Purchase support device, purchase support method and program

Abstract

To reduce the load on the store side.SOLUTION: In one embodiment, a purchase support device includes a registration unit, a detection unit and an output unit. The registration unit registers information indicating acquisition of a privilege code. The detection unit detects an accounting indication. The output unit outputs a different notification according to the presence or absence of registration of information indicating the acquisition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a purchase assistance device, a purchase assistance method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a purchase support device such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or an electronic cash register, a store clerk called a cashier is usually in charge of operation and applies special information such as coupons and discount vouchers.

[0003] On the other hand, there are so-called self-checkout devices, which are purchase support devices for self-checkout systems that allow customers to perform operations from registering purchased items to making payments themselves. Self-checkout devices are operated by the customers themselves, so there is no operator. Therefore, when a customer scans a coupon or discount ticket at a self-checkout device, a store clerk is called each time, which is a burden on the store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-64686 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to reduce the burden on the store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the purchase support device includes a registration unit, a detection unit, and an output unit. The registration unit registers information indicating acquisition of a bonus code. The detection unit detects a checkout instruction. The output unit outputs a different notification depending on whether or not the information indicating the acquisition has been registered. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a self-checkout system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a self-checkout POS terminal incorporated in the self-checkout system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product registration screen displayed on a touch panel of the self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting whether or not to use a reward, which is displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk call screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen indicating that a reward has been used, which is displayed on the touch panel of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a mode selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment screen displayed on a touch panel of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a purchase support process by the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a self-service POS terminal is illustrated as one aspect of the purchasing support device. The self-service POS terminal functions as a purchasing support device of a self-checkout system in which a customer performs operations from registering purchased items to making a payment by himself / herself, i.e., a so-called self-checkout device.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a self-checkout system according to an embodiment. The self-checkout system 10 includes a plurality of self-service POS terminals 20, an attendant terminal 30, and a store server 40. The self-checkout system 10 also includes a network 50, and the self-service POS terminals 20, the attendant terminal 30, and the store server 40 are connected to the network 50 to construct a system. The network 50 is typically a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be wired or wireless.

[0010] The self-service POS terminal 20 is installed at the checkout area of ​​the store. The self-service POS terminal 20 is a purchase support device that allows a customer who purchases a commodity to perform a series of processes from registering the purchased commodity to settlement by operating the self-service POS terminal 20. For this reason, the self-service POS terminal 20 displays an operation guide that shows the operation procedure to the customer who is the operator. The self-service POS terminal 20 will be described in detail later.

[0011] The attendant terminal 30 is installed, for example, near the exit of the checkout area. The attendant terminal 30 has a function of monitoring the status of multiple self-service POS terminals 20. That is, the attendant terminal 30 receives various information transmitted and output by the self-service POS terminal 20 to be monitored, such as information indicating the operating status and the processing results of product sales information, via the network 50, and displays the contents on a display. The product sales information includes, for example, the product ID, unit price, sales points, and sales amount of the purchased product registered by the customer via the self-service POS terminal 20.

[0012] The number of self-service POS terminals 20 that one attendant terminal 30 monitors is arbitrary. For this reason, although only one attendant terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, two or more attendant terminals 30 may be connected to the network 50. Usually, a store clerk is on standby at the location where the attendant terminal 30 is installed as a guide. The store clerk deals with problems such as errors that occur in the self-service POS terminal 20 that is the monitoring target based on the contents displayed on the display.

[0013] The store server 40 controls the processes related to the registration and settlement of purchased items executed by each self-service POS terminal 20. The store server 40 also collects data processed by each self-service POS terminal 20 via the network 50, processes it appropriately, and stores it in a data file.

[0014] 1 shows only the self-service POS terminal 20 as a purchasing support device connected to the network 50. However, a purchasing support device on which a store clerk performs operations from registering purchased items to making payments, that is, a so-called POS terminal, may be connected to the network 50. In that case, the store server 40 controls each POS terminal in the same way as the self-service POS terminal 20.

[0015] Next, the self-service POS terminal 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a self-service POS terminal included in the self-checkout system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the self-service POS terminal 20 is made up of a main body 200 placed on the floor and a scale unit 201 placed beside the main body 200.

[0016] A display pole 202 and a touch panel 203 are attached to the top of main body 200, and a basket stand 204 protrudes from the side opposite to the side where scale unit 201 is installed. Basket stand 204 is for customers to place baskets containing purchased items. Customers work by standing on the front side of main body 200 in FIG. 2 so that they can see the screen of touch panel 203. Therefore, when viewed from the customer, basket stand 204 is on the right side of main body 200, and scale unit 201 is on the left side. In the following, the side on which the customer stands is referred to as the front of main body 200.

[0017] The display pole 202 is provided with a light-emitting unit 2021 at its tip that selectively emits light, for example, blue or red, and the current status of the self-service POS terminal 20 is notified to, for example, a store clerk or other person serving as a guide, by the light color of the light-emitting unit 2021.

