Article sales data processor and program

Abstract

To provide an article sales data processor and a program that enable smooth progress of article sales data processing by supporting an operator's touch panel operation.SOLUTION: An accounting device (article sales data processor) includes: a press position detection unit that detects a press position pressed by an operator in an area of a switch on a touch panel on which the switch that instructs the execution of processing related to an article transaction is arranged in an operation screen or in an area other than the switch; a payment processing unit (article sales data processing unit) that allows processing corresponding to the pressed switch to be performed on the condition that the press position detected by the press position detection unit is determined to be in the area of the switch; and a notification unit that alerts the operator on the condition that the press position detected by the press position detection unit is determined to be not in the area of the switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sales data processing device that notifies the occurrence of an error due to an erroneous operation by an operator has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such conventional devices, if an operator presses a location other than the switch while intending to press the switch, the device will not respond, which can confuse the operator. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and a program capable of smoothly processing product sales data by supporting an operator's touch panel operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The product sales data processing device of the embodiment includes a pressing position detection unit, a product sales data processing unit, and an alarm unit. The pressing position detection unit detects a pressing position pressed by an operator in a switch area or an area other than the switch on a touch panel on which switches for instructing the execution of a process related to a product transaction are arranged in an operation screen. The product sales data processing unit causes a process corresponding to the pressed switch to be performed on condition that the pressing position detected by the pressing position detection unit is determined to be in the switch area. The alarm unit issues an alarm to alert the operator on condition that the pressing position detected by the pressing position detection unit is determined to be not in the switch area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of a store in the product sales data processing system of this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the registration device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the transaction device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a hardware block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the product sales data processing system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the operation screen master. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display of the accounting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the process performed by the registration device when the non-switch area is pressed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the transaction device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the transaction device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk side display of the registration device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a second diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the store clerk's display of the registration device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the transaction device according to the second modification of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, a product sales data processing system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0008] (Outline of product sales data processing system) A schematic configuration of a product sales data processing system 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of a store in the product sales data processing system according to the embodiment.

[0009] The product sales data processing system 10 is installed in a store, and has a registration device 20 and an accounting device 30. The registration device 20 and the accounting device 30 are communicatively connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0010] The registration device 20 and the accounting device 30 are placed in a store in a separated (spaced) state. The registration device 20 is operated by a store clerk 60 and executes the registration process of the product purchased by a customer 61. The store clerk 60 operates the registration device 20 while facing the customer 61 with the registration device 20 in between.

[0011] The accounting device 30 is operated by a customer 62 who has completed product registration using the registration device 20, and performs payment processing for the registered products. In this way, the product sales data processing system 10 constitutes a so-called semi-self-service POS system that separates the product registration operation performed by a store clerk from the payment operation performed by the customer. Although FIG. 1 shows a configuration including one registration device 20 and one accounting device 30, the product sales data processing system 10 may include multiple registration devices 20 and one accounting device 30. The accounting device 30 in the embodiment is an example of a product sales data processing device in the present disclosure.

[0012] The embodiment of the product sales data processing system 10 of the present disclosure is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to a full-self-service POS system in which a customer performs product registration and payment operations by himself / herself. The full-self-service POS system is realized as a POS terminal installed in a store with the registration device 20 and the accounting device 30 integrated together. The registration device 20 may be realized as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by a customer (so-called smartphone POS), or may be realized as a terminal device installed in a shopping cart that a customer carries around in the store (so-called cart POS).

[0013] (General configuration of the registration device) A schematic configuration of the registration device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the registration device.

[0014] The registration device 20 is installed on the top surface of a workbench 90, and includes a vertical scanner 25 having a reading window 92. The scanner 25 has an imaging unit (not shown) disposed on the rear side of the reading window 92.

[0015] The registration device 20 is equipped with a store clerk display 27 having a touch panel 26 laminated on its display surface above the scanner 25. The store clerk display 27 displays the product name, price, etc. of the product imaged by the imaging unit of the scanner 25. The touch panel 26 is intended to assist in inputting information related to the product to be registered.

[0016] A customer-side display 28 is provided on the left side of registration device 20, facing the customer 61. The customer-side display 28 displays the product registration results and the like. In addition, when a product with an age restriction, such as alcoholic beverages, is registered, customer-side display 28 displays information urging the customer 61 to confirm his or her age. Customer-side display 28 is equipped with a touch panel 26 layered on the display surface, and when prompted to confirm his or her age, customer 61 confirms his or her age by pressing a specified switch on customer-side display 28.

