Product sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a product sales data processing device and a program that can improve operability.SOLUTION: The product sales data processing device includes: first acquisition means for acquiring identification information that can specify a product; registration means for registering the product based on the identification information; and display means for arranging and displaying, on the same screen, information on products registered by the registration means in the order of registration, and displaying an operator for instructing termination of registration. The display means periodically changes a display mode of the operator using a moving animation so as to perform highlighting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, POS (Point of Sales) terminals are provided for registering products purchased by customers and for making payments. In recent years, self-service POS terminals have also become available, where customers themselves perform operations related to product registration and payment. In such POS terminals, when products are registered, a screen displaying a list of the registered products (hereinafter also referred to as a product registration screen) is displayed together with various controls related to the operation of the device itself.

[0003] By the way, in the above-mentioned POS terminal, when the operator wishes to finish registering products, he / she performs an operation to end the registration or to start the transaction (hereinafter, also referred to as the closing operation) based on the operation displayed on the screen. When the POS terminal receives the closing operation, it is possible to carry out the transaction based on the total price of the products registered up to that point.

[0004] However, on the product registration screen, since information about a registered product is added each time it is registered, the amount of information displayed is relatively large, and the operator's gaze tends to be focused on the registered product. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult for the operator to find the location of the operation button for the closing operation. In particular, for customers who are not familiar with operating POS terminals, if the operation button for the closing operation is difficult to find, they may not be able to proceed to checkout even after registering the product, which may hinder smooth transactions.

[0005] In the past, a technology has been proposed to encourage operation by flashing controls on static screens, such as a screen displaying the change amount. However, even when applied to a dynamic product registration screen in which the information displayed is updated with each registration, it is not possible to effectively highlight the controls, and there is room for improvement in terms of operability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and a program that can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The product sales data processing device of the embodiment comprises a first acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of identifying a product, a registration means for registering the product based on the identification information, and a display means for displaying information about the products registered by the registration means in the order of registration on the same screen, as well as a control for instructing to end the registration, and the display means highlights the control by periodically changing the display mode of the control with a moving animation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a self-service POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the product master according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the self-checkout POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the first highlighting method. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the second highlighting method. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the third highlighting method. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the fourth highlighting method. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the fifth highlighting method. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sixth highlighting method. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of product sales data processing performed by the self-checkout POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an example of the appearance of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a self-checkout POS terminal according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display form of a product registration screen according to the first modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the third highlighting method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, a self-service POS terminal (hereinafter also referred to as a self-service POS) will be described as an example of a product sales data processing device. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a self-service POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the self-service POS terminal 1 has, for example, a vertically elongated, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3. The first housing 2 is located on the lower side of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and houses a deposit / withdrawal unit 4 therein. Under the control of a control unit 100 described later, the deposit / withdrawal unit 4 deposits money received from a customer and dispenses change to be paid to the customer.

[0011] The second housing 3 is located on the upper side of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and houses a control unit 100 described below. The second housing 3 also includes a code reading unit 5, a card reading unit 6, and a printing unit 7 as interfaces operated by the user.

[0012] The code reading unit 5 is a reading device that reads information stored in a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The code reading unit 5 reads the code symbol through a reading window 51 formed in the second housing 3. For example, the code reading unit 5 reads a code symbol attached to a product or a code symbol displayed on a user's mobile terminal or the like.

[0013] The card reading unit 6 is a reading device that reads information stored on a card-type medium. The card reading unit 6 reads information from a card medium inserted into the card insertion slot 61. For example, the card reading unit 6 reads information related to electronic payment from a credit card or an electronic money card.

[0014] The printing unit 7 is a printing device such as a thermal printer. The printing unit 7 prints receipts for products purchased by the user, and outputs (issues) the printed receipts from a receipt issuing port 71 formed in the second housing 3.

[0015] The self-service POS terminal 1 also includes a display operation unit 8. The display operation unit 8 is provided, for example, on the top surface of the second housing 3. The display operation unit 8 has a display unit 81 configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and an operation unit 82 configured with a touch panel or the like. The display unit 81 displays various information and images under the control of the control unit 100, which will be described later. The operation unit 82 is provided on the surface of the display unit 81, and outputs information to the control unit 100 based on the position touched by the user.

[0016] Furthermore, a first placement table 91 is provided on one side or beside of the self-service POS terminal 1. The first placement table 91 is an example of a placement section. The first placement table 91 is a table for placing products to be registered, and is used, for example, when placing a basket containing products. A weight sensor 92 (see FIG. 2 ), such as a weighing scale, is provided on the first placement table 91. The weight sensor 92 measures the weight of an object placed on the first placement table 91.

[0017] A second placement table 93 is provided on the other side or lateral side of the self-service POS terminal 1. The second placement table 93 is used, for example, for placing a storage bag such as a personal bag for storing the product after the code symbol is read by the code reading unit 5.

