Sales data processing system and program

Abstract

To provide a product sales data processing system and program, which enable provision of guidance to a person who is not good at a language most widely used at a location of a store in a language preferred by the person.SOLUTION: A sales data processing system and program are provided. The sales data processing system comprises: an operator information acquisition unit for acquiring information on a clerk operating a sales data processing device; a guidance acquisition unit for acquiring voice guidance information associated with a screen displayed by the sales data processing device; and a voice guidance unit configured to output voice for guiding the clerk in a language indicated by specified language information on the basis of the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit, when the operator information acquisition unit acquires the specified language information indicative of a language specified by the clerk as information on the clerk.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, convenience stores, supermarkets, etc. are increasingly employing foreign staff from countries other than the country in which the store is located. In such cases, the language most commonly used in the store's location (for example, the local official language) is not necessarily the language that the staff is fluent in.

[0003] The business screen displayed by a terminal device such as a POS terminal used in a store usually contains text information in the language most commonly used in the store's location (for example, Japanese for a store in Japan). The text information is included to guide the store staff on how to perform operations, but for store staff who are not fluent in the language, the text information cannot adequately fulfill its function of guidance, which is inconvenient. The above-mentioned inconvenience can also occur to customers who view the customer screen of the POS terminal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sales data processing system and program that enables a person who is not fluent in the language most commonly used in the store's location to be given guidance in the language that the person is fluent in. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The sales data processing system of the embodiment includes an operator information acquisition unit that acquires information about a store clerk operating a sales data processing device, a guidance acquisition unit that acquires voice guidance information associated with a screen displayed by the sales data processing device, and a voice guidance unit that, when the operator information acquisition unit acquires designated language information that indicates a language designated by the store clerk as information about the store clerk, outputs a voice to guide the store clerk in the language indicated by the designated language information based on the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the POS terminal according to the embodiment as seen from an operator. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the POS terminal 8. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the store server 5. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of functional units included in the POS system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the POS system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the business screen 60. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the business screen 60. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the business screen 60. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the business screen 60. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in which operation guidance is given by voice to a customer who operates while looking at second display unit 862. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] (First embodiment) An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS system in an embodiment. Here, POS is an abbreviation for Point Of Sale. The POS system is an example of a sales data processing system, and includes a store server 5 and one or more POS terminals 8. The POS terminal 8 is an example of a sales data processing device. The store server 5 is an example of an information processing device that manages terminal devices in a store, including the POS terminal 8.

[0008] The store server 5 and the POS terminal 8 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication line L such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The store server 5 and the POS terminal 8 transmit and receive information via the communication line L.

[0009] The store server 5 is installed in the back yard of the store. The store server 5 functions as an upper server for the POS terminal 8. The store server 5 receives customer information from a membership service 3 on the cloud. The membership service 3 accepts registration and updates of information (customer information) of members (users) from a user terminal 1. The user terminal 1 is a terminal device used by a customer. The user terminal 1 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone. Note that an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) may also be used as the user terminal 1.

[0010] The POS terminal 8 is a device installed in a store and used by a store clerk when receiving and delivering products and making payments (accounting). Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the POS terminal 8 according to the embodiment as seen from the operator (store clerk) side. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 8.

[0011] The POS terminal 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 82, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 83, a communication unit 84, a storage unit 85, a display unit 86, a second display unit 862, an operation unit 87, a second operation unit 872, a scanner 88, a cash deposit / withdrawal unit 89, and a printer 90. These units are connected via a bus. The CPU 81, the ROM 82, and the RAM 83 constitute a control unit 80 having a computer configuration.

[0012] The display unit 86 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays product information, payment information, and the like to the operator of the POS terminal 8. Here, the operator of the POS terminal 8 is a store clerk (a store employee).

[0013] The operation unit 87 is a keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric keys for inputting numbers. The operation unit 87 also includes a touch panel that is provided on the surface of the display unit 86 and accepts operations according to the display contents of the display unit 86. The operation unit 87 accepts operations manually input by the store clerk.

[0014] Second display unit 862 is a customer display unit that is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like and displays product information, payment information, etc. to customers. Second operation unit 872 is a touch panel that is superimposed on second display unit 862 and accepts operations according to the display content of second display unit 862. Note that hereinafter, the screen for customers displayed by second display unit 862 may be referred to as the "customer screen."

[0015] The scanner 88 is, for example, a handheld device that uses, for example, visible light to read code symbols such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes, and transfers the decoded values ​​of the code symbols to the control unit 80 .

[0016] The code symbol read by the scanner 88 is, for example, an encoded product code or membership code. The code symbol indicating the product code is attached to the product or its packaging. The code symbol indicating the membership code is displayed, for example, on the screen of the user terminal 1 when a membership application (short for application software) is running.