[0017] The registration device 20 identifies a product included in an image captured by the imaging unit by reading a code symbol such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product, or by general object recognition based on the image of the product captured by the imaging unit. Specifically, the registration device 20 refers to a product master 222 (see FIG. 4) that stores product codes that identify each product sold in a store in association with the product name, price, etc. of the product, and uniquely identifies the product corresponding to the product code included in the read code symbol.

[0018] The registration device 20 displays a screen on the store clerk display 27 to confirm the identified product and to input the number of items, etc. Then, the registration device 20 registers the identified product. Note that registration means that the product information of the product read from the product master 222 is associated with the number of items (purchased number) of the product, etc., and stored in the product registration file 224 (see FIG. 4) described later.

[0019] (Outline of accounting device configuration) The schematic configuration of the transaction device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the transaction device.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the accounting device 30 includes a deposit / withdrawal device 35, a touch panel 36, a display 37, a receipt printer 38, a card reader 39, a light emitting unit 40, a speaker 41, and a camera 42.

[0021] The depositing / withdrawing device 35 has a coin insertion slot 43, a banknote insertion slot 44, a banknote withdrawal slot 45, and a coin withdrawal slot 46. The depositing / withdrawing device 35 stores banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 44 in a banknote storage unit (not shown). The depositing / withdrawing device 35 also stores coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 43 in the coin storage unit (not shown). The depositing / withdrawing device 35 then dispenses banknote change to the banknote withdrawal slot 45 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 31 (see FIG. 4). The depositing / withdrawing device 35 also dispenses coin change to the coin withdrawal slot 46 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 31.

[0022] Display 37 includes touch panel 36 laminated on the display surface. Display 37 is configured, for example, as a liquid crystal panel, and displays information related to accounting processing, such as the total amount of one transaction, in the form of images and text. Touch panel 36 outputs information to control unit 31 according to the position pressed by the customer.

[0023] The receipt printer 38 has a printing unit (not shown) and a receipt issuing port 47. The receipt printer 38 issues a receipt from the receipt issuing port 47, the receipt being printed by the printing unit in accordance with instructions from the control unit 31.

[0024] The card reader 39 reads and writes information from a credit card, membership card, or the like inserted through a card insertion slot 48 .

[0025] The light-emitting unit 40 is installed at the top end of the pole 49, and emits light when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the accounting device 30 or when a customer calls a store clerk. The light-emitting unit 40 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Since the light-emitting unit 40 is installed at the top end of the pole 49, it is easily visible to nearby store clerks.

[0026] The speaker 41 is installed, for example, in front of the display 37 and outputs audio information to a customer operating the accounting device 30.

[0027] The camera 42 is installed, for example, near the display 37 and captures an image including the face of the customer operating the accounting device 30.

[0028] A customer operates the accounting device 30 to pay for merchandise using cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., i.e., settlement processing. During the settlement processing, the accounting device 30 displays the total amount of one transaction based on the product registration file 224 received from the registration device 20, and controls processing related to the accounting for that total amount. The product registration file 224 contains information such as the total amount of one transaction to be processed, product information for the products subject to the transaction, the device number of the registration device 20 which is the data sender, and the name of the operator in charge. The product registration file may also contain other information necessary for printing receipts. The product registration file 224 may also contain promotional information for printing receipts, etc.

[0029] (Hardware configuration of product sales data processing system) The hardware configuration of the product sales data processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product sales data processing system.

[0030] First, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the registration device 20. The registration device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication interface 23, a peripheral device control unit 24, and various peripheral devices connected to the peripheral device control unit 24. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0031] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the registration device 20. The control unit 21 has a computer configuration, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that executes the registration process, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (neither shown) that are storage media. The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU, various data, etc. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs.

[0032] In addition, the control unit 21 performs data communication via the communication interface 23 with the accounting device 30 connected via a network.

[0033] The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit 22 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off.

[0034] The storage unit 22 stores a control program 221 , a product master 222 , an operation screen master 223 , and a product registration file 224 .

[0035] The control program 221 is a program that governs the overall operation of the registration device 20. The control program 221 may be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 22, or may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD. The control program 221 may also be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network and downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the control program 221 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0036] The product master 222 is a master file that stores product codes of products handled in the store in association with product information (product name, unit price, etc.) of the products.

[0037] The operation screen master 223 is a master file that stores a screen ID that uniquely identifies a screen displayed on the clerk display 27 and the customer display 28, and the positions of the switches included in the screen, the shapes of the switches, the screen design, etc. in association with each other. The operation screen master 223 will be described in detail later (see FIG. 5).

[0038] The product registration file 224 is a file that records product information for each transaction registered by the registration device 20. The product registration file 224 includes product names, unit prices, quantities, total amounts, and the like.