[0018] The touch panel 203 is composed of a display for displaying various screens including operation guides to the operator (usually a customer) of the self-service POS terminal 20, and a touch sensor for detecting touch input to the screen by the operator. Here, the screen means an image displayed on the display. The screen may be displayed in any manner including a pop-up display. The display of the touch panel 203 is an example of a display unit. The touch sensor of the touch panel 203 is an example of an input unit.

[0019] The main body 200 has a reading window 2051 for the scanner 205, a card insertion slot 206, and a receipt issuing slot 207 formed at the top of the front. The main body 200 also has a coin insertion slot 208, a coin dispensing slot 209, a bill insertion slot 210, and a bill dispensing slot 211 formed at the center of the front. The main body 200 is further connected to a reader / writer 213 for electronic money via a communication cable 212. The reader / writer 213 is placed on a placement stand 214 provided on the same side of the main body 200 as the basket stand 204.

[0020] Scale unit 201 has a structure in which scale pan 222 is provided on the upper part of housing 221, and bag holder 223 is attached to the upper part of scale pan 222. The upper surface of scale pan 222 serves as a placement surface 2221. Bag holder 223 has a pair of holding arms 2231, which hold a plastic bag or a shopping bag brought by a customer, so-called a "my bag." The scale unit 201 measures the weight of an item placed in a shopping bag or a personal bag held by a holding arm 2231 and placed on the placement surface 2221 .

[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the self-service POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment. 3, the self-service POS terminal 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 231, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 232, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 233, an auxiliary storage device 234, a communication interface 235, an automatic change dispenser 236, a scanner 205, a touch panel 203, a printer 237, a card reader 238, a reader / writer 213, a light-emitting unit 2021, a scale unit 201, and a system transmission path 239. The system transmission path 239 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 239 connects the CPU 231 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0022] The self-service POS terminal 20 configures a computer by connecting a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, and an auxiliary storage device 234 via a system transmission line 239.

[0023] The CPU 231 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 231 controls each part to realize various functions of the self-service POS terminal 20 according to an operating system and an application program. The CPU 231 may be composed of various circuits. The CPU 231 loads a control program stored in advance in the ROM 232 or the auxiliary storage device 234 into the RAM 233. The control program is a program that causes the CPU 231 of the self-service POS terminal 20 to realize each part described later. The CPU 231 executes various operations by executing the control program loaded into the RAM 233.

[0024] The ROM 232 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The ROM 232 stores the operating system and application programs. The application programs include control programs. The ROM 232 may also store data necessary for the CPU 231 to execute processes for controlling each unit.

[0025] The RAM 233 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The RAM 233 stores data necessary for the CPU 231 to execute processing. The RAM 233 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 231.

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 234 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electric erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), etc. are used as the auxiliary storage device 234. The auxiliary storage device 234 stores data used by the CPU 231 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the CPU 231. The auxiliary storage device 234 may also store the above-mentioned control program.

[0027] The communication interface 235 performs data communication in accordance with a preset communication protocol with the store server 40 or the attendant terminal 30 connected to the network 50. In Fig. 3, the interface is indicated as "I / F".

[0028] The automatic change machine 236 includes a coin unit 2361 and a bill unit 2362 . The coin unit 2361 sorts coins inserted into the coin slot 208 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in a coin safe (not shown) by denomination. The coin unit 2361 also takes out coins of the corresponding denomination from the coin safe based on, for example, change data, and dispenses them to the coin dispensing outlet 209. The bill unit 2362 sorts bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 210 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in a bill safe (not shown) by denomination. The bill unit 2362 also takes out bills of the corresponding denomination from the bill safe based on, for example, change data, and dispenses them to the bill dispensing outlet 211.

[0029] The scanner 205 scans and reads the barcode of a product held over the reading window 2051. Each product sold in a store is provided with a barcode symbol that is a barcode of a product ID for identifying the product. The scanner 205 reads the barcode symbol attached to the product every time the barcode symbol is held over the reading window 2051. The scanner 205 also scans and reads a special offer barcode attached to a coupon, discount voucher, or the like held over the reading window 2051. The special offer barcode will be described as a printed matter attached to the medium of the coupon or discount voucher, but it may be an image displayed on a terminal such as a smartphone. A special offer such as a coupon or discount voucher is provided with a barcode symbol that is a barcode of a special offer ID for identifying the special offer. The special offer barcode corresponds to a special offer code. The scanner 205 also scans and reads a store clerk code held over the reading window 2051. Each store clerk is provided with a barcode symbol that is a barcode of a store clerk ID for identifying the store clerk. Here, the barcode may be read as a two-dimensional data code. The scanner 205 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning with a laser beam. The scanner 205 may be of a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device such as a camera. The scanner 205 is an example of a reading unit.