[0017] The member application is distributed, for example, by the member service 3. The user terminal 1 can use various functions provided by the member application by downloading and installing the member application from the member service 3.

[0018] The deposit / withdrawal section 89 has a drawer for storing coins and bills, and stores money and valuable securities such as gift certificates received from customers, as well as change to be handed over to customers.

[0019] The printer 90 pulls out a roll of receipt paper stored in the housing, prints product information, payment information, receipt header information, etc. using, for example, a thermal printer equipped with a thermal transfer print head, and issues a receipt.

[0020] The CPU 81 is an example of a processor, and controls the overall operation of the store server 5. The ROM 82 stores various programs. The RAM 83 is a workspace in which programs and various data are developed.

[0021] In the control unit 80, the CPU 81 executes various processes by operating according to programs stored in the ROM 82 or the storage unit 85 and expanded in the RAM 83. The control unit 80 functions as various functional units (see FIG. 5, described below) as described below by the CPU 81 executing a program 851 stored in the storage unit 85.

[0022] The communication unit 84 is an interface that is communicatively connected to each terminal in the store (e.g., the store server 5) via a communication line L. The communication unit 84 also has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 84 performs short-range wireless communication with earphones 7 that are present in the vicinity of the POS terminal 8. The earphones 7 are worn and used by a store clerk.

[0023] The storage unit 85 is configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 85 stores various programs 851 executed by the CPU 81.

[0024] The storage unit 85 also stores product master data, setting information, sales clerk information, and customer information periodically acquired from the store server 5. The product master data, setting information, sales clerk information, and customer information correspond to, and are basically the same as, the product master data, setting information 552, sales clerk information 553, and customer information 554 (described later) stored in the store server 5. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the product master data, setting information, sales clerk information, and customer information stored in the storage unit 85 are the same as the product master data, setting information 552, sales clerk information 553, and customer information 554 stored in the store server 5.

[0025] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the store server 5. The store server 5 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a communication unit 54, and a storage unit 55. These units are connected via a bus.

[0026] CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, control unit 50, storage unit 55, and program 551 correspond to the above-mentioned CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, control unit 80, storage unit 85, and program 851, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The communication unit 54 is an interface that is communicatively connected to each terminal in the store (e.g., the POS terminal 8) via a communication line L. The communication unit 54 is also an interface that is communicatively connected to an external device (e.g., a membership service 3 on the cloud) via a public network.

[0028] The storage unit 55 stores product master data, setting information 552, clerk information 553, and customer information 554. The product master data, setting information 552, clerk information 553, and customer information 554 are transmitted (acquired, imported) from the store server 5 to the POS terminal 8 at a predetermined timing (e.g., daily routine). The POS terminal 8 updates the product master data, setting information, clerk information, and customer information stored in its own storage unit 85 with the information received from the store server 5.

[0029] The store clerk information 553 is information about employees of the store, that is, store clerks, and is stored, for example, in the form of a table in the storage unit 55. The store clerk information 553 is composed of, for example, the following items. ·Staff ID Face information Earphone ID -Prescribed Language Proficiency information The storage unit 55 stores the information on each of the above items in association with each other.

[0030] The sales clerk ID is an identification number that uniquely identifies the sales clerk. The face information is an image (face image) of the face of each sales clerk, or information obtained by parameterizing the facial features.

[0031] The earphone ID is an identification number that uniquely identifies the earphone 7 used by the store clerk. The earphone 7 shares the earphone ID with the control unit 80 via short-range wireless communication. If the earphone ID is associated with the store clerk ID, the control unit 80 transmits a signal to the earphone 7 for outputting sound corresponding to processing. This enables the earphone 7 to output sound corresponding to processing by the control unit 80.

[0032] The designated language is a language designated by a store clerk when the store clerk desires voice guidance, that is, a language for voice guidance. The designated language may be specified by text data indicating the name of the language, or may be identified by a symbol or number.

[0033] The text information displayed by the display unit 86 is in the language most commonly used in the store location (for example, the local official language; hereafter referred to as the main language). As a designated language in contrast to the main language, a language that the store clerk is comfortable with, such as the store clerk's native language, is suitable. Note that if a person speaks the main language, they may set the designated language to the main language, or they may not set a designated language.

[0034] If the designated language is not set, the voice guidance may be unnecessary or may be the same as the main language. If the designated language matches the main language, the voice guidance may be provided in the main language or may be unnecessary.

[0035] The proficiency information is composed of, for example, the following sub-items: ·Business Code ·Business name Number of experiences Skill Level ·Auto Update Flag The storage unit 55 stores the above items of information in association with each other. That is, the storage unit 55 can store one or more pieces of proficiency information for each operation code for one store clerk ID.

[0036] The task code is an identification number that uniquely identifies the task. The task name is the name of the task, and is, for example, a concise and understandable expression of the task content.