[0039] The communication interface 23 performs wired or wireless communication with the accounting device 30. The registration device 20 transfers the product registration file 224 to the accounting device 30 via the communication interface 23.

[0040] The peripheral device control unit 24 connects the control unit 21 with the peripheral devices, which are the scanner 25, the touch panel 26, the staff display 27, and the customer display 28. The peripheral device control unit 24 transmits control instructions from the control unit 21 to the peripheral devices to be controlled. The peripheral device control unit 24 also transmits information from the peripheral devices to the control unit 21.

[0041] The functions of each peripheral device are as described above, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0042] First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the accounting device 30. The accounting device 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication interface 33, a peripheral device control unit 34, and various peripheral devices connected to the peripheral device control unit 34. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0043] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the accounting device 30. The accounting device 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication interface 33, a peripheral device control unit 34, and various peripheral devices connected to the peripheral device control unit 34. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0044] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the accounting device 30. The control unit 31 has the configuration of a computer, and includes a CPU (not shown) that executes the registration process, and storage media such as ROM and RAM (neither shown). The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU and various data. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs.

[0045] In addition, the control unit 31 performs data communication via the communication interface 33 with the registration device 20 connected via a network.

[0046] The storage unit 32 is a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 32 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off.

[0047] The storage unit 32 stores a control program 321 , an operation screen master 322 , a product registration file 224 , and a payment file 323 .

[0048] The control program 321 is a program that governs the overall operation of the accounting device 30. The control program 321 may be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 32, or may be provided by recording it in an installable or executable file on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD. The control program 321 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 321 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0049] The operation screen master 322 is a master file that stores a screen ID that uniquely identifies a screen displayed on the display 37, and the positions of switches included in the screen, the shapes of the switches, the design of the screen, etc. in association with each other. The operation screen master 322 will be described in detail later (see FIG. 5).

[0050] The product registration file 224 is a file transferred from the registration device 20 .

[0051] The payment file 323 is a file that records the results of payments made by the accounting device 30 for each transaction. The payment file 323 includes the contents of the product registration file 224, the payment method, the payment date and time, etc. The payment file 323 is periodically transferred to and stored in a higher-level device such as a store server (not shown in FIG. 4).

[0052] The communication interface 33 performs wired or wireless communication with the registration device 20. The transaction device 30 obtains the product registration file 224 from the registration device 20 via the communication interface 33.

[0053] The peripheral device control unit 34 connects the control unit 31 with the peripheral devices, which are a deposit / withdrawal device 35, a touch panel 36, a display 37, a receipt printer 38, a card reader 39, a light emitting unit 40, a speaker 41, and a camera 42. The peripheral device control unit 34 transmits control instructions from the control unit 31 to the peripheral devices to be controlled. In addition, the peripheral device control unit 24 transmits information from the peripheral devices to the control unit 31.

[0054] (Data structure of operation screen master) The data structure of the operation screen master 322 stored in the accounting device 30 will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the operation screen master. Note that the operation screen master 223 stored in the registration device 20 also has the same data structure, so only the operation screen master 322 will be described here.

[0055] The operation screen master 322 stored in the accounting device 30 stores switch arrangement information and design information in association with a screen ID that uniquely identifies the screen to be displayed on the display 37.

[0056] The switch arrangement information includes a switch ID, a center of gravity position of the switch, and switch area information.

[0057] The switch ID is identification information that uniquely identifies a switch.

[0058] The center of gravity position of the switch is information indicating the coordinate position of the center of gravity of the area of ​​the switch displayed on the display 37.

[0059] The switch area information is information that indicates the area and shape of the switch. The switch area information may be expressed as a set of coordinates that configure the switch area, or may be expressed as a set of coordinates that indicate the periphery of the switch.

[0060] The design information is background information of the screen, and includes a design ID and drawing position information.

[0061] The design ID is identification information that uniquely identifies a design. A design is a ruled line, an outer frame, an icon, etc. that is drawn on the screen.

[0062] The drawing position information is information that indicates the drawing position of the pattern on the screen.

[0063] The data structure of the operation screen master 322 is not limited to the example in FIG. 5, and each piece of information described above may be stored in a different format.

[0064] (Example of the screen displayed on the accounting device display) An example of a screen displayed on the display 37 of the accounting device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display of the accounting device.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows an example of a payment method selection screen 50 that allows the user to select a payment method, and is displayed on the display 37 of the accounting device 30. The payment method selection screen 50 has a switch area 51 that includes at least one switch that corresponds to a switch ID registered in the operation screen master 322, and a non-switch area 52 that is an area other than the switches. In the example of Fig. 6, seven switch areas 51 are arranged on the payment method selection screen 50: switch Sa, switch Sb, switch Sc, switch Sd, switch Se, switch Sf, and switch Sg.