[0018] It should be noted that the configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. For example, the second placement table 93 may include a weight sensor similar to the weight sensor 92.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes the above-mentioned deposit / withdrawal unit 4, code reading unit 5, card reading unit 6, printing unit 7, display unit 81, operation unit 82, etc.

[0020] The self-service POS terminal 1 also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, a connection unit 15, and a communication unit 16. The CPU 11 is connected to each of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 2 via a bus or the like.

[0021] The CPU 11 has one or more processing circuits and comprehensively controls each part of the self-service POS terminal 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for expanding the programs and various data. Here, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100, which is an example of a computer.

[0022] The storage unit 14 has a storage medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 14 stores various programs and various setting information that can be executed by the CPU 11. The storage unit 14 also stores a product master 141 and various data related to the display of a UI (user interface) described later.

[0023] The product master 141 is a data table or database that stores information about products for sale. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the product master 141 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the product master 141 stores product information of a product identified by the product code and a symbol flag in association with the product code of each product.

[0024] Here, the product code is an example of identification information, and product identification information such as a JAN code can be used. Each product sold in a store is affixed with a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code that holds the product code of the product. Also, the product can be identified by reading the product code from the code symbol affixed to the product.

[0025] The product information includes information such as the product name, category, price (unit price), etc. The category is information indicating the classification of the product to which the product corresponding to the product code belongs. For example, classification names such as vegetables, fruits, and seafood are registered in the category.

[0026] The symbol flag is flag information that can identify whether or not a code symbol is attached to a product. The symbol flag may also be added to a product that does not have a code symbol attached. Examples of products that do not have a code symbol attached include fruits and vegetables.

[0027] The data configuration of the product master 141 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 3. For example, the product master 141 may store image data and weight representing the product in the product information.

[0028] 2, the connection unit 15 is an I / O interface for connecting the control unit 100 to each device included in the self-service POS terminal 1. The control unit 100 is connected via the connection unit 15 to the deposit / withdrawal unit 4, the code reading unit 5, the card reading unit 6, the printing unit 7, the display operation unit 8, the weight sensor 92, etc.

[0029] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that can be connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown). The communication unit 16 communicates with an external device such as a store server installed in a store or an electronic payment server that provides an electronic payment service, for example, via the network.

[0030] Next, a functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes an operation reception unit 101, a display control unit 102, and a product sales data processing unit 103 as functional components.

[0031] A part or all of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU 11) of the self-service POS terminal 1 and a program stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 12, storage unit 14). Also, a part or all of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0032] The operation reception unit 101 receives user operations via the operation unit 82. Specifically, the operation reception unit 101 receives operations on various screens displayed on the display unit 81, and notifies the CPU 11 of the contents of the received operations.

[0033] The display control unit 102 controls the display unit 81 to display various screens. For example, the display control unit 102 cooperates with the product sales data processing unit 103 to display various screens for supporting product purchases on the display unit 81. The display control unit 102 cooperates with the product sales data processing unit 103 to function as an example of a display means.

[0034] The product sales data processing unit 103 is an example of a first acquisition unit, a registration unit, and a second acquisition unit. In addition, the product sales data processing unit 103 also functions as an example of a display unit by working in cooperation with the display control unit 102. The product sales data processing unit 103 executes various processes for supporting the purchase of products by working in cooperation with the hardware and other functional configurations of its own device. For example, when the product sales data processing unit 103 receives an operation to start a transaction via the operation unit 82, it starts product sales data processing related to one transaction.

[0035] When a transaction is started, the product sales data processing unit 103 enables the reading operation of the code reading unit 5 and waits for the product code to be read. When the product code is read by the code reading unit 5, the product sales data processing unit 103 acquires the read product code and identifies the product corresponding to the product code from the product master 141. Then, the product sales data processing unit 103 executes a registration process in which the product code and product information of the identified product are associated with the purchase number (quantity) of the product and stored in a storage medium such as the RAM 13. Note that the purchase number is set to "1" in the initial state. Hereinafter, information related to each product registered in the registration process is also referred to as "registered data."

[0036] Furthermore, when the product sales data processing unit 103 receives an operation via the operation unit 82 instructing the end of registration or the start of accounting (hereinafter also referred to as a closing operation), it ends the registration process and starts accounting. Specifically, when the product sales data processing unit 103 receives the closing operation, it executes accounting processing to calculate the total amount of the products registered up to that operation and settle the total amount with the payment amount paid via the deposit / withdrawal unit 4, etc. In this accounting processing, if there is change, the product sales data processing unit 103 pays out the change from the deposit / withdrawal unit 4. Furthermore, the product sales data processing unit 103 causes the printing unit 7 to issue a receipt on which product information, the total amount, the payment amount, etc. are printed.

[0037] Furthermore, the product sales data processing unit 103 cooperates with the display control unit 102 to provide, via the display unit 81, a screen (user interface) for supporting product purchases during the above-mentioned product sales data processing.