[0030] The printer 237 prints receipt data, which indicates, for example, details of a transaction, on receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the receipt data has been printed is discharged from the receipt issuing port 207, cut by a cutter (not shown), and issued as a receipt.

[0031] The card reader 238 reads card data recorded on a card medium such as a credit card, a point card, etc. The card reader 238 pulls the card medium inserted into the card insertion slot 206 into the main body 200, reads the card data, and then ejects the card medium from the card insertion slot 206.

[0032] The reader / writer 213 reads and rewrites the electronic money recorded on the contactless IC card.

[0033] The hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The self-service POS terminal 20 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0034] Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned CPU 231 will be described.

[0035] The CPU 231 implements an acquisition unit 2311, a registration unit 2312, a detection unit 2313, a determination unit 2314, an output unit 2315, a reflection unit 2316, and a payment processing unit 2317. Each unit implemented in the CPU 231 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the CPU 231 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233.

[0036] The acquisition unit 2311 acquires data of various codes. Although the various codes will be described as being read by the scanner 205, they may also be inputted by the touch panel 203. In the following, "read by the scanner 205" may be read as "read by the scanner 205 or inputted by the touch panel 203". The acquisition unit 2311 acquires various information based on the acquired data. In one example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires a clerk code read by the scanner 205, and acquires clerk information associated with the clerk code. The acquisition of the clerk code by the acquisition unit 2311 corresponds to the reading of the clerk code by the scanner 205. The acquisition of the clerk code corresponds to the reading of the clerk code or the input of the clerk code. The clerk information is various information associated with the clerk code, and includes information such as the validity of the clerk code and the name of the clerk. The database in which the clerk code and the clerk information are associated with each other may be stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 234, or may be downloaded to the self-service POS terminal 20 from the store server 40 or a server (not shown) via the network 50. The above database may be updated as necessary.

[0037] In another example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires a bonus code read by the scanner 205, and acquires bonus information associated with the bonus code. The acquisition of the bonus code by the acquisition unit 2311 corresponds to the reading of the bonus code by the scanner 205. The acquisition of the bonus code corresponds to the reading of the bonus code or the input of the bonus code. The bonus information is various information associated with the bonus code, and includes information such as the validity of the bonus code and the contents of the bonus. The bonus information may be read as the bonus conditions. A database in which the bonus code and the bonus information are associated with each other may be stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 234, or may be downloaded to the self-service POS terminal 20 from the store server 40 or a server not shown via the network 50. The above database may be updated as appropriate.

[0038] The registration unit 2312 registers various information based on data read by the scanner 205. In one example, when the barcode of a product is read by the scanner 205, the registration unit 2312 registers product sales information of the product. The product sales information is various information associated with a product ID. The product sales information may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 234 in advance, or may be downloaded to the self-service POS terminal 20 from the store server 40 or a server not shown via the network 50. The above database may be updated as appropriate.

[0039] In another example, when the acquisition unit 2311 acquires a bonus code read by the scanner 205, the registration unit 2312 registers information indicating the acquisition of the bonus code. The information indicating the acquisition of the bonus code is information indicating that the bonus code has been acquired by the acquisition unit 2311. For example, in response to the acquisition of the bonus code by the acquisition unit 2311, the registration unit 2312 sets a flag indicating whether or not the bonus code has been acquired in the auxiliary storage device 234. For example, the flag is set to "1" when the bonus code has been acquired, and the flag is set to "0" when the bonus code has not been acquired. "1" corresponds to the information indicating the acquisition of the bonus code. The flag can also be set or reset by a manual operation by a store clerk.

[0040] The detection unit 2313 detects touch input to the screen of the touch panel 203 by the operator. Touch input is realized when the operator touches the screen in accordance with various operation guides displayed on the touch panel 203. The screen on which the operation guide is displayed includes buttons for specifying an operation. The operator specifies an operation by touching a displayed button. Touch input is an example of input that includes input of billing instructions, input of confirmation, input of yes or no, input of mode selection, etc., which will be described later. Note that the operation guide corresponds to a notification.

[0041] For example, the detection unit 2313 detects a checkout instruction. The checkout instruction is an instruction that specifies a transition to a payment process. The checkout instruction is input, for example, by the operator touching a checkout button, which will be described later. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects input regarding various operation guides displayed on the touch panel 203. In one example, the detection unit 2313 detects input of confirmation regarding a notification regarding acquisition of a bonus code. The confirmation is input, for example, by the operator touching a confirmation button, which will be described later. In another example, the detection unit 2313 detects input of the presence or absence of a bonus code. The presence or absence of a bonus code is input, for example, by the operator touching a "Yes" button or a "No" button, which will be described later. In yet another example, the detection unit 2313 detects input of a mode selection. The mode selection is input, for example, by the operator touching a "POS mode" button, a "self mode" button, or a "maintenance" button, which will be described later.

[0042] In response to the detection of a transaction instruction by the detection unit 2313, the determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the registration unit 2312 has registered information indicating the acquisition of a bonus code.