[0037] The number of times of experience is the number of times the task identified by the task code has been performed by the clerk identified by the clerk ID. When the task identified by the task code is performed, the control unit 80 adds 1 to the number of times of experience for the clerk ID entered as the operator at that time.

[0038] The skill level is information indicating the degree of skill of a clerk identified by a clerk ID in a task identified by a task code. In this embodiment, the skill level is divided into three stages: "proficient", "unskilled", and "beginner".

[0039] In practice, the skill level may be divided into two stages, "high" and "low", or may be four or more stages, or may be uniform without stages. The skill level may be, for example, a numerical value indicating a grade. For example, the smaller the numerical value of the skill level, the higher the skill, and the higher the numerical value, the less skilled the skill.

[0040] The automatic update flag is flag information for setting whether or not to automatically update the skill level based on the number of experiences, and takes a value of, for example, "1" or "0." For example, when the value of the automatic update flag is "0," the control unit 80 does not automatically update the skill level based on the number of experiences, and when the value of the automatic update flag is "1," the control unit 80 automatically updates the skill level based on the number of experiences.

[0041] When performing automatic updating, for example, the control unit 80 determines that if the number of times the same task has been performed is 0, the skill level is "beginner," if the number of times is less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 5 times), the skill level is "unskilled," and if the number of times is equal to or greater than the threshold, the skill level is "expert."

[0042] In addition to the above-mentioned update according to the number of experiences, the automatic update may be, for example, to set the skill level to "proficient" when the previous time required from start to finish of the task is less than a threshold (e.g., 2 minutes). Alternatively, the skill level may be set to "proficient" when the task is completed from start to finish without going back (return operation).

[0043] Also, if automatic updating is not performed, the skill level may be changed manually by an authorized store employee (eg, a store manager).

[0044] The customer information 554 is information on customers who use the store and are registered as members, and is stored in the storage unit 55 in the form of a table, for example. The customer information 554 is composed of, for example, the following items. Member ID ·full name Membership type · Points held -Prescribed Language ·Voice Guidance Flag The storage unit 55 stores the information on each of the above items in association with each other.

[0045] The member ID is an identification number that uniquely identifies a customer who is a member. The name is the name of the customer who is a member. The member type is the classification as a member. Different membership types, for example, have different levels and conditions of preferential treatment and benefits. The owned points are the points (points) owned by a customer who is a member. Points are awarded according to the purchase amount, for example, and can be consumed in exchange for benefits or discounts at the time of payment, etc.

[0046] The designated language is a language designated by a customer when the customer desires voice guidance, that is, a language for voice guidance. The designated language may be specified by text data indicating the name of the language, or may be identified by a symbol or number.

[0047] The main language (the language most commonly used in the store location, for example, the local official language) is used for the text information displayed by the second display unit 862. The designated language in contrast to the main language is, for example, the customer's native language. Note that if a customer is a speaker of the main language, they may set the main language as the designated language, or they may not set a designated language.

[0048] The voice guidance flag is flag information for setting whether or not to provide voice guidance, and takes a value of, for example, "1" or "0." For example, when the value of the voice guidance flag is "0," the control unit 80 does not provide voice guidance to the customer, and when the value of the voice guidance flag is "1," the control unit 80 provides voice guidance to the customer.

[0049] A customer who is a member can enjoy the benefits of being a member (for example, points can be awarded or discounts can be obtained by using points) by presenting his / her member ID when purchasing a product. The member ID is presented, for example, by the customer who is a member running a member app on his / her own user terminal 1 and having the member app display a code symbol on the screen of the user terminal 1. A store clerk who receives the code symbol via the user terminal 1 and the member app has the scanner 88 read the code symbol displayed on the screen of the user terminal 1. This allows the control unit 80 to receive (acquire) the input of the member ID.

[0050] The setting information 552 includes, for example, the following information: Level setting information ·Business Information · Customer operation guide information

[0051] The level setting information included in the setting information 552 stores a correspondence between a skill level and a guidance level. The skill level and the guidance level may correspond to each other on a one-to-one basis, or, for example, one guidance level may correspond to a plurality of skill levels.

[0052] In this embodiment, the skill level "proficient" is associated with the guidance level "none", the skill level "unskilled" is associated with the guidance level "simple", and the skill level "beginner" is associated with the guidance level "detailed". Note that the main difference between the voice guidance at the guidance level "simple" and the voice guidance at the guidance level "detailed" is the amount of guidance.

[0053] Based on such settings, the control unit 80 increases or decreases the voice guidance depending on the level of the store clerk as an operator. In other words, if the store clerk is inexperienced, thorough guidance is provided, and if the level is high, the guidance is reduced.