[0038] Hereinafter, the screens that the product sales data processing unit 103 displays on the display unit 81 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] For example, the product sales data processing unit 103 displays a product registration screen G in Fig. 5 on the display unit 81 as a screen for supporting the registration process. Here, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal 1 of the first embodiment, and shows an example of the product registration screen.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the product registration screen G has a first display area Ga, a second display area Gb, and a third display area Gc.

[0041] The first display area Ga is an area for displaying information about products registered in the registration process in a list (hereinafter also referred to as list display) arranged in the order of registration. Specifically, the first display area Ga has a small area H for displaying the products registered in the registration process. The product name Ha, quantity Hb, price Hc, etc. of the registered product are displayed in the small area H. The quantity Hb is the number of products purchased. The price Hc means the price obtained by multiplying the price (unit price) of the quantity by the quantity. Note that FIG. 5 shows an example in which five products (products AAA to EEE) are registered.

[0042] In addition, a change button Hd and a cancel button He are displayed in the small area H. The change button Hd is an operator for instructing a change in the quantity. Specifically, when the product sales data processing unit 103 receives an operation of the change button Hd after the quantity of the product is changed, the product sales data processing unit 103 updates the purchase quantity included in the registration data of the product that is the target of the operation to the changed value.

[0043] The cancel button He is an operator for instructing the cancellation of registration. Specifically, when the product sales data processing unit 103 receives an operation of the cancel button He, the product sales data processing unit 103 cancels the registration by deleting the registration data of the product that is the target of the operation or adding flag information or the like indicating the cancellation state. Note that the product sales data processing unit 103 may add a strikethrough or the like to the product name or the like of the canceled product to display in the first display area Ga that the product has been canceled.

[0044] Although FIG. 5 shows an example in which the registered products are arranged from top to bottom in the order in which they were registered, the present invention is not limited to this, and the products may be arranged in the reverse order.

[0045] The second display area Gb is an area for displaying the total points and total price of the registered products. The product sales data processing unit 103 calculates the total points by adding up the quantities of the registered products, and displays the calculated total points in the second display area Gb. The product sales data processing unit 103 also calculates the total price by adding up the prices of the registered products, and displays the calculated total price in the second display area Gb. The product sales data processing unit 103 also calculates the total points and total price and updates the second display area Gb each time a new product is registered or the registered data is updated by operating the change button Hd or the cancel button He.

[0046] The third display area Gc is an area for displaying various operators related to the operation of the self-service POS terminal 1. Operators such as a barcode-free product button Ba and a checkout button Bb are displayed in the third display area Gc. Furthermore, the operators are displayed with character strings or illustrations (hereinafter also referred to as objects) for providing guidance on the functions of the operators or the processes realized by the operations.

[0047] The no barcode product button Ba is an operator used when registering a product without a code symbol. When the no barcode product button Ba is accepted, the product sales data processing unit 103 displays a selection screen (not shown) on the display unit 81, which displays each product without a code symbol in a selectable manner, based on the symbol flag of the product master 141. For example, the product sales data processing unit 103 may display a selection screen that allows narrowing down the products to be registered, such as displaying the category of each product in a selectable manner, and when a category is selected, displaying the product name of the product belonging to the category in a selectable manner. Then, when the product sales data processing unit 103 accepts the selection of a product from the selection screen, it performs a registration process for the selected product, and displays the registered product in the first display area Ga of the product registration screen G.

[0048] The checkout button Bb is an operator for performing a closing operation (hereinafter also referred to as the closing button). When the product sales data processing unit 103 accepts the operation of the checkout button Bb, it ends the registration process and starts the checkout process for settling the total amount of the products registered up to that operation. Note that the product sales data processing unit 103 may make the checkout button Bb inoperable, for example, by hiding or disabling the checkout button Bb until the first product is registered.

[0049] Incidentally, since the product registration screen G focuses on clearly indicating registered products, the display areas of the first display area Ga and the second display area Gb occupy most of the screen, as shown in Fig. 5. Therefore, operators such as the checkout button Bb are generally placed on the edge of the screen, such as at the bottom of the screen. Also, since information about a registered product is additionally displayed in the first display area Ga each time a product is registered in the product registration screen G, the amount of information displayed is relatively large, and the operator's gaze also tends to be focused on the first display area Ga.