[0043] The output unit 2315 outputs various types of operation guidance.

[0044] In response to the acquisition of the privilege information by the acquisition unit 2311, the reflecting unit 2316 validates the privilege information.

[0045] The payment processing unit 2317 executes a payment process. For example, the payment processing unit 2317 executes a payment process according to a payment method selected by the customer, which will be described later.

[0046] In addition, although the detection unit 2313 and the output unit 2315 have been described as being implemented in the CPU 231 by executing a program, this is not limiting. The detection unit 2313 and the output unit 2315 may be realized by the touch panel 203. The detection unit 2313 and the output unit 2315 may be realized by cooperation between the CPU 231 and the touch panel 203 by executing a program.

[0047] Next, an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 203 will be described.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-checkout POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the product registration screen SCa displays an operation guide Ga that prompts the customer to register the product. The product registration screen SCa also displays a details section Da for displaying details of the registered products, and a total section Db for displaying the total of the registered products. The product registration screen SCa also displays a department button Bb for the customer to specify the department of the product without a barcode, and a "checkout" button Ba for the customer to specify the transition to the payment process. The operation guide Ga may be displayed as a video by using video data. Alternatively, the operation guide Ga may be output as a voice by using audio data.

[0049] First, the customer registers the purchased item according to the item registration screen SCa. After checking the item registration screen SCa, the customer takes out the item one by one from the basket placed on the basket stand 204. If the purchased item has a barcode, the customer holds the barcode over the reading window 2051. The barcode is then read by the scanner 205 and the purchased item is registered, and the customer places the purchased item in a reusable bag or a shopping bag held by the bag holder 223. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the customer touches the corresponding department button Bb. Then, a group of buttons for items without barcodes that belong to that department is displayed on the touch panel 203, and the customer searches for the button for the purchased item from the group of buttons and touches that button. In this way, the purchased item is registered, and the customer places the purchased item in a reusable bag or a shopping bag held by the bag holder 223. When registering purchased items, the customer can hold up a special offer code attached to a coupon or discount voucher they have in their possession over the reading window 2051. In this case, the special offer code is read by the scanner 205, and information indicating that the special offer code has been obtained is registered. After registering all purchased items in this way, the customer touches the "Checkout" button Ba.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting whether or not to use a special benefit, which is displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-checkout POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the privilege use selection screen SCb displays an operation guide Gb for prompting the customer to specify whether or not to use a privilege such as a coupon or discount ticket. The operation guide Gb corresponds to a notification prompting the customer to input whether or not there is a privilege code. Also displayed are a "Yes" button Bc for the customer to specify that he or she will use the privilege, and a "No" button Bd for the customer to specify that he or she will not use the privilege. Note that the operation guide Gb may be displayed as a video by using video data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gb may be output as audio by using audio data.

[0051] After the customer touches the "Checkout" button Ba, a special offer use selection screen SCb is displayed on the touch panel 203. The special offer use selection screen SCb is displayed if the special offer code has not been read before the "Checkout" button Ba is touched. After checking the special offer use selection screen SCb, the customer touches the "Yes" button Bc if they wish to use a special offer such as a coupon or discount voucher, or touches the "No" button Bd if they do not wish to use a special offer.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk call screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-service POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the clerk call screen SCc displays an operation guide Gc to inform the customer that a clerk is being called. The operation guide Gc corresponds to a notification indicating that a clerk is being called. The operation guide Gc may include an operation guide for encouraging the clerk to read the clerk code. After checking the clerk call screen SCc, the clerk is expected to hold the clerk code over the reading window 2051. The clerk code is then read by the scanner 205. Note that the operation guide Gc may be displayed as a video by using video data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gc may be output as audio by using audio data.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen indicating that a special offer has been used, which is displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-checkout POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the bonus usage confirmation screen SCd displays an operation guide Gd that indicates to the store clerk that the customer will be using the bonus. The operation guide Gd corresponds to a notification regarding obtaining a bonus code. The operation guide Gd may include an operation guide for encouraging the store clerk to operate in POS mode. In addition, a "Confirm" button Be is displayed on the bonus usage confirmation screen SCd. After checking the bonus usage confirmation screen SCd, the store clerk touches the "Confirm" button Be. Note that the operation guide Gd may be displayed as a video by using video data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gd may be output as audio by using audio data.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a mode selection screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-service POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the mode selection screen SCe displays an operation guide Ge for prompting the store clerk to select a mode. The mode selection screen SCe also displays a plurality of (three in this embodiment) mode buttons Bf, Bg, Bh as selectable modes. The "POS mode" button Bf is a button for changing to the POS mode. The POS mode is an operation mode in which store clerks are authorized to perform operations. The "self-service mode" button Bg is a button for changing to the self-service mode. The self-service mode is an operation mode in which customers can perform operations. The "maintenance" button Bh is a button for changing to the maintenance mode. The maintenance mode is an operation mode in which store clerks can perform maintenance operations.

