment, the POS terminal 1 is described as a self-service POS terminal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the POS terminal 1 may be a common POS terminal operated by a store clerk of the store S.

[0101] The program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0102] In addition, the program executed in the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network to provide the program. In addition, the program executed in the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be provided or deployed via a network such as the Internet.

[0103] Furthermore, the program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be provided by being pre-programmed in the ROM 12 or the like.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that: have: a commodity determination unit for determining whether the commodity for which commodity identification information is obtained is a commodity with an increased demand, the quantity of which has increased in a certain period of time; and a threshold determination unit that, when determining that the product is a product with increased demand, determines whether the sales quantity of the product with increased demand to the same customer is below a threshold; as well as The sales control unit processes the sales data of the product when it is determined that the sales data is below the threshold; If it is determined that the threshold is exceeded, information indicating that the sale of the product to the same customer is prohibited is output. The information processing device further includes: a comparing unit that compares the sales quantity of a product in a first predetermined period with the sales quantity of the product in a second predetermined period before the first predetermined period; and a designating unit for storing information indicating that the commodity is a commodity with increased demand, in correspondence with the commodity whose sales quantity in the first predetermined period has increased relative to the sales quantity in the second predetermined period; The product determination unit determines whether the product is a product with increased demand based on whether information indicating that the product is a product with increased demand is stored. A product classification code common to all related products is set for each product. The specifying unit further stores information indicating that the commodity is a commodity with increased demand, in association with a commodity having the same commodity classification code as the commodity classification code of the commodity whose sold quantity has increased.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The threshold determination unit determines whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by comparing the quantity of the demand-increasing product that has been processed by the sales data in a transaction with the threshold.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The threshold determination unit determines whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by further comparing the past purchase quantity of the demand-increasing product by the same customer within the first predetermined period with the threshold.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The sales control unit further outputs information indicating that the sale of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is prohibited when the number of visits to the store by the same customer exceeds a predetermined number within a first predetermined period.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The threshold determination unit determines whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by comparing the past purchase quantity of the demand-increasing product by the same customer within a first predetermined period with the threshold.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The threshold judgment unit judges whether the sales quantity of the demand-increasing product to the same customer is below the threshold by comparing the total number of demand-increasing products purchased by the same customer in the past within a first specified period and the number of demand-increasing products that have been processed by the sales data in a transaction with the threshold.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a sales management unit storing a product code as product identification information, a sales quantity of the product in a first prescribed period, a sales quantity of the product in a second prescribed period, a restriction flag indicating whether the sales quantity in the first prescribed period is an increased demand product with an increased sales quantity relative to the sales quantity in the second prescribed period, and a product classification code, wherein the comparison unit compares the sales quantity of the sales management unit in the first prescribed period with the sales quantity in the second prescribed period, The designated unit corresponds to the product code of the product whose sales quantity in the first specified period increases relative to the sales quantity in the second specified period, and stores a restriction mark indicating that an additional product is needed. After detecting the product classification code of the product, the designated unit corresponds to the product code with the same product classification code of the sales management department, and stores a restriction mark indicating that an additional product is needed.

8. A storage medium storing a program, characterized in that: The program causes a computer as an information processing device to function as the following units: a commodity determination unit for determining whether the commodity for which commodity identification information is obtained is a commodity with an increased demand, the quantity of which has increased in a certain period of time; and a threshold determination unit that, when determining that the product is a product with increased demand, determines whether the sales quantity of the product with increased demand to the same customer is below a threshold; as well as The sales control unit processes the sales data of the product if the sales data is below the threshold; and outputs information indicating that the sales of the product to the same customer is prohibited if the sales data exceeds the threshold. The program causes the computer as an information processing device to further function as the following units: a comparing unit that compares the sales quantity of the commodity in a first predetermined period with the sales quantity of the commodity in a second predetermined period before the first predetermined period; as well as a designating unit for storing information indicating that the commodity is a commodity with increased demand, in correspondence with the commodity whose sales quantity in the first predetermined period has increased relative to the sales quantity in the second predetermined period; The product determination unit determines whether the product is a product with increased demand based on whether information indicating that the product is a product with increased demand is stored. The specifying unit further stores information indicating that the commodity is a commodity with an increased demand, in association with a commodity having the same commodity classification code as the commodity classification code of the commodity whose sales quantity has increased.

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