[0050] Therefore, there is a problem that the location of the closing button is difficult for the operator to find on the product registration screen G. In particular, for customers who are not familiar with operating POS terminals, if the closing button is difficult to find, they may not be able to proceed to checkout even after registering the product, which may hinder a smooth transaction. In addition, it is possible to display the checkout button Bb larger to increase the distinguishability on the product registration screen G, but in this case, it is necessary to reduce the size of either or both of the first display area Ga and the second display area Gb. Thus, on the product registration screen G, there is a trade-off between the viewability of the information related to the registered products and the distinguishability of the checkout button Bb, and simply enlarging the checkout button Bb may actually reduce the operability of the product registration screen G.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, the product sales data processing unit 103 periodically changes the display mode of the checkout button Bb with animation that involves movement to highlight the checkout button Bb, thereby presenting the position of the checkout button Bb to the operator. Below, the method of highlighting the checkout button Bb will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 11.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the first highlighting method. In the first highlighting method, the checkout button Bb is highlighted by periodically changing the size of the object displayed in the checkout button Bb. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the product sales data processing unit 103 displays the character size of the character string displayed in the checkout button Bb while switching between different sizes. Specifically, the product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the checkout button Bb by periodically displaying an animation from FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(b). The period of the animation display is not particularly important, and may be, for example, one second intervals. Also, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the character size is switched between two levels, "large" and "small," but the number of levels for changing the character size is not limited to this.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the second highlighting method. In the second highlighting method, the checkout button Bb is highlighted by periodically changing the position of the object displayed within the checkout button Bb. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the product sales data processing unit 103 displays the object as if it is moving vertically by switching the object displayed within the checkout button Bb to different positions in the vertical direction. Specifically, the product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the checkout button Bb by periodically displaying an animation from FIG. 7(a) to FIG. 7(b). The animation display period is not particularly limited, and may be set to, for example, one second intervals.

[0054] Also, FIG. 7 shows an example in which an object is moved vertically to indicate pressing of the checkout button Bb. In this way, the product sales data processing unit 103 presents a method for operating the checkout button Bb during the highlighting process. This makes it easier for the customer, who is the operator, to intuitively recognize that the checkout button Bb needs to be pressed next, as objects such as text within the checkout button Bb move vertically. Therefore, the product sales data processing unit 103 can encourage the operator to operate the checkout button Bb. Note that the direction in which objects within the checkout button Bb move is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be, for example, left and right.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the third highlighting method. In the third highlighting method, the checkout button Bb is highlighted by periodically performing a display process that superimposes another object on the checkout button Bb. Here, it is preferable to use an illustration or icon (hereinafter also referred to as a cursor figure) such as an arrow or fingertip pointing to the checkout button Bb as the other object. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and (b), the product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the checkout button Bb by moving another object Bc onto the checkout button Bb. Specifically, the product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the checkout button Bb by periodically performing an animation display from FIG. 8(a) to FIG. 8(b).

[0056] In addition, the product sales data processing unit 103 may use another object Bc to guide the user on how to operate the checkout button Bb. For example, as shown in Figs. 8(b) and (c), the product sales data processing unit 103 switches the arrangement angle of the other object Bc superimposed on the checkout button Bb from up to down, thereby displaying the other object Bc as if pressing the checkout button Bb. In this case, the product sales data processing unit 103 may highlight the checkout button Bb by periodically displaying an animation of Fig. 8(a) → Fig. 8(b) → Fig. 8(c) → Fig. 8(b). In this way, the product sales data processing unit 103 can encourage the user to operate the checkout button Bb by presenting a method of operating the checkout button Bb during the highlighting process. The animation display period is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, two seconds.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the fourth highlighting method. In the fourth highlighting method, the checkout button Bb is highlighted by periodically changing the display color of the outline of the checkout button Bb. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b), the product sales data processing unit 103 switches the display color of the outline Bd of the checkout button Bb. Specifically, the product sales data processing unit 103 periodically displays the animation of FIG. 9(a)→FIG. 9(b) to highlight the checkout button Bb. In FIG. 9, the difference in display color is represented by the difference in line type. For example, the outline Bd displayed in orange in FIG. 9(a) is displayed in green in FIG. 9(b). The period of the animation display is not particularly important, and may be, for example, one second intervals. In FIG. 9, the display colors to be switched are two colors, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more display colors may be switched.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the fifth highlighting method. In the fifth highlighting method, the size of the checkout button Bb is periodically changed to highlight the checkout button Bb. For example, the product sales data processing unit 103 displays the checkout button Bb while expanding and contracting the long side as shown in FIG. 10(a), (b), and (c). As an example, the product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the checkout button Bb by periodically displaying an animation of FIG. 10(a)→FIG. 10(b)→FIG. 10(c)→FIG. 10(b)→FIG. 10(a). Note that the period of the animation display is not particularly important, and may be, for example, one second intervals. In FIG. 10, the long side of the checkout button Bb is expanded and contracted, but this is not limited thereto, and the short side of the checkout button Bb may be expanded and contracted, for example.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sixth highlighting method. In the sixth highlighting method, the checkout button Bb is highlighted by changing the shape of the checkout button Bb. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and (b), the product sales data processing unit 103 displays the checkout button Bb with a pointed right end, expanding and contracting to the right. Specifically, the product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the checkout button Bb by periodically displaying an animation from FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(b). The animation display period is not particularly limited, and may be set to, for example, one second intervals.

[0060] The product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the position of the checkout button Bb by using any one of the six highlighting methods described above or a combination of a number of these highlighting methods. This allows the product sales data processing unit 103 to cyclically change the display mode of the checkout button Bb with animation that involves movement, thereby effectively highlighting the position of the checkout button Bb on the product registration screen G. Therefore, the operator of the self-service POS terminal 1 can easily grasp the position of the checkout button Bb on the product registration screen G.