[0066] Switches Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, and Se are switches that show the payment method options. Switch Sf is a switch for calling a store clerk when the user does not know how to operate the device or when there is a problem with the operation of the accounting device 30. Switch Sg is a switch for returning the screen display to the previous screen, i.e., the screen before transitioning to the payment method selection screen 50.

[0067] Although each of these switches has a substantially rectangular shape, the shape of the switch is not important.

[0068] The non-switch area 52 is a peripheral area of ​​the switches Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, and Sg, and nothing is displayed therein. The non-switch area 52 may also display product registration information related to the payment. In the example of FIG. 6, the number of registered products and the total amount are displayed below the non-switch area 52 on the payment method selection screen 50. The touch panel 36 of the accounting device 30 does not normally enable the non-switch area 52, and does not output the coordinate position of the customer's touch to the control unit 31 when the non-switch area 52 is pressed. However, the touch panel 36 can be set to enable the non-switch area 52 and output the coordinate position of the customer's touch to the control unit 31 even when the non-switch area 52 is pressed.

[0069] (Behavior when non-switch area is pressed) The operation when an area other than a switch is pressed on the touch panel 36 of the accounting device 30 will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram explaining the process carried out by the registration device when a position other than a switch is pressed.

[0070] Assume that a customer presses the non-switch area 52 of the touch panel 36 on the payment method selection screen 50 in Fig. 6. Note that the pressed position P shown in Fig. 6 is a coordinate position that belongs to the non-switch area 52, and is located between the switches Sa, Sb, Sd, and Se, but away from any of the switches.

[0071] The control unit 31 of the payment device 30 acquires the position coordinates of the pressed position P. Next, the control unit 31 calculates the distance between the acquired position coordinates of the pressed position P and the center of gravity of the switch near the pressed position P. In the case of Fig. 7, the distance Da between the pressed position P and the center of gravity Ga of the switch Sa, the distance Db between the pressed position P and the center of gravity Gb of the switch Sb, the distance Dd between the pressed position P and the center of gravity Gd of the switch Sd, and the distance De between the pressed position P and the center of gravity Ge of the switch Se are calculated.

[0072] Next, the control unit 31 evaluates the magnitude relationship between the calculated distances Da, Db, Dd, and De. Then, the control unit 31 identifies the switch having the smallest value among the distances Da, Db, Dd, and De. Then, when the distance between the pressed position P and the switch closest to the pressed position P is within a predetermined distance, the control unit 31 notifies the customer of the positional relationship between the pressed position P and the switch closest to the pressed position P. In the case of FIG. 7, since the switch closest to the pressed position P is the switch Sa, when the distance Da between the pressed position P and the center of gravity position Ga of the switch Sa is within a predetermined distance, the control unit 31 calls the customer's attention, for example, "Please press a little further to the left." Alternatively, the control unit 31 may simply call the customer's attention, such as "You are pressing a place other than the switch."

[0073] Here, the size and shape of the switches Sa, Sb, Sd, and Se are not necessarily the same. Therefore, more accurately, the distances Da, Db, Dd, and De may be corrected to values ​​that take into account the size and shape of each switch, and the switch closest to the pressed position P may be estimated. For example, using switch area information that indicates the area of ​​each switch stored in the operation screen master 322, the position of an intersection where a line segment connecting the pressed position P and the center of gravity position Ga, Gb, Gd, and Ge of each switch intersects with the outer edge of each switch Sa, Sb, Sd, and Se is calculated. Then, the distance from the pressed position P to the intersection is calculated, and the switch with the shortest distance may be estimated to be the switch closest to the pressed position P. In the following description, the distances Da, Db, Dd, and De are collectively referred to simply as distance D.

[0074] (Functional configuration of accounting device) The functional configuration of the transaction device 30 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the transaction device.

[0075] The control unit 31 of the accounting device 30 reads out the control program 321, expands it into the RAM provided in the control unit 31, and executes it to realize, as functional units, the product registration information acquisition unit 311, the notification unit activation setting unit 312, the press position detection unit 313, the press position determination unit 314, the payment processing unit 315, the notification unit 316, the display control unit 317, and the operation control unit 318 shown in FIG. 8.

[0076] The product registration information acquisition unit 311 acquires the product registration file 224 from the registration device 20 .

[0077] The notification unit activation setting unit 312 sets whether to enable the function of the notification unit 316. Specifically, the notification unit activation setting unit 312 obtains information instructing the user to select whether to enable or disable the notification when a position other than a switch is pressed from the main menu displayed on the display 37 of the accounting device 30, and sets whether to enable or disable the function of the notification unit 316.