[0054] In the above example, when the automatic update flag is "1" and the threshold is "5", the control unit 80 automatically changes the voice guidance depending on the number of times the clerk has performed the task. For example, the control unit 80 provides voice guidance at a guidance level of "detailed" when the clerk performs a task that the clerk has no experience with, provides voice guidance at a "simple" level when the clerk has performed the task more than once but less than four times, and does not provide (stops) voice guidance when the clerk has performed the task more than five times.

[0055] In implementation, for example, guidance levels may be set to two levels, "none" and "yes," with the guidance level "none" corresponding to the skill level "expert," and the guidance level "yes" corresponding to the skill levels "unskilled" and "beginner."

[0056] The task guidance information included in the setting information 552 is information that associates voice guidance with tasks, and is stored in the storage unit 55 in the form of, for example, a table. The task guidance information is composed of, for example, the following items. ·Business Code ·Business name Focus ID - Audio guidance information The storage unit 55 stores the information on each of the above items in association with each other.

[0057] The task code and task name are the same as those explained in the skill level information of the clerk information 553, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0058] The focus ID is identification information capable of identifying the focus position on a screen (business screen) corresponding to a business identified by a business code. The focus position is the position of an input field on the business screen that accepts input from the operation unit 87 or the scanner 88. The storage unit 55 can store one or more focus IDs for one business code. For example, a screen corresponding to a business that accepts parcels has many fields such as a size input field and a destination input field, and the focus position moves to each input field included in the business screen in a predetermined order.

[0059] The voice guidance information is composed of text data for each guidance level and voice data corresponding to several representative designated languages. Specifically, the voice guidance information is composed of, for example, the following subitems: Guidance level Text data -Prescribed Language Audio data The storage unit 55 can store one or more pieces of voice guidance information for each guidance level for one focus ID. The guidance levels are the same as those described in the level setting information of the setting information 552, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] The text data is the content to be read out in the voice guidance and is written in the main language.

[0061] The voice data is text data that has been machine translated into a specified language and then read out by a machine voice. The specified language is the same as that explained in the store clerk information 553, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. The voice data stored is in a language that is frequently used (a language that is often set as the specified language).

[0062] The clerk's earphone ID, the designated language, and the guidance level required for each task can be obtained from the clerk information 553 and the level setting information included in the setting information 552. Furthermore, text data or voice data for each input field on the task screen can be obtained from the task guidance information included in the setting information 552. As a result, by obtaining the clerk ID when performing a task on the POS terminal 8, voice guidance suitable for the skill level of the clerk can be provided in the designated language.

[0063] The customer operation guidance information included in the setting information 552 is information that associates voice guidance with the customer screen displayed by the second display unit 862, and is stored in the storage unit 55 in the form of a table, for example. The customer operation guidance information is composed of, for example, the following items. Customer screen code ·Screen name - Audio guidance information The storage unit 55 stores the information on each of the above items in association with each other.

[0064] The customer screen code is an identification number that uniquely identifies each customer screen. The screen name is the name of the customer screen, and is, for example, a concise and understandable expression of the scene to be displayed or the input content to be accepted.

[0065] The voice guidance information is composed of text data and voice data corresponding to several representative designated languages. Specifically, the voice guidance information is composed of, for example, the following subitems: Text data -Prescribed Language Audio data The storage unit 55 can store one or more pieces of voice guidance information for one customer screen. The text data, the specified language, and the voice data are the same as those described in the business guidance information included in the setting information 552, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0066] The member's designated language and text data or voice data for guiding the customer screen can be obtained from the customer information 554 and the customer operation guidance information included in the setting information 552. As a result, by acquiring the member ID when displaying the customer screen on the POS terminal 8, voice guidance suitable for the member's designated language can be provided.

[0067] The product master is a file that stores information on products (product information), and is stored, for example, in the form of a table in the storage unit 55. The product master is composed of, for example, the following items. Product Code ·Product name Price (unit price) ·image Features The storage unit 55 stores the information on each of the above items in association with each other.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of functional units included in the POS system.

[0069] The control unit 10 of the user terminal 1 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. that the user terminal 1 has, and the CPU executes programs stored in the ROM, etc. to realize various functional units and provide overall control over the user terminal 1.

[0070] Member app 105 is a functional unit realized by executing application software downloaded and installed from member service 3. Member app 105 is stored in a non-volatile storage unit (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD) or flash memory) provided in user terminal 1. Setting information used by member app 105 is also stored in the above-mentioned storage unit of user terminal 1. The setting information is, for example, information on the customer who is a member (member ID and name, identification information of the terminal on which member app 105 is installed, designated language, whether voice guidance is required, etc.).

[0071] The control unit 80 of the POS terminal 8 functions as an operator information acquisition unit 801 , a guidance acquisition unit 802 , a voice guidance unit 803 , and a customer information acquisition unit 806 by the CPU 81 reading and executing the program 851 .