[0061] The highlighting method is not limited to the above example. For example, the background color of the checkout button Bb may be changed periodically in accordance with the animation of the six highlighting methods.

[0062] The product sales data processing unit 103 may highlight the checkout button Bb while the product registration screen G is displayed, or may start highlighting the checkout button Bb when certain conditions (hereinafter also referred to as highlighting conditions) are met. In the latter case, it is preferable that the product sales data processing unit 103 start highlighting the checkout button Bb at a timing when the closing operation is expected to be performed based on the operator's state or the product registration status.

[0063] For example, the product sales data processing unit 103 cooperates with the code reading unit 5 and the operation unit 82 to obtain information indicating whether the self-service POS terminal 1 is being operated, as status information indicating the status of the operator or the registration status of the product. Then, when a no-operation state continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), the product sales data processing unit 103 starts highlighting the checkout button Bb. Here, for example, a no-operation state means not only a state in which a product is not read, but also a state in which no operation is performed on the product registration screen G. Note that a no-operation state may simply mean a state in which a product is not read. In this case, it is possible that the customer has completed the product registration operation, but is unable to recognize that the operator to be operated to proceed to the next process is the checkout button Bb, and instead operates any part of the product registration screen G.

[0064] That is, when all of the products to be registered have been read, the product sales data processing unit 103 can start highlighting the checkout button Bb. This allows the product sales data processing unit 103 to start highlighting the checkout button Bb at the timing when the closing operation is expected to be performed, making it possible to efficiently provide operational support for the checkout button Bb.

[0065] In addition, after starting to highlight the checkout button Bb, if an operator operation is received, such as when a new product is read, the product sales data processing unit 103 may cancel the highlighting of the checkout button Bb to return it to a non-highlighted state, that is, a normal display state (hereinafter also referred to as normal display).

[0066] Also, for example, the product sales data processing unit 103 may acquire the weight measured by the weight sensor 92 as status information indicating the operator's status or the registration status of the product. In this case, after starting the product registration process, the product sales data processing unit 103 starts highlighting the checkout button Bb when the weight measured by the weight sensor 92 falls below a threshold. Here, the weight threshold is preferably set based on the weight of a shopping basket used in the store, and for example, the weight of the basket may be used as the threshold.

[0067] In this case, the product sales data processing unit 103 can start highlighting the checkout button Bb when there are no more products in the basket, that is, when all the products stored in the basket have been read. This allows the product sales data processing unit 103 to start highlighting the checkout button Bb at the timing when the closing operation is expected to be performed, making it possible to efficiently provide operational support for the checkout button Bb.

[0068] When the product sales data processing unit 103 accepts the operation of the checkout button Bb, it displays a screen (not shown) on the display unit 81 that allows the operator to select a payment method, such as cash payment, electronic money payment, credit card payment, etc. Then, when the operator selects a payment method, the product sales data processing unit 103 performs the checkout process using the selected payment method.

[0069] For example, when cash payment is selected, the product sales data processing unit 103 accepts a cash deposit via the deposit / withdrawal unit 4, and executes accounting processing to settle the total amount of the products with the accepted amount. Also, when electronic money payment or credit card payment is selected, for example, the product sales data processing unit 103 accepts input of payment information related to the payment via the code reading unit 5 or card reading unit 6. Then, the product sales data processing unit 103 cooperates with an external payment server or the like to execute a payment process to settle the total amount of the products registered as sales based on the input payment information. Such payment information may be, for example, a credit card number or a two-dimensional code for code payment.

[0070] In such a self-service POS terminal 1, a customer, who is the operator, removes an item from the basket placed on the first placement table 91 and performs a product registration operation in which the code symbol attached to the item is read by the code reading unit 5. The customer then performs a storage operation in which the item whose registration has been performed is placed in a shopping bag or the like placed on the second placement table 93. The self-service POS terminal 1 executes a registration process for the item for which the product registration operation has been performed. After completing the product registration operation for all items, the customer then operates a closing button such as the checkout button Bb to start the checkout for the registered items. The self-service POS terminal 1 executes the checkout process on the condition that the closing operation has been performed.

[0071] Next, an example of product sales data processing performed by the self-service POS terminal 1 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of product sales data processing performed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of the first embodiment. Note that, as a premise of this processing, it is assumed that the product registration screen G is displayed on the display unit 81 (step S11).

[0072] First, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines whether or not the product code has been read by the code reading unit 5 (step S12). If the product code has not been read (step S12; No), the product sales data processing unit 103 proceeds to step S16.

[0073] When the code reader 5 reads the product code (step S12; Yes), the product sales data processor 103 determines whether the product is the first product read in this transaction (step S13). Here, the transaction means, for example, the period from when the customer who operates the self-service POS terminal 1 starts product registration operation to when he or she closes the transaction or when he or she makes a payment.