[0078] The pressed position detection unit 313 detects a pressed position P pressed by the customer 62 in a switch area or an area other than the switches (non-switch area 52) on the touch panel 36 on which switches for instructing the execution of a process related to a commodity transaction are arranged in an operation screen. The customer 62 is an example of an operator in this disclosure.

[0079] The pressed position determination unit 314 determines whether the pressed position P of the touch panel 36 pressed by the customer 62 is in the switch area 51 or the non-switch area 52. When the pressed position P of the touch panel 36 is in the non-switch area 52, the pressed position determination unit 314 identifies the switch closest to the pressed position P.

[0080] The payment processing unit 315 performs payment processing related to the product registration file 224 acquired from the registration device 20, using the payment method selected by the customer 62. The payment processing unit 315 is an example of a product sales data processing unit in the present disclosure.

[0081] The notification unit 316 issues a notification to alert the customer 62 on the condition that the pressed position P detected by the pressed position detection unit 313 is determined not to be the switch area 51. More specifically, the notification unit 316 issues a notification to alert the customer 62 when the pressed position P that is not the switch area 51 is pressed a predetermined number of times or more during one transaction. In addition, the notification unit 316 may output guidance information that guides the customer 62 to press the closest switch from the pressed position P when the distance from the pressed position P to the center of gravity of the closest switch is within a predetermined distance. The guidance information is, for example, information such as "Please press a little further to the left." In addition, the notification unit 316 may issue a notification by outputting a voice or sound from the speaker 41, or may issue a notification by displaying a message on the display 37.

[0082] The display control unit 317 generates a screen to be displayed on the display unit 37 , and the display control unit 317 displays the generated screen on the display unit 37 .

[0083] The operation control unit 318 causes the control unit 31 to carry out a process corresponding to the switch that the pressed position determination unit 314 has determined to have been pressed.

[0084] (Processing flow of accounting device) The flow of processing performed by the transaction device 30 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the transaction device.

[0085] The pressed position detection unit 313 compares the coordinates of the pressed position on the touch panel 36 with the acquired coordinates of the switch area 51 (step S11).

[0086] The pressed position determination unit 314 determines whether the non-switch area 52 is being pressed (step S12). If it is determined that the non-switch area 52 is being pressed (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the non-switch area 52 is being pressed (step S12: No), the accounting device 30 executes a process corresponding to the switch determined to be pressed, and ends the process in FIG.

[0087] If it is determined in step S12 that the non-switch area 52 is being pressed, the notification unit 316 determines whether the notification function for when the non-switch area 52 is pressed is enabled by the notification unit enable setting unit 312 (step S13). If it is determined that the notification function is enabled (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the notification function is enabled (step S13: No), the accounting device 30 ignores the press by the customer 62 and ends the process in FIG. 9.

[0088] If it is determined in step S13 that the notification function is enabled, the notification unit 316 determines whether a position other than the switch, i.e., the non-switch area 52, has been pressed a predetermined number of times or more (step S14). If it is determined that the non-switch area 52 has been pressed a predetermined number of times or more (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the non-switch area 52 has been pressed a predetermined number of times or more (step S14: No), the accounting device 30 ignores the pressing by the customer 62 and ends the process of FIG. 9. This makes it possible to prevent frequent notifications even when the non-switch area 52 is pressed by the customer 62.

[0089] If it is determined in step S14 that the non-switch area 52 has been pressed a predetermined number of times or more, the pressed position determination unit 314 determines whether the distance from the edge of the switch to the pressed position is a predetermined value or more (step S15). If it is determined that the distance from the edge of the switch to the pressed position P is not a predetermined value or more (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the distance from the edge of the switch to the pressed position P is not a predetermined value or more (step S15: No), the accounting device 30 ignores the pressing by the customer 62 and ends the process of FIG. 9. This makes it possible to prevent frequent notifications even when the non-switch area 52 is pressed by the customer 62.

[0090] If it is determined in step S15 that the distance from the edge of the switch to the pressed position P is not greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 316 outputs voice guidance by changing the notification content according to the pressed position P (step S16). For example, in order to guide the customer 62 to press the switch closest to the pressed position P, the notification unit 316 issues a guidance notification such as "Please press a little further to the right," or "Please press a little further down," based on the switch closest to the pressed position P. As a result, for example, if a customer 62 with poor eyesight repeatedly presses the non-switch area 52 around the switch, the customer 62 can be guided to press the switch closest to the pressed position P, thereby making it possible to smoothly proceed with the payment process. After that, the accounting device 30 ends the process of FIG. 9.

[0091] (First Modification of the Embodiment) The accounting device 30 may enable the function of the notification unit 316 depending on the state of the customer 62 operating the device.