[0072] The control unit 50 functions as a store clerk information providing unit 501, a customer information registration unit 505, and a customer information providing unit 506 by the CPU 51 reading and executing the program 551.

[0073] The operator information acquisition unit 801 acquires information about the store clerk who is the operator who operates the POS terminal 8. Specifically, when the scanner 88 or the operation unit 87 outputs a store clerk ID, the operator information acquisition unit 801 transmits the store clerk ID to the store server 5, requests information about the store clerk identified by the store clerk ID from the store server 5, and acquires the store clerk information as a response from the store server 5.

[0074] The guidance acquisition unit 802 acquires voice guidance information corresponding to the focus ID and the guidance level on the transaction screen displayed on the display unit 86 of the POS terminal 8 , and passes the acquired information to a voice guidance unit 803 .

[0075] The voice guidance unit 803 outputs a voice to the earphone 7 based on the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit 802 .

[0076] In addition, if the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit 802 is text data rather than voice data, the voice guidance unit 803 converts (machine translates) the text data into text data in a specified language associated with the store clerk ID, and reads out this converted text data in a machine voice.

[0077] The customer information acquisition unit 806 acquires information about customers who are members from the member application 105 and the customer information provision unit 506. Specifically, when the scanner 88 reads the code symbol displayed on the user terminal 1 by the member application 105 and outputs the member ID, the customer information acquisition unit 806 transmits the member ID to the store server 5, requests information about the member identified by the member ID from the store server 5, and acquires the member information (designated language and voice guidance flag) as a response from the store server 5.

[0078] When the guidance acquisition unit 802 displays a customer screen on the second display unit 862 of the POS terminal 8 , it acquires voice guidance information associated with the customer screen, and passes the information to the voice guidance unit 803 .

[0079] When the clerk information providing unit 501 of the store server 5 receives a request for clerk information accompanied by a clerk ID from the POS terminal 8, it extracts the clerk information that matches the clerk ID from the memory unit 55 and transmits (provides) it to the POS terminal 8.

[0080] When customer information registration unit 505 receives information to register (or change or update) information on a member customer from member application 105, it registers (or changes or updates) customer information 554 based on the received information.

[0081] The customer information providing unit 506 transmits customer information in response to an inquiry received from the POS terminal 8.

[0082] In such a configuration, the POS terminal 8 performs the following process: Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processes in the POS system of this embodiment.

[0083] At the start of a business operation, the control unit 80 of the POS terminal 8 first registers (selects) an operator as the operator information acquisition unit 801 (step S1). Specifically, for example, a store clerk who is the operator causes the scanner 88 to read a code symbol such as a barcode displayed on his / her name tag. As a result, the scanner 88 outputs the store clerk ID, which is a value obtained by decoding the code symbol, to the control unit 80.

[0084] Next, the control unit 80 (operator information acquisition unit 801) sends a request for clerk information together with the clerk ID acquired in step S1 to the store server 5 (step S2). The control unit 50 of the store server 5 that receives the request, as the clerk information provision unit 501, extracts information that matches the clerk ID from the clerk information 553 stored in the storage unit 55 (step S3). The control unit 50 then sends the information extracted in step S3 to the POS terminal 8 as a response to the request (step S4).

[0085] In the above example, the operator is authenticated by reading the code symbol with the scanner 88, but this is not the only possible implementation. For example, the operator may be authenticated by face authentication. Face information stored in association with the store clerk ID is used for face authentication. Since face authentication may be a conversion of existing technology, a detailed description will be omitted. For example, face authentication is performed by comparing a face image of the store clerk captured by a camera installed in the POS terminal 8 with face information stored in the store clerk information 553.

[0086] In steps S3 and S4, the control unit 80 acquires the earphone ID, the designated language, and the proficiency information associated with the store clerk ID. If the earphone ID, the designated language, and the proficiency information are not associated with the store clerk ID and are not acquired, the control unit 80 does not perform the processing by the guidance acquisition unit 802 and the voice guidance unit 803.

[0087] The control unit 80, which has acquired the earphone ID, the designated language, and the proficiency level information associated with the store clerk ID, prepares voice guidance according to the presence or absence of earphones and language settings as the guidance acquisition unit 802. Specifically, the control unit 80 acquires voice guidance information according to the operator's guidance level, which corresponds to the business screen displayed on the display unit 86 of the POS terminal 8, from the setting information 552 (step S5).

[0088] Next, the control unit 80 starts the business and displays the business screen (step S6). Next, the control unit 80, as the voice guidance unit 803, causes the earphone 7 to output voice based on the voice guidance information associated with the focus ID of the focus position (step S7). More specifically, the control unit 80 transmits a signal for voice output to the earphone 7 of the earphone ID associated with the store clerk ID acquired in step S1.