[0055] After checking the mode selection screen SCe, the store clerk selects the desired mode and touches the mode button Bf, Bg, or Bh to which that mode is assigned. Here, the store clerk selects "POS mode" to read the bonus code and touches the mode button Bf. Based on a signal from the touch panel 203, the detection unit 2313 detects that any of the mode buttons Bf, Bg, or Bh has been touched, and the CPU 231 changes the mode.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-checkout POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the payment screen SCf displays an operation guide Gf that prompts the customer to perform the payment operation. The payment screen SCf is an example of a payment display. The payment screen SCf also displays a total field Dc for displaying the total amount of the purchased items. The payment screen SCf also displays a "Cash" button Bi for the customer to specify that they will pay with cash, a "Credit" button Bj for the customer to specify that they will pay with a credit card, and an "Electronic Money" button Bk for the customer to specify that they will pay with electronic money. The operation guide Gf may be displayed as a video by using video data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gf may be output as audio by using audio data.

[0057] After checking the payment screen SCf, the customer selects a payment method according to the operation guide Gf and touches the corresponding button. That is, a customer who pays with cash touches the "Cash" button Bi and inserts the cash into the bill insertion slot 210 or the coin insertion slot 208. The self-POS terminal 20 then calculates the deposit amount, and if it exceeds the total amount, the payment process is executed. When the change amount is calculated in this payment process, the cash as change is dispensed from the bill dispensing outlet 211 or the coin dispensing outlet 209.

[0058] On the other hand, a customer who wishes to pay with a credit card touches the "Credit" button Bj and inserts the credit card into the card insertion slot 206. Then, in the self-service POS terminal 20, the credit card data is read by the card reader 238 and the credit card is authenticated. Once the credit card is authenticated, the settlement process is carried out.

[0059] Also, a customer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the "electronic money" button Bk and brings the contactless IC card on which the electronic money is recorded close to the reader / writer 213. Then, in the self-service POS terminal 20, the electronic money balance is read by the reader / writer 213, and if the balance is equal to or greater than the total amount, the payment process is executed. In this payment process, the electronic money balance is reduced by the total amount.

[0060] Next, the procedure of the purchase support process by the self-service POS terminal 20 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a purchase support process by the self-checkout POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.

[0061] The process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Steps may be omitted, replaced, or added to the process steps described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The operator may be read as a customer, a store clerk, or a person. Unless otherwise specified, operations on the self-service POS terminal 20 are operations in self-service mode. The operator in self-service mode is usually a customer, but may be a store clerk or other operator.

[0062] First, a customer who comes to the checkout area to pay stands in front of an empty self-service POS terminal 20 and places a basket containing purchased items on the basket stand 204. Meanwhile, the self-service POS terminal 20 is provided with a human presence sensor (not shown), and when a customer stands in front of the main body 200, it starts a purchase support process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10. Note that the timing for starting the purchase support process is not limited to this. For example, a sensor may be provided that detects a basket being placed on the basket stand 204, and the purchase support process may start when this sensor detects the basket. Alternatively, the purchase support process may start automatically a certain amount of time after the process for the previous customer has been completed.

[0063] When the purchase support process is started, the product registration screen SCa (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the touch panel 203 by the output unit 2315. The customer performs operations according to the product registration screen SCa.

[0064] The registration unit 2312 registers various information based on the data read by the scanner 205 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires the barcode of the purchased item read by the scanner 205 in response to the barcode of the purchased item being read by the scanner 205. In the following, "in response" may be read as "based on". The registration unit 2312 registers the purchased item based on the barcode of the purchased item acquired by the acquisition unit 2311. Note that, when a button for an item without a barcode is touched, the registration unit 2312 detects a signal from the touch panel 203 and registers the purchased item. Next, the output unit 2315 displays the product name, sales number, and sales amount of the purchased item in the details column Da of the product registration screen SCa. In addition, the settlement processing unit 2317 calculates the current total number and total amount based on the product sales information stored in the auxiliary storage device 234, and displays them in the total column Db of the product registration screen SCa. Since such product registration processing is a well-known process, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] Also, in ACT1, for example, in response to the scanner 205 reading the bonus code, the registration unit 2312 registers information indicating the acquisition of the bonus code. In this example, in response to the scanner 205 reading the bonus code, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires the bonus code read by the scanner 205. In response to the acquisition of the bonus code by the acquisition unit 2311, the registration unit 2312 sets a flag in the auxiliary storage device 234 indicating whether or not a bonus code has been acquired. That is, the registration unit 2312 sets the flag indicating whether or not a bonus code has been acquired to "1". The registration unit 2312 sets the flag indicating whether or not a bonus code has been acquired to "1" when the bonus code is acquired before a checkout instruction is input. Before a checkout instruction is input, it corresponds to the registration of purchased items in the self-service mode.