[0074] If the product is the first product read in the transaction (step S13; Yes), the product sales data processing unit 103 activates a closing button such as the checkout button Bb, making it operable (step S14), and proceeds to step S15. For example, the product sales data processing unit 103 makes the closing button operable by normally displaying it on the product registration screen G. Note that if the product is not the first product read in the transaction (step S13; No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0075] Next, the product sales data processing unit 103 executes a registration process for the product corresponding to the product code read in step S12 based on the product code (step S15). Next, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines whether the operator's state or the product registration status satisfies a highlighting condition for highlighting the closing button (step S16).

[0076] For example, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition is satisfied when a non-operation state continues for a predetermined time. Specifically, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition is satisfied when a loop process of step S12; No → step S16; No → step S17 → step S19; No is executed for a predetermined time. Also, for example, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition is satisfied when the weight measured by the weight sensor 92 becomes equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0077] If the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition is not satisfied (step S16; No), it displays the closing button in a normal display (step S17) and proceeds to step S19. If the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition is satisfied (step S16; Yes), it highlights the closing button using one of the highlighting methods described above (step S18) and proceeds to step S19.

[0078] Next, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines whether or not the closing button operation has been accepted (step S19). If the product sales data processing unit 103 has not accepted the closing button operation (step S19; No), the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if the product sales data processing unit 103 has accepted the closing button operation (step S19; Yes), the product sales data processing unit 103 executes the checkout process (step S20) and ends this process.

[0079] As described above, the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment acquires a product code capable of identifying a product via the code reading unit 5, and performs product registration processing based on the acquired product code. The self-service POS terminal 1 also displays information on registered products in the order of registration, and displays a product registration screen G showing a closing button on the display unit 81. Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 1 highlights the closing button on the product registration screen G by periodically changing the display mode of the closing button with a moving animation.

[0080] As a result, the self-service POS terminal 1 can effectively display the position of the closing button on the product registration screen G, which is intended to display information on the product to be registered, and can allow the operator to recognize the position of the closing button. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 1 can improve the operability of the product registration screen G.

[0081] [Second embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, a form has been described in which it is determined whether or not the highlighting condition is satisfied based on the duration of the no-operation state or the measurement result of the weight sensor 92. However, the indicators for determining the highlighting condition are not limited to these. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a form will be described in which the timing to start highlighting is controlled by determining the highlighting condition using other state information different from that in the first embodiment. Note that the following mainly describes the points that are different from the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description of the points that are common to the contents already described will be omitted.

[0082] 13 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the self-service POS terminal 200 according to the second embodiment. The self-service POS terminal 200 is an example of a product sales data processing device, and corresponds to the self-service POS terminal 1. The self-service POS terminal 200 has the same configuration as the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0083] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 200 is provided with a cylindrical pole 201 extending upward from the upper surface of the first housing 2 at the rear of the first housing 2. An imaging unit 202 is attached to the upper tip of the pole 201. The imaging unit 202 is an imaging device such as a digital camera, and the imaging direction is directed downward.

[0084] Here, the imaging unit 202 is provided at a position where it can image an operator (customer) operating the self-service POS terminal 1, and images the operator operating the self-service POS terminal 1 from above. Note that imaging refers to continuously taking moving images or continuously taking still images at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every second). Also, the position where the imaging unit 202 is provided is not limited to the example of FIG. 13, as long as it is a position where it can image the operator operating the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0085] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the self POS terminal 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the self POS terminal 200 has the same configuration as the self POS terminal 1. The above-mentioned imaging unit 202 is connected to the connection unit 15 of the self POS terminal 200. In other words, the control unit 100 is capable of acquiring an image captured by the imaging unit 202.

[0086] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the self POS terminal 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 15, the self POS terminal 200 has the same functional configuration as the self POS terminal 1. In addition, the self POS terminal 200 has an action recognition unit 104 as a new functional configuration.

[0087] The action recognition unit 104 is an example of a second acquisition unit. The action recognition unit 104 acquires (also called recognition) state information representing the action state and mental state of the operator who operates the self-service POS terminal 200 from the image captured by the imaging unit 202.

[0088] For example, the action recognition unit 104 recognizes whether or not the operator of the self-service POS terminal 200 is performing a product registration operation or an operation on the display operation unit 8. In addition, the action recognition unit 104 recognizes whether or not the operator of the self-service POS terminal 200 is unsure of the operation.

[0089] Here, the method of recognizing the motion state and mental state of the operator is not particularly limited, and known techniques can be used. For example, the motion recognition unit 104 may be configured to recognize the motion performed by the operator using a trained model that has been machine-learned on the motion of the body (or skeleton) and the motion of the hands when operating the self-service POS terminal 200. Also, for example, the motion recognition unit 104 may be configured to recognize the mental state of the operator using a trained model that has been trained to be able to estimate the mental state from the facial expression of the operator shown in a face image, the motion of the body (e.g., behavior), and the like.