[0089] In step S7, if the voice guidance information is not associated with the focus position, the control unit 80 does not provide voice guidance through the earphones. In addition, if the voice guidance information acquired in step S5 is text data rather than voice data, the control unit 80 converts the text data into text data in the specified language and outputs a voice reading the converted text data by a mechanical voice from the earphones 7.

[0090] When the store clerk inputs information into the input field at the focused position, the control unit 80 moves the focused position to the next one and returns the process to step S7 (step S8).

[0091] An example of the business screen 60 and the guidance voices 71 to 74 in step S7 will be described using the home delivery reception screen shown in Figures 7 to 10. Figures 7 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of the business screen 60.

[0092] The business screen 60 includes input fields 61 to 64, a shipping fee display field 65, a back key 68, and an OK key 69. The input field 61 accepts input of the size. The input field 62 accepts input of the phone number. The input field 63 accepts input of the postal code. The input field 64 accepts input of the scheduled delivery date. The back key 68 accepts an operation to cancel the parcel reception business and return to the screen before this business started. The OK key 69 is inoperable if any of the input fields 61 to 64 has not been filled in, and becomes operable when all of the input fields 61 to 64 have been filled in. The OK key 69 accepts an operation to accept the parcel according to the input contents and end this business.

[0093] In this example, the first position to be focused on is the size input field 61. When the size input field 61 is focused on, the control unit 80 causes the clerk's earphones 7 to output a voice guidance 71 in the specified language, for example, meaning "Please use a tape measure to measure the size of the three sides." This voice guidance is not output from a speaker, and is therefore not audible to customers or other clerks.

[0094] 7, when the size input field 61 has focus, a size selection key 611 is displayed on the business screen 60. The size selection key 611 is a key that displays the size classification of parcels. The size classification is, for example, size 60, size 80, size 100, size 120, size 140, and size 160. When the store clerk hears the audio guidance 71, he or she measures the size of the package according to the audio guidance and operates the size selection key 611 that is appropriate for the measurement result.

[0095] When the control unit 80 receives a signal output corresponding to the position of the size selection key 611 from the operation unit 87, it causes the size input field 61 to display the size corresponding to the operated size selection key 611, and moves the focus to the next phone number input field 62 (see FIG. 8).

[0096] When the focus is on the telephone number input field 62, the control unit 80 causes the clerk's earphones 7 to output a voice guidance 72 in the specified language, for example, meaning "Please enter the telephone number listed on the receipt." When the control unit 80 receives the output of the telephone number from the operation unit 87, it displays the input telephone number in the input field 62 and moves the focus to the next input field 63 for the postal code.

[0097] When the focus is on the postal code input field 63, the control unit 80 causes the clerk's earphones 7 to output a voice guidance message such as "Please enter the destination postal code as a seven-digit number." When the control unit 80 receives the output of the postal code from the operation unit 87, it displays the input postal code in the input field 63 and moves the focus to the input field 64 for the next scheduled delivery date (see FIG. 9).

[0098] 9, when the focus is on the input field 64 for the scheduled delivery date, a date specification key 641 is displayed on the business screen 60. The date specification key 641 is a key on which numbers indicating dates are displayed, for example, in a calendar format. In addition, when the focus is on the input field 64 for the scheduled delivery date, the control unit 80 outputs a voice guidance 73 in the specified language from the clerk's earphones 7, for example, "Please select a delivery time within one week from tomorrow. Delivery can be specified at any time." The store clerk operates the date specification key 641 and then follows the voice guidance to specify the time period.

[0099] When the control unit 80 receives a signal output indicating the scheduled delivery date and time zone from the operation unit 87, it displays the input values ​​in the input field 64 (see FIG. 10). In response, the control unit 80 automatically calculates the shipping fee and displays it in the shipping fee display field 65, and also switches the OK key 69 to a usable state. In addition, the control unit 80 also causes the clerk's earphone 7 to output voice guidance 74 in the specified language, for example, meaning "Please confirm that there are no mistakes and then proceed to pay the fee."

[0100] In such a configuration, the POS terminal 8 executes product registration processing and settlement processing for the product purchased by the customer in a transaction with the customer.

[0101] In the product registration process, the control unit 80 of the POS terminal 8 first reads a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the product to be traded with the scanner 88, and obtains a product code that identifies the corresponding product. Next, the control unit 80 obtains product information (product name, price, etc.) from the product master using the obtained product code as a key. Next, the control unit 80 displays the product name and price of the product on the display unit 86 based on the obtained product information, and stores (registers) the product information in a predetermined storage unit (e.g., storage unit 85).

[0102] The POS terminal 8 may acquire the product code from image data obtained by optically reading a code symbol attached to the product. Furthermore, the POS terminal 8 may acquire the product code by identifying the product without using the code symbol, by comparing the external feature amount of the product obtained from image data obtained by photographing the product with the feature amount included in the product master.