[0092] If the customer 62 operating the accounting device 30 is a short child or uses a wheelchair, the customer 62's eyes will be extremely low. In such cases, it will be difficult for the customer 62 to face the screen of the display 37 directly, and the customer will operate the switches while looking at the screen displayed on the display 37 from an angle. In such cases, there is a possibility that there will be a discrepancy between the position that the customer 62 intends to press and the actual position that the customer presses, compared to when the customer operates the switches while facing the screen of the display 37 directly.

[0093] The accounting device 30 of this embodiment detects the position of the eyes of the customer 62 from the image of the customer 62 captured by the camera 42. If the position of the eyes of the customer 62 is in the bottom corner of the captured image, the accounting device 30 may determine that the customer 62 is not facing the display 37, and may enable the function of the notification unit 316.

[0094] By adding such a function to the accounting device 30, it is possible to assist the customer 62 in operating the touch panel even when the customer's 62 eyes are not directly facing the display 37.

[0095] (Application example of the present disclosure in a registration device) Although an example in which the present disclosure is applied to the accounting device 30 has been described above, the present disclosure may also be applied to the registration device 20.

[0096] An example in which the present disclosure is applied to a registration device 20 will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a first diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the clerk's display of the registration device. Figure 11 is a second diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the clerk's display of the registration device.

[0097] A store clerk 60 who operates the registration device 20 is generally skilled in the job and can normally press a specified switch on the touch panel 26 correctly, but a store clerk 60 who is unfamiliar with the operation may press the wrong position of the switch. Therefore, when the store clerk 60 is not very skilled, the notification function described above may be enabled to notify the store clerk that a position other than a switch has been pressed.

[0098] The control unit 21 of the registration device 20 has the same functional configuration as the control unit 31 of the accounting device 30 described above (see Figure 8), excluding the product registration information acquisition unit 311 and the payment processing unit 315.

[0099] 10 is displayed on the store clerk side display 27 of the registration device 20. The product registration screen 70 is a screen showing the state in which the product information of the product purchased by the customer 61 is read by the scanner 25 and registered in the product registration file 224.

[0100] The product registration screen 70 displays the unit price, amount, total amount, etc. of the registered products. The product registration screen 70 also displays a subtotal switch Sh for inputting an operation instruction, and an error confirmation switch Si.

[0101] The subtotal switch Sh is a switch that indicates the completion of product registration. When the registration device 20 detects the pressing of the subtotal switch Sh, it displays a registration information transfer screen 71 (see FIG. 11) on the store clerk side display 27 to accept a transfer instruction to transfer the product registration file 224, which is the product registration information, to the accounting device 30.

[0102] The error confirmation switch Si is a switch for confirming details of an error when an error occurs in the registration device 20. When the registration device 20 detects the pressing of the error confirmation switch Si, it displays the details of the error that has occurred on the store clerk side display 27.

[0103] The control unit 21 of the registration device 20 detects the pressed position on the entire screen of the product registration screen 70. Then, the control unit 21 executes the process described in Fig. 9, similar to the control unit 31 of the accounting device 30 described above. When the notification function is enabled and a position other than a switch is pressed, the control unit 21 calculates the distance between the pressed position and the subtotal switch Sh or the error check switch Si, and issues a notification according to the pressed position.

[0104] When the subtotal switch Sh is pressed on the product registration screen 70, the registration device 20 displays a registration information transfer screen 71 shown in FIG.

[0105] The registration information transfer screen 71 displays a transfer switch Sj, which accepts an instruction to transfer the contents of the product registration file 224 that were registered when the subtotal switch Sh was pressed to the accounting device 30, an error check switch Si, and a back switch Sk. The error check switch Si is as described above.

[0106] The transfer switch Sj is a switch that instructs the transfer of the product registration file 224 to the accounting device 30. When the registration device 20 detects that the transfer switch Sj has been pressed, it transfers the product registration file 224 to the accounting device 30.

[0107] The back switch Sk is a switch that returns the screen displayed on the store clerk's display 27 to the product registration screen 70. When the registration device 20 detects that the back switch Sk is pressed, it displays the product registration screen 70 (see FIG. 10) on the store clerk's display 27.

[0108] The control unit 21 of the registration device 20 detects the pressed position on the entire screen of the registration information transfer screen 71. Then, the control unit 21 executes the process described in Fig. 9, similar to the control unit 31 of the accounting device 30 described above. When the notification function is enabled and a position other than a switch is pressed, the control unit 21 calculates the distance between the pressed position and the transfer switch Sj, error check switch Si, or back switch Sk, and issues a notification according to the pressed position.