[0090] Furthermore, the product sales data processing unit 103 of this embodiment determines whether or not the highlighting condition for the closing button is satisfied based on the recognition result of the action recognition unit 104. For example, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition for the closing button is satisfied when the operator of the self-service POS terminal 200 does not perform any product registration operation or operation on the display operation unit 8 for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, for example, the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition for the closing button is satisfied when it is recognized that the operator of the self-service POS terminal 200 is unsure of how to operate. Then, when the product sales data processing unit 103 determines that the highlighting condition is satisfied, it highlights the closing button using any of the highlighting methods described above.

[0091] In this case, the product sales data processing unit 103 can start highlighting the checkout button Bb when all of the products to be registered have been read or when the checkout button Bb is being searched for. This allows the product sales data processing unit 103 to start highlighting the checkout button Bb at the timing when the closing operation is expected to be performed, making it possible to efficiently provide operational support for the checkout button Bb.

[0092] The product sales data processing unit 103 may determine the emphasis condition based on the state information from the above-mentioned action recognition unit 104 in combination with the emphasis condition described in the first embodiment. For example, when the weight measured by the weight sensor 92 is equal to or less than the threshold and the action recognition unit 104 recognizes a state in which the user is unsure of the operation, it may determine that the emphasis condition for the closing button is satisfied.

[0093] Moreover, the product sales data processing performed by the self POS terminal 200 is similar to the flowchart described in FIG. 12, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] Each of the above-described embodiments can be modified as appropriate by changing a part of the configuration or function of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, some modified examples of each of the above-described embodiments will be described below as other embodiments. Note that the following mainly describes the differences from the above-described embodiments, and detailed descriptions of the commonalities with the contents already described will be omitted. The modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0095] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the product registration screen G displayed on the display unit 81 is displayed in a horizontally long screen, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be displayed in a vertically long screen.

[0096] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display form of the product registration screen G according to the first modified example, and shows an example in which the product registration screen G of Fig. 5 is displayed on a portrait screen. As shown in Fig. 16, even when displayed in a portrait state, the contents (display contents, screen configuration) displayed on the product registration screen G are the same.

[0097] In addition, in the case where the registered products are displayed in a list in order from the top of the first display area Ga, the product names of the registered products are displayed at the top of the screen as shown in Fig. 16. In this case, the gaze of the customer who is the operator tends to be concentrated at the top of the screen where the registered products are displayed. Therefore, the operator may find it difficult to notice the presence of the closing button such as the checkout button Bb at the bottom of the screen compared to a horizontally long screen.

[0098] In the self-service POS terminal 1 (or the self-service POS terminal 200) according to this modification, even if the product registration screen G is displayed vertically, the closing button can be effectively highlighted as in the above-described embodiment. This allows the self-service POS terminal 1 (or the self-service POS terminal 200) to highlight the presence of the closing button located at the bottom of the screen on a vertically long screen where the operator's line of sight tends to be concentrated at the top of the screen, thereby efficiently supporting the operator in operation.

[0099] The product sales data processing unit 103 may be configured to switch the method of highlighting the closing button depending on whether the product registration screen G is displayed horizontally or vertically. In this case, as described above, when the product registration screen G is displayed vertically, the distance between the area where the operator's gaze is concentrated and the position of the closing button may be greater. Therefore, when the product registration screen G is displayed vertically, it is preferable that the product sales data processing unit 103 uses an emphasis display method with a greater degree of emphasis compared to when the product registration screen G is displayed horizontally. For example, when the product registration screen G is displayed vertically, the product sales data processing unit 103 may use the third emphasis display method and the fourth emphasis display method in combination to perform emphasis display.

[0100] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, as an example of a method for highlighting the checkout button Bb, a highlighting method (third highlighting method) in which other objects Bc displayed around the checkout button Bb are moved onto the checkout button Bb has been described (see FIG. 8). In this third highlighting method, the position that serves as the base point for displaying the other objects Bc is not limited to this. Therefore, in this modified example, a modified version of the third highlighting method will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0101] 17 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the third highlighting method. In this modified example, similar to the third highlighting method described above, a display process is periodically performed to move the other object Bc onto the checkout button Bb, but the position that becomes the base point for initially displaying the other object Bc is different.

[0102] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17(a), the base point of the other object Bc is placed within the first display area Ga. Here, the position of the base point within the first display area Ga can be set arbitrarily.

[0103] For example, the base point may be set in an empty space (an area where no small area H is displayed) in the first display area Ga. Also, for example, the base point may be set near the small area H that is located at the bottom among the small areas H displayed in the first display area Ga. Also, for example, the base point may be set near the small area H that displays the most recently registered product among the small areas H displayed in the first display area Ga. Note that in this embodiment, since the registered products are arranged downward in the order in which they were registered, the small area H that is located at the bottom corresponds to the small area H that displays the most recently registered product.