[0103] In addition, in the payment process, the control unit 80 of the POS terminal 8 displays the total amount of the transaction based on the product information registered in the product registration process, calculates and displays the change based on the deposit received from the customer, and instructs the change dispenser to issue the change. The payment process also includes a process of issuing a receipt on which the product information registered in the product registration process and payment information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed.

[0104] Furthermore, the POS terminal 8 displays the business screens shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 and executes processes related to the receipt of parcels.

[0105] The control unit 80 of the POS terminal 8 of this embodiment appropriately provides voice guidance while the business screen is displayed, as in the examples shown in Figs. 7 to 10. The timing of the guidance may be, for example, when the focus position moves or when the screen is switched. The content of the guidance may be associated with the focus position or with the business screen. Furthermore, the content of the guidance may be changed according to the proficiency (skill level) of the operator (clerk). In this case, it is preferable to provide simpler guidance for operators with a higher level of proficiency and more detailed guidance for operators with a lower level of proficiency.

[0106] According to this embodiment, since the guidance on the business screen can be made more detailed by using voice output, it becomes easier for inexperienced operators to solve problems on their own, and the time required for solving the problem can be shortened.

[0107] The control unit 80 of the POS terminal 8 provides voice guidance in the language specified by the operator. Therefore, for example, even if the text information on the business screen is not changed to the language specified by the operator, the operator can understand the operations to be performed on the business screen by listening to the voice guidance in the operator's preferred language. In this way, by using both text information guidance on the business screen and voice guidance, the amount of text information guidance can be minimized. Furthermore, compared to changing the text information displayed on the business screen to a specified language, the labor hours and production costs can be reduced.

[0108] In addition, the business screen does not change depending on the language specified by the operator, but can remain in the main language (the language most commonly used in the store location, such as the local official language). Therefore, even if the specified languages ​​of the supervising employee (supervisor) and the supervised employee are different, the supervisor can understand the progress of the work through the business screen displayed in the main language and can provide smooth guidance.

[0109] Although the supervisor may not be a speaker of the main language, the supervisor is likely to be proficient in the work due to his / her position, and is assumed to be more accustomed to work screens displayed in the main language than the employee being trained. In other words, even if both the supervisor and the employee being trained are non-speakers of the main language, the main language can function as a common language between them and can help with smooth training.

[0110] The above-described embodiment 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 the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. Note that the following mainly describes the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the common points with the contents already described, and detailed description is omitted. In addition, the modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0111] (Variation 1) The POS terminal 8 may request an operation by the customer via the second display unit 862. Specific examples of such cases include age verification when purchasing alcohol or tobacco, and confirmation of ticket issuance.

[0112] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in which operation guidance is given by voice to a customer who operates while looking at second display unit 862.

[0113] Any registration or update of information made by the user terminal 1 to the member service 3 is transmitted from the member service 3 to the store server 5 (step S11). The store server 5 stores the information received from the member service 3 as customer information 554 in the storage unit 55 (step S12).

[0114] A customer visiting a store starts the member application 105 on the user terminal 1 he or she carries (step S21) and shows a screen displaying a code symbol indicating the member ID to a store clerk who is the operator of the POS terminal 8 (step S22). The store clerk then has the scanner 88 read the code symbol (step S23). This allows the control unit 80 of the POS terminal 8 to obtain the member ID.

[0115] The control unit 80, having acquired the member ID, starts processing related to member handling (step S24). In handling the member, the control unit 80 first transmits the member ID to the store server 5 (step S25), and receives extraction (step S26) and transmission (step S27) of customer information (designated language and voice guidance flag) that matches the member ID.

[0116] Next, if the voice guidance flag is "1", the control unit 80 prepares for voice guidance in the specified language (step S28). In this preparation, customer operation guidance information corresponding to the customer screen displayed by the second display unit 862 is acquired.

[0117] The control unit 80 then performs voice guidance based on the customer operation guidance information acquired in step S28, and displays a customer screen on the second display unit 862 (step S29). In the voice guidance, if voice guidance information is stored in association with a customer screen code, this is read out in a designated language associated with the customer's membership ID (step S30). For example, a speaker provided in the POS terminal 8 is used for reading out in this case. Then, when the control unit 80 accepts an input via the second operation unit 872, it transitions the customer screen displayed by the second display unit 862, and returns the process to step S30.

[0118] According to the above modification, when the customer is a member who desires voice guidance in a specified language, the operation requested of the customer can be guided by voice.

[0119] In the above modified example, the speaker of the POS terminal 8 is used for voice guidance, but this is not limited to the implementation. For example, voice guidance may be provided using a speaker provided in the user terminal 1 or earphones connected to the user terminal 1 by sending information to the user terminal 1 via the store server 5 or the member service 3.