[0066] According to this example, the self-service POS terminal 20 stores that the privilege code has been acquired, so there is no need to call a store clerk every time the privilege code is read. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 20 can reduce the processing of calling a store clerk. In addition, the self-service POS terminal 20 does not perform a process of acquiring privilege information from the privilege code, but only performs a process of setting a flag, so the amount of processing can be reduced.

[0067] The detection unit 2313 detects a checkout instruction (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the detection unit 2313 detects a touch input of the "Checkout" button Ba on the product registration screen SCa (see FIG. 4) by the customer. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects that the "Checkout" button Ba has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 203.

[0068] In response to the detection of a checkout instruction by the detection unit 2313, the judgment unit 2314 judges whether or not information indicating the acquisition of a bonus code has been registered by the registration unit 2312 (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the judgment unit 2314 checks the state of a flag in the auxiliary storage device 234 indicating whether or not a bonus code has been acquired. For example, if the flag is set to "1", the judgment unit 2314 judges that information indicating the acquisition of a bonus code has been registered (ACT3: YES). On the other hand, if the flag is set to "0", the judgment unit 2314 judges that information indicating the acquisition of a bonus code has not been registered (ACT3: NO).

[0069] If the judgment unit 2314 judges that information indicating the acquisition of a privilege code has been registered (ACT3: YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT6. The judgment unit 2314 judges that information indicating the acquisition of a privilege code has been registered, which is an example of information indicating the acquisition of a privilege code being registered. If the judgment unit 2314 judges that information indicating the acquisition of a privilege code has not been registered (ACT3: NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. The judgment unit 2314 judges that information indicating the acquisition of a privilege code has not been registered, which is an example of information indicating the acquisition of a privilege code being not registered. As will be described in ACT4 and ACT6, the output unit 2315 outputs a different notification depending on whether or not the judgment unit 2314 judges that information indicating acquisition has been registered. This is an example of the output unit 2315 outputting a different notification depending on whether or not information indicating acquisition has been registered in response to the detection unit 2313 detecting a checkout instruction.

[0070] In response to the determination by the determination unit 2314 that the information indicating the acquisition of the bonus code is not registered, the output unit 2315 outputs a notification prompting input of the presence or absence of a bonus code (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the output unit 2315 causes the touch panel 203 to display a bonus use selection screen SCb (see FIG. 5).

[0071] The detection unit 2313 detects an input of the presence or absence of a bonus code (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the detection unit 2313 detects a customer's touch input of the "Yes" button Bc or the "No" button Bd on the bonus usage selection screen SCb. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects that the "Yes" button Bc or the "No" button Bd has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 203. The customer makes an input indicating that a bonus code is being used by touching the "Yes" button Bc, and makes an input indicating that a bonus code is not being used by touching the "No" button Bd.

[0072] According to this example, if the customer does not read the special code when registering the purchased item, the self-service POS terminal 20 can confirm with the customer whether or not the special benefit is to be used before performing the payment process. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 20 can prevent the customer from forgetting to use the special benefit. In addition, since the special benefit code can be applied before performing the payment process, the self-service POS terminal 20 can simplify the payment process compared to when the special benefit is applied after the payment process.

[0073] When the detection unit 2313 detects a touch input of the "Yes" button Bc (ACT5: YES), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT6. The detection unit 2313 detecting a touch input of the "Yes" button Bc is an example of a touch input of the "Yes" button Bc. When the detection unit 2313 detects a touch input of the "No" button Bd (ACT5: NO), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT12. The detection unit 2313 detecting a touch input of the "No" button Bd is an example of a touch input of the "No" button Bd.

[0074] The output unit 2315 outputs a notice indicating that a store clerk is being called (ACT6). In ACT6, in one example, the output unit 2315 outputs a notice indicating that a store clerk is being called in response to the determination unit 2314 determining that information indicating the acquisition of a privilege code is registered. In another example, the output unit 2315 outputs a notice indicating that a store clerk is being called in response to the detection unit 2313 detecting a touch input of the "Yes" button Bc by the customer on the privilege use selection screen SCb. For example, the output unit 2315 displays a store clerk call screen SCc (see FIG. 6) on the touch panel 203. The output unit 2315 may also light the light-emitting unit 2021 of the display pole 202 to notify the store clerk of the call. The store clerk who has received the call checks the store clerk call screen SCc and holds the store clerk code over the reading window 2051, and the store clerk code is read by the scanner 205.

[0075] According to this example, the self-service POS terminal 20 calls a store clerk after receiving a transaction instruction, so even if the privilege code is read multiple times, the store clerk is called only once. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 20 can reduce the burden on the store. Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 20 can reduce the processing of calling a store clerk.

[0076] The acquisition unit 2311 acquires clerk information based on the acquired clerk code (ACT7). In ACT7, for example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires the clerk code read by the scanner 205 after the output unit 2315 outputs a notice indicating a call to a clerk. The acquisition unit 2311 acquires clerk information associated with the clerk code from the auxiliary storage device 234 based on the acquired clerk code.