[0109] In this way, when the registration device 20 is a product sales data processing device in the present disclosure, the store clerk 60 is an example of an operator in the present disclosure. That is, the notification unit 316 issues a notification to alert the store clerk 60 on condition that it is determined that the pressed position P pressed by the store clerk 60 is not in the switch area.

[0110] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) The flow of processing performed by the transaction device of the second modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the transaction device of the second modification of the embodiment.

[0111] The functional configuration of the transaction device in the second variation of the embodiment is the same as the functional configuration of the transaction device 30 in the embodiment (see FIG. 8).

[0112] The accounting device of the second embodiment changes the content of the notification to the customer 62 depending on the number of times the non-switch area 52 is pressed during one transaction and the distance from the pressed position P to the switch closest to the pressed position P.

[0113] In the flowchart of FIG. 12, it is assumed that the notification unit activation setting unit 312 has enabled the notification when the non-switch area 52 is pressed.

[0114] The display control unit 317 displays the payment method selection screen 50 on the display 37 (step S21). For example, the display control unit 317 obtains information instructing the user to select a payment method from a main menu displayed on the display 37 of the checkout device 30, and displays the payment method selection screen 50 on the display 37.

[0115] The notification unit 316 resets the press count flag K, which monitors the number of presses on the touch panel 36, to 0 (step S22).

[0116] The pressed position detection unit 313 determines whether the touch panel 36 has been pressed (step S23). If it is determined that the touch panel 36 has been pressed (step S23: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the touch panel 36 has been pressed (step S23: No), step S23 is repeated.

[0117] When it is determined in step S23 that the touch panel 36 has been pressed, the pressed position determination unit 314 determines whether the pressed position P detected by the pressed position detection unit 313 is in the non-switch area 52 (step S24). If it is determined that the pressed position P is in the non-switch area 52 (step S24: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the pressed position P is in the non-switch area 52 (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0118] If it is determined in step S24 that the pressed position P is in the non-switch area 52, the notification unit 316 increments the press count flag K (step S25).

[0119] Next, the notification unit 316 judges whether the pressing count flag K is equal to or greater than the threshold value Kth (step S26). If it is judged that the pressing count flag K is equal to or greater than the threshold value Kth (step S26: Yes), the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if it is not judged that the pressing count flag K is equal to or greater than the threshold value Kth (step S26: No), the process returns to step S23. This makes it possible to prevent frequent notifications even when the non-switch area 52 is pressed by the customer 62.

[0120] If it is determined in step S26 that the press count flag K is equal to or greater than the threshold value Kth, the pressed position determination unit 314 calculates the distance D between the pressed position P and the center of gravity of the switch in the vicinity of the pressed position P (step S27).

[0121] Next, the pressed position determination unit 314 estimates the switch that is closest to the pressed position P (step S28).

[0122] The pressed position determination unit 314 determines whether the distance D between the pressed position P and the closest switch from the pressed position P is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S29). If it is determined that the distance D from the pressed position P to the closest switch is equal to or less than the predetermined value (step S29: Yes), the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the distance D from the pressed position P to the closest switch is equal to or less than the predetermined value (step S29: No), the process proceeds to step S31.

[0123] In step S29, when it is determined that the distance D from the pressed position P to the nearest switch is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the notification unit 316 outputs, for example, guidance information by voice, to guide the customer 62 to press the nearest switch from the pressed position P, provided that the distance D from the pressed position P to the nearest switch is within the predetermined distance (step S30). As a result, for example, if a customer 62 with poor eyesight repeatedly presses the non-switch area 52 around a switch, the customer 62 can be guided to press the nearest switch from the pressed position P, thereby making it possible to smoothly proceed with the payment process. Then, the process returns to step S23.

[0124] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S29 that the distance D from the pressed position P to the nearest switch is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the notification unit 316 notifies the user by voice or sound that a position other than a switch, i.e., the non-switch area 52, is being pressed (step S31). As a result, for example, if a customer 62 with poor eyesight repeatedly presses the non-switch area 52, but the pressed position P is relatively far from any switch, the payment process can be smoothly progressed by simply noting that the non-switch area 52 is being pressed. Then, the process returns to step S23.

[0125] Returning to step S24, if it is determined in step S24 that pressed position P is not an area other than a switch, that is, if it is determined that switch area 51 has been pressed, the registration device executes a process according to the pressed switch (step S32). After that, the accounting device ends the process of FIG.

[0126] By the process of FIG. 12, the registration device issues a notification when the press count flag K is equal to or greater than the threshold value Kth, thereby preventing the user from being annoyed by frequent notifications.