[0120] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the voice guidance information is stored in the storage unit 55 as the setting information 552. However, in practice, it is also conceivable to automatically generate the voice guidance information based on the flow of a program for performing processing related to the business. For example, when waiting for the operation of the date designation key 641 shown in FIG. 9, a voice guidance is output that prompts the user to select a key displayed on the screen and explains that a date within one week can be selected. Note that when the voice guidance information is automatically generated from the program flow, it is not possible to guide operations that are not included in the program flow (for example, "Please attach a delivery slip to the package"), and therefore separate preparation is required for such contents.

[0121] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the designated language is set in the store clerk information 553 or the customer information 554, but in practice, other languages ​​may be used. For example, at the start of business, an operation reception screen or the like may be displayed on the display unit 86, and the store clerk may be asked to select the designated language or whether or not voice guidance is required.

[0122] (Variation 4) The setting information 552 and customer information 554 stored in the storage unit 55 of the store server 5 are generally information shared by a plurality of stores belonging to the same chain, or are a part of such information, but in practice, the voice guidance information may be independently set by each store. In this case, for example, it is preferable to provide a dedicated application for setting in the store server 5. According to this, in a store where a store clerk has a designated language that is not used frequently in the entire chain, voice data in the designated language of the store clerk can be prepared in advance, eliminating the need to perform translation or reading out each time.

[0123] (summary) As described above, the POS terminal 8 displays a screen including text information (a business screen or a customer screen) on the display unit 86 or the second display unit 862, but according to this embodiment, audio guidance can be provided in a language different from the screen.

[0124] In addition, the system may be configured to transmit more detailed information by voice than the text information in the main language displayed on the screen. In this case, the language of the information transmitted by voice is not limited to a language different from the main language, and may be the same language as the main language.

[0125] The programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments are provided by being pre-installed in a ROM, etc. The programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0126] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above-described 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 each device of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0127] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations 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]

[0128] 1 ... user terminal, 10 ... control unit, 105 ... member application, 3. Membership services, 5...Store server, 50...control unit, 501: clerk information providing unit, 505: customer information registration unit, 506: customer information providing unit, 51...CPU, 52...ROM, 53...RAM, 54...Communication section, 55...Storage section, 551...program, 552...setting information, 553...store clerk information, 554...customer information, 60…Business screen, 61~64: Input field, 611: Size selection key, 641: Date selection key, 65...Fare display column, 68...Back key, 69...OK key, 71~74… Guidance voice, 7 ... earphones, 8 … POS terminals, 80...control unit, 801: operator information acquisition unit; 802: guidance acquisition unit; 803: voice guidance unit; 806...Customer information acquisition department, 81...CPU, 82...ROM, 83...RAM, 84...Communication section, 85... memory unit, 851... program, 86...display section, 862...second display section, 87...Operation unit, 872...Second operation unit, 88...scanner, 89...deposit / withdrawal section, 90...printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0129] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-045288 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-147186 A

Claims

1. an operator information acquisition unit that acquires information on a sales clerk who operates the sales data processing device; a guidance acquisition unit that acquires voice guidance information associated with a screen displayed by the sales data processing device; a voice guidance unit that outputs a voice to guide the store clerk in a language indicated by the designated language information based on the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit when the operator information acquisition unit acquires designated language information indicating a language designated by the store clerk as the store clerk information; A sales data processing system comprising:

2. When the operator information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the proficiency of the store clerk as the store clerk information, the voice guidance unit quantitatively differentiates the guidance provided based on the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit according to the proficiency.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

3. When a screen displayed by the sales data processing device includes a plurality of input fields and an order of focus is predetermined for the input fields, when an input is made to one of the input fields and the focus moves, the voice guidance unit outputs a voice based on the voice guidance information associated with the input field to which the focus has been moved.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

4. The voice guidance unit transmits a signal to output a voice to an earphone identified by an earphone ID associated with the store clerk information acquired by the operator information acquisition unit.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

5. A customer information acquisition unit that acquires information on a customer who operates the sales data processing device, The voice guidance unit: When the customer information acquisition unit acquires designated language information, which is information indicating a language designated by the customer, as information about the customer, the guidance acquisition unit outputs a voice for guiding the customer in a language indicated by the designated language information, based on the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

6. A computer equipped with a sales data processing system, an operator information acquisition unit that acquires information on a sales clerk who operates the sales data processing device; a guidance acquisition unit that acquires voice guidance information associated with a screen displayed by the sales data processing device; a voice guidance unit that outputs a voice to guide the store clerk in a language indicated by the designated language information based on the voice guidance information acquired by the guidance acquisition unit when the operator information acquisition unit acquires designated language information indicating a language designated by the store clerk as the store clerk information; A program to function as a

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