[0077] In response to the acquisition of the store clerk information by the acquisition unit 2311, the output unit 2315 outputs a notification regarding the acquisition of the privilege information (ACT8). The acquisition of the store clerk information by the acquisition unit 2311 is an example of the acquisition of a store clerk code by the acquisition unit 2311. In ACT8, for example, the output unit 2315 displays a privilege use confirmation screen SCd (see FIG. 7) on the touch panel 203. In ACT8, for example, the detection unit 2313 detects a touch input of a "Confirm" button Be on the privilege use confirmation screen SCd by the store clerk. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects that the "Confirm" button Be has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 203. In ACT8, in response to the detection of the touch input of the "Confirm" button Be by the detection unit 2313, the CPU 23 changes the operation mode to the attendant mode. The attendant mode is an operation mode in which the operation mode can be switched by the store clerk. Furthermore, in response to the detection unit 2313 detecting a touch input on the "Confirm" button Be, the registration unit 2312 resets the flag indicating whether or not a bonus code has been acquired in the auxiliary storage device 234 to "0."

[0078] The detection unit 2313 detects a mode selection instruction (ACT9). In ACT9, for example, the output unit 2315 outputs a mode selection screen in response to the detection by the detection unit 2313 of a confirmation input for a notification regarding the acquisition of privilege information. For example, the output unit 2315 displays the mode selection screen SCe (see FIG. 8) on the touch panel 203. In ACT9, for example, the detection unit 2313 detects a touch input of the mode button Bf, Bg, or Bh by the store clerk on the mode selection screen SCe. In this example, the store clerk touches the "POS mode" button Bf to read the privilege code. The detection unit 2313 detects that the "POS mode" button Bf has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 203. In response to the detection by the detection unit 2313 of the touch input of the "POS mode" button Bf, the CPU 23 changes the operation mode to the POS mode.

[0079] If the operation mode has been changed to the POS mode by the CPU 23 (ACT9: YES), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT 10. If the operation mode has not been changed to the POS mode by the CPU 23 (ACT9: NO), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT3.

[0080] The acquisition unit 2311 acquires bonus information (ACT10). In ACT10, for example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires bonus information based on a bonus code acquired after the detection unit 2313 detects a mode selection instruction on the mode selection screen. In this example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires a bonus code read by the scanner 205 after the operation mode is changed to the POS mode by the CPU 23. After the operation mode is changed to the POS mode by the CPU 23, this is an example of after the detection unit 2313 detects a touch input of the "POS mode" button Bf on the mode selection screen SCe. After the operation mode is changed to the POS mode by the CPU 23, this is an example of after the detection unit 2313 detects a touch input of the "Confirm" button Be on the operation guide Gd. The acquisition unit 2311 acquires bonus information associated with the bonus code from the auxiliary storage device 234 based on the bonus code. The acquisition unit 2311 acquires bonus information only when the bonus code is acquired in the POS mode.

[0081] According to this example, the self-service POS terminal 20 acquires the benefit information only in the POS mode, and does not acquire the benefit information in the self-service mode. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 20 can prevent unauthorized use of the benefit.

[0082] The reflecting unit 2316 activates the bonus information in response to the acquisition of the bonus information by the acquiring unit 2311 (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the reflecting unit 2316 reflects the bonus information in the total amount of the purchased goods. In one example, the reflecting unit 2316 reflects the discount amount or discount rate indicated by the bonus information in the total amount of the purchased goods. In another example, the reflecting unit 2316 reflects points awarded in accordance with the point award rate indicated by the bonus information in the total amount of the purchased goods. The process of awarding points is well known, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] If the benefit information acquired by the acquisition unit 2311 is invalid, the reflection unit 2316 does not reflect the benefit information in the total price of the purchased items. Benefit information that is invalid includes expiration, non-applicable date, non-applicable items, etc. In this case, the output unit 2315 may output an invalid notification indicating that the benefit is invalid. For example, when a store clerk confirms the notification indicating that the benefit is invalid, the mode is switched to self mode, and the process transitions to ACT3.

[0084] The payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment process (ACT12). In ACT12, for example, the output unit 2315 displays the payment screen SCf (see FIG. 9) on the touch panel 203. The output unit 2315 displays the amount reflecting the benefit information in the total column Dc of the payment screen SCf. When the detection unit 2313 detects that the "Cash" button Bi has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 203, the payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment process by cash payment. Similarly, when the detection unit 2313 detects that the "Credit" button Bj has been touched, the payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment process by credit card payment. Also, when the detection unit 2313 detects that the "Electronic Money" button Bk has been touched, the payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment process by electronic money. In this payment process, payment information including the total amount, the payment method, the payment amount, and the like is stored in the auxiliary storage device 234. Since such a payment process is a well-known process, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] When the payment processing unit 2317 completes the payment process, the output unit 2315 causes the touch panel 203 to display a payment completion screen (not shown).