[0127] In addition, by the processing of FIG. 12, the registration device changes the content of the notification depending on the pressing position P and the distance D from the pressing position P to the nearest switch, thereby further increasing the attention of the customer 62 who is the operator.

[0128] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the accounting device 30 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the embodiment includes a touch position detection unit 313 that detects a touch position P pressed by a customer 62 in a switch area (switch area 51) or a non-switch area (non-switch area 52) on a touch panel 36 on which switches for instructing the execution of a process related to a product transaction are arranged in an operation screen, a settlement processing unit 315 (product sales data processing unit) that performs a process corresponding to the pressed switch on condition that the touch position detection unit 313 detects that the touch position P is determined to be in the switch area (switch area 51), and a notification unit 316 that issues a notification to alert the customer 62 on condition that the touch position detection unit 313 detects that the touch position P is not in the switch area. Therefore, by supporting the operator's touch panel operation, the product sales data processing can be smoothly carried out.

[0129] Furthermore, in the accounting device 30 of the embodiment (an example of a product sales data processing device), the notification unit 316 issues a notification to alert the customer 62 if an area other than the switch (non-switch area 52) is pressed a predetermined number of times or more during one transaction. Therefore, since a notification is issued only if a mistake occurs repeatedly, the annoyance of notifications can be reduced.

[0130] Furthermore, in the accounting device 30 of the embodiment (an example of a product sales data processing device), the notification unit 316 issues a notification to alert the customer 62 when the pressed position P is within a predetermined distance from the switch. Therefore, since a notification is issued only when the pressed position P is slightly deviated from the switch, it is possible to reduce the annoyance of notifications.

[0131] In addition, in the accounting device 30 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the embodiment, the notification unit 316 outputs information indicating that the customer 62 is pressing an area other than the switch (non-switch area 52). Therefore, it is possible to make the operator who thinks he or she has pressed the switch realize that he or she pressed the wrong position.

[0132] In addition, in the accounting device 30 of the embodiment (an example of a product sales data processing device), the notification unit 316 outputs guidance information that guides the customer 62 to press the switch closest to the pressing position P. This makes it possible to support the operator's operation.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their 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]

[0134] 10. Product sales data processing system 20 Registration device (an example of a product sales data processing device) 21 Control section 26 Touch Panel 27 Clerk side display 30 Accounting device (an example of a product sales data processing device) 31 Control Unit 36 Touch Panel 37 Display 41 Speaker 42 Camera 50 Payment method selection screen 51 Switch Area 52 Non-switch area 60 Store clerk (example of operator) 61,62 Customer (an example of an operator) 70 Product registration screen 71 Registration information transfer screen 223,322 Operation screen master 224 Product Registration File 311 Product Registration Information Acquisition Department 312 Notification section enable setting section 313 Pressed position detection unit 314 Pressed position determination unit 315 Payment processing unit (an example of a product sales data processing unit) 316 Information Department 317 Display control section 318 Operation control section D,Da,Db,Dd,De Distance K Press count flag Kth threshold P Press position Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, Sg Switch Sh Subtotal Switch Si Error Check Switch Sj Transfer Switch Sk Back Switch Ga, Gb, Gd, Ge center of gravity [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0135] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-81563 A

Claims

1. a touch panel on which switches for instructing the execution of a process related to a commodity trading are arranged within an operation screen, said touch panel having a touch position detection unit configured to detect a touch position pressed by an operator within an area of ​​said switches or an area other than said switches; a product sales data processing unit that, on condition that the pressed position detected by the pressed position detection unit is determined to be in the area of ​​the switch, performs a process corresponding to the pressed switch; a notification unit that issues a notification to the operator to call attention on condition that it is determined that the pressed position detected by the pressed position detection unit is not in the area of ​​the switch; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. the notification unit issues a notification to alert the operator when an area other than the switch is pressed a predetermined number of times or more during one transaction. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the notification unit issues a notification to alert the operator when the pressed position is within a predetermined distance from the switch. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The notification unit outputs information indicating that the operator is pressing an area other than a switch.

4. A product sales data processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the notification unit outputs guidance information for guiding the operator to press a switch that is closest to the pressed position. The product sales data processing device according to claim 3.

6. Computer, a touch panel on which switches for instructing the execution of a process related to a commodity trading are arranged within an operation screen, said touch panel having a touch position detection unit configured to detect a touch position pressed by an operator within an area of ​​said switches or an area other than said switches; a product sales data processing unit that, on condition that the pressed position detected by the pressed position detection unit is determined to be in the area of ​​the switch, performs a process corresponding to the pressed switch; a notification unit that issues a notification to the operator to call attention on condition that it is determined that the pressed position detected by the pressed position detection unit is not in the area of ​​the switch; A program that makes it work.

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