[0104] Furthermore, when the product sales data processing unit 103 according to this modification displays another object Bc in the first display area Ga, it moves the other object Bc to the checkout button Bb as shown in Fig. 17(b) → Fig. 17(c).Then, the product sales data processing unit 103 highlights the checkout button Bb by periodically displaying the animation in Fig. 17(a) → Fig. 17(b) → Fig. 17(c).

[0105] As a result, the self-checkout POS terminal 1 according to this modification can allow the operator to recognize the position of the checkout button Bb on the product registration screen G, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0106] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 1 according to this modification moves other objects Bc displayed in the first display area Ga to the checkout button Bb, and therefore can guide the operator's gaze from the first display area Ga, where the operator's gaze tends to be focused, to the checkout button Bb. In particular, when moving other objects Bc from near the small area H that displays the most recently registered product to the checkout button Bb, there is a high possibility that the operator's gaze is directed toward the small area H, and therefore it is possible to more efficiently guide the operator's gaze to the checkout button Bb. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 1 according to this modification can allow the operator to efficiently recognize the position of the checkout button Bb.

[0107] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, a form has been described in which the self-service POS terminal 1 (self-service POS terminal 200) processes the transaction in response to the operation of the closing button, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the transaction may be processed by another device.

[0108] In this case, the product sales data processing unit 103 of the self-service POS terminal 1 (self-service POS terminal 200) generates information capable of identifying the registered products and their quantities, i.e., transaction information capable of identifying the total price of the registered products, in response to the operation of the closing button. The product sales data processing unit 103 then outputs the generated transaction information via a network or a print medium to deliver it to an accounting device that performs accounting processing.

[0109] In the former case, for example, the product sales data processing unit 103 may directly transmit the transaction information to the accounting device at the transaction destination, or may indirectly transmit the transaction information via a store server, etc. In the latter case, for example, the product sales data processing unit 103 may print out the transaction information in a state in which the transaction information is encoded into a code symbol.

[0110] The product sales data processing unit 103 may store the registration data in a server device such as a store server. In this case, the product sales data processing unit 103 may output information for reading the registration data stored in the server device as transaction information. For example, when the registration data is stored in association with a unique ID that can identify a transaction, the product sales data processing unit 103 may output the ID as transaction information.

[0111] In this way, the store configuration to which the product sales data processing device is applied is not particularly limited, and the product sales data processing device can be applied to various store configurations.

[0112] The programs executed by the product sales data processing device of each of the above-mentioned embodiments (variations) are provided in a state where they are pre-installed in a ROM, a storage unit, etc. The programs executed by the product sales data processing device of each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD) in the form of an installable or executable file.

[0113] Furthermore, the programs executed by the product sales data processing device of each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the programs executed by the product sales data processing device of each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0114] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments and their modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 Self-service POS terminal 2. First unit 3. Second housing 4. Deposit and Withdrawal Section 5 Code reader 6 Card reader 7 Printing section 8 Display operation section 81 Display section 82 Control section 91 First loading platform 92 Weight Sensor 93 Second loading platform 100 Control section 101 Operation reception section 102 Display control unit 103 Product sales data processing unit 104 Motion recognition section 141 Product Master [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0116] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-3561 A

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of identifying a product; a registration means for registering the product based on the identification information; a display means for displaying, on the same screen, information on the products registered by the registration means in the order of registration, and also displaying an operator for instructing completion of the registration; Equipped with The display means highlights the operator by periodically changing the display state of the operator with animation involving movement.

2. 2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said display means periodically changes a position or a size of an object displayed inside said operator to highlight it.

3. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the display means performs a display process of periodically superimposing another object on the operator to highlight the operator.

4. 2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said display means periodically changes the display color of the outline of said operator to highlight it.

5. 2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said display means periodically changes a size or a shape of said control to highlight said control.

6. The device further includes a second acquisition means for acquiring status information indicating a status of an operator who operates the device or a registration status of the product, 6. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display means starts highlighting the operator based on the state information.

7. The second acquisition means acquires, as the status information, information indicating whether or not an operation is being performed on the device itself; The product sales data processing device according to claim 6, wherein said display means starts highlighting said operator when a non-operation state continues for a predetermined period of time.

8. The second acquisition means acquires, as the status information, a weight measurement result from a weight sensor installed on a placement unit on which the product to be registered is placed, and The product sales data processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the display means starts highlighting the operator when the measured weight becomes equal to or smaller than a threshold value.

9. The second acquisition means acquires the state information representing a motion state or a mental state of the operator from an image of the operator, 7. The product sales data processing device according to claim 6, wherein said display means starts highlighting said operator when a motion state or a mental state of said operator satisfies a predetermined condition.

10. A computer of a product sales data processing device, A first acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of identifying a product; a registration means for registering the product based on the identification information; a display means for displaying, on the same screen, information on the products registered by the registration means in the order of registration, and also displaying an operator for instructing completion of the registration; and make it work. The display means displays the operator in a highlighted manner by periodically changing the display mode of the operator with animation involving movement.

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