[0086] It should be noted that, if information indicating acquisition of a bonus code is not registered in ACT3 (ACT3: NO), the process may skip ACT4 and ACT5 and proceed to ACT12.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the bonus code has been described as a code attached to a coupon, discount voucher, etc., but it is not limited to this and may include any code that is applied to payment processing.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the registration unit 2312 sets a flag indicating whether or not a bonus code has been acquired in response to the acquisition of the bonus code by the acquisition unit 2311, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the registration unit 2312 may set a flag depending on whether or not the bonus code is valid. In this case, the registration unit 2312 sets the flag to "1" when the bonus code is valid. Also, the output unit 2315 may output an invalid notification when the bonus code is invalid. According to this example, the self POS terminal 20 can set the flag only when a valid bonus code is acquired. Therefore, the self POS terminal 20 does not need to call a store clerk when the acquired bonus code is invalid. Therefore, the self POS terminal 20 can reduce the process of calling a store clerk.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 20 is exemplified, but at least some of the functions of the self-service POS terminal 20 of the present embodiment may be realized in a POS terminal in which the operations from registering purchased items to making payment are performed by a store clerk. Also, at least some of the functions of the self-service POS terminal 20 of the present embodiment may be realized in a so-called semi-self-service payment device (accounting device) in which the registered purchased items are performed by a store clerk and the payment is performed by a customer. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the self-service POS terminal 20 of the present embodiment may be realized in a so-called cart POS terminal in which a product scanner and a dedicated terminal operated by a customer are attached to a cart, or a so-called smartphone POS terminal in which product registration is performed on a terminal such as a tablet or smartphone.

[0090] The purchase support device may be realized by one device, as explained by taking self-service POS terminal 20 as an example, or may be realized by a system in which functions are distributed among a plurality of devices.

[0091] In addition, the purchase support device is generally transferred with the program stored in the main memory or auxiliary storage device. However, this is not limited, and the program may be transferred without being stored in the main memory or auxiliary storage device. In this case, the program transferred separately from the purchase support device is written to a writable storage device provided in the purchase support device in response to an operation by a user or the like. The program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device. In addition, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or the like in the device.

[0092] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, 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, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10...self-checkout system, 20...self-POS terminal, 30...attendant terminal, 40...store server, 50...network, 200...main body, 201...scale unit, 202...display pole, 203...touch panel, 204...basket stand, 205...scanner, 206...card insertion port, 207...receipt issuing port, 208...coin insertion port, 209...coin dispensing port, 210...banknote insertion port, 211...banknote dispensing port, 212...communication cable, 213...reader / writer, 214...placement stand, 221...housing, 222...scale pan, 223...bag holder, 234...auxiliary storage device, 23 5...communication interface, 236...automatic change machine, 237...printer, 238...card reader, 239...system transmission path, 2021...light emitting unit, 2051...reading window, 2221...placing surface, 2231...holding arm, 2311...acquisition unit, 2312...registration unit, 2313...detection unit, 2314...judgment unit, 2315...output unit, 2316...reflection unit, 2317...payment processing unit, 2361...coin unit, 2362...banknote unit, SCa...product registration screen, SCb...benefit usage selection screen, SCc...store clerk call screen, SCd...benefit usage confirmation screen, SCe...mode selection screen, SCf...payment screen.

Claims

1. An input means for inputting a bonus code; accounting instruction means for inputting accounting instructions; A determination means for determining whether a bonus code has been entered; an output means for displaying, on a display unit after the accounting instruction is given, a button for specifying whether or not to use the privilege, if the determination means determines that no privilege code has been input; and A purchasing assistance device comprising:

2. The output means causes the display unit to display a notification prompting input of whether or not there is a bonus code, together with a button for specifying that the bonus is to be used and a button for specifying that the bonus is not to be used. The purchasing support device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification is a notification that prompts the user to operate a button for specifying whether to use the benefit or a button for specifying not to use the benefit. The purchase support device according to claim 2.

4. The output means causes the display unit to display a button for specifying that the bonus is to be used and a button for specifying that the bonus is not to be used when a bonus code has not been input before the accounting instruction is input. The purchasing support device according to claim 1 .

5. A purchasing assistance method executed by a purchasing assistance device, comprising: Enter your reward code, Entering accounting instructions; determining whether a reward code has been entered; if it is determined that the privilege code has not been entered, displaying a button for specifying whether or not to use the privilege on the display unit after the accounting instruction is given; A purchasing assistance method that includes the following:

6. On the computer, The ability to enter bonus codes, The ability to enter accounting instructions; A function to determine whether a bonus code has been entered, a function of displaying, on the display unit after the accounting instruction is given, a button for specifying whether or not to use the privilege, if it is determined that the privilege code has not been entered; and An information processing program for executing the above.

Images