Sales data processing device, sales data processing method and program

Abstract

To enable the assignment of expiration date information to an article even if expiration date information for the article has not been previously registered in an article information file.SOLUTION: A sales data processing device 10 that performs a sales registration process for an article includes: an image capturing unit 17 that captures an image of an optically readable code and an image of a deadline information set corresponding to the article at the time of executing the sales registration process; a first acquisition unit (CPU 11) that acquires article information set corresponding to the code based on the image of the code captured by the image capturing unit 17; a second acquisition unit (CPU 11) that acquires deadline information from the image of the deadline information captured by the image capturing unit 17; and an output unit (CPU 11) that associates and outputs the article information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the deadline information acquired by the second acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales data processing device, a sales data processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when a consumer purchases a product in a shop, supermarket, department store, etc., a receipt is issued by a sales data processing device such as a cash register or ECR terminal. There is known a technology for recording expiration date information such as the product's best-before date and expiry date on the receipt (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-222770 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the control unit obtains information on the expiration date of the product from a product information file stored in the cash register's HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and writes it on the receipt. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it was not possible to write the expiration date of a product on a receipt if the expiration date was not registered in advance in the product information file.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a sales data processing device, a sales data processing method, and a program that are capable of associating expiration information with a product even if the expiration information for the product is not pre-registered in a product information file. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the sales data processing device of the present invention is a sales data processing device that performs product sales registration processing, and is equipped with an imaging unit that captures an image of an optically readable code and an image of expiration information set corresponding to a product when the sales registration processing is executed, a first acquisition unit that acquires product information set corresponding to the code based on the image of the code captured by the imaging unit, a second acquisition unit that acquires the expiration information from the image of the expiration information captured by the imaging unit, and an output unit that correlates the product information acquired by the first acquisition unit with the expiration information acquired by the second acquisition unit and outputs them.

[0007] Furthermore, the sales data processing method of the present invention is a sales data processing method for performing product sales registration processing, and includes, during execution of the sales registration processing, an imaging process for capturing an image of an optically readable code and an image of expiration date information set corresponding to the product, a first acquisition process for acquiring product information set corresponding to the code based on the image of the code captured in the imaging process, a second acquisition process for acquiring the expiration date information from the image of the expiration date information captured in the imaging process, and an output process for correlating and outputting the product information acquired in the first acquisition process and the expiration date information acquired in the second acquisition process.

[0008] In addition, the program of the present invention is a sales data processing device that performs product sales registration processing, and when the sales registration processing is executed, causes a computer of the sales data processing device, which has an imaging unit that captures an image of an optically readable code and an image of expiration date information set corresponding to a product, to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires product information set corresponding to the code based on the image of the code captured by the imaging unit, a second acquisition unit that acquires the expiration date information from the image of the expiration date information captured by the imaging unit, and an output unit that correlates the product information acquired by the first acquisition unit with the expiration date information acquired by the second acquisition unit and outputs them. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, even if the expiration date information of a product is not registered in advance in a product information file, it is possible to associate the expiration date information with the product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sales data processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a sales data processing device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a sales registration process executed by the sales data processing device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a product registration screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] 13 is an example showing a barcode and expiration date information attached to a product. [Figure 6B] 1 is an example showing a barcode attached to a product. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a deadline registration selection screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a deadline scan screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a product registration screen on which deadline information is registered according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is an example of a paper receipt printed by a printing unit of a sales data processing device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a display notification process executed by the terminal device. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of an electronic receipt screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal device. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a notification screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal device. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a sales registration process executed by a terminal device of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is an example of a product registration screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is an example of a deadline registration selection screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sales data processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a sales data processing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a sales registration process executed by a sales data processing device of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sales data processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0012] [First embodiment] <1. Sales data processing system configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sales data processing system 1. The sales data processing system 1 includes a sales data processing device 10 and a terminal device 20.

[0013] The sales data processing device 10 is an ECR (Electronic Cash Register) installed in a store. The sales data processing device 10 is installed in stores such as privately owned shops, supermarkets, and restaurants, and is used for accounting.

[0014] The sales data processing device 10 performs various processes such as sales registration processing for registering sales data of commercial transactions at a store. The sales data processing device 10 is a device that is operated by a customer and allows the customer to register the purchased items themselves. Specifically, the sales data processing device 10 accepts an input operation from the customer at the time of payment that specifies the details of the payment, and generates and registers (stores) sales data including information such as the name, quantity, and price of the items being sold. Next, the sales data processing device 10 displays information related to the payment on the display unit 15 according to the contents of the sales data. Next, the sales data processing device 10 accepts a payment operation for the payment from the customer and outputs a receipt.

[0015] The sales data processing device 10 and the terminal device 20 are capable of establishing a communication connection via wireless communication. In this case, the wireless communication may be performed using various short-range wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or an external network such as the Internet. Note that BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) may also be used as the wireless communication in this case.

[0016] The terminal device 20 is a terminal device such as a mobile terminal carried by a customer, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0017] <1-1. Sales data processing device configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sales data processing device 10. The sales data processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, an imaging unit 17, a printing unit 18, a change dispenser 19A, a card payment unit 19B, and the like.

[0018] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls each part of the sales data processing device 10. The CPU 11 reads out the sales data processing program 131 stored in the storage unit 13, loads it into the RAM 12, and executes the sales data processing program 131 to perform various arithmetic processing.

[0019] The RAM 12 provides a working memory space for the CPU 11 and stores temporary data. The RAM 12 may include a non-volatile memory.

[0020] The storage unit 13 stores a sales data processing program 131 executed by the CPU 11, various setting data, etc. The sales data processing program 131 is stored in the storage unit 13 in the form of computer-readable program code. The storage unit 13 includes a storage device such as an HDD or SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0021] The storage unit 13 stores information generated in various processes by the CPU 11. The information generated in various processes specifically includes registration information generated in a process for registering a product, payment information generated in a payment process for paying for the registered product (registered product), and the like.

[0022] The communication unit 14 is a communication module having an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and is wirelessly connected to the terminal device 20 to enable data communication with the terminal device 20. The communication unit 14 also communicates with external devices via a LAN (Local area network), the Internet, etc.

[0023] The display unit 15 is a display device that allows a customer operating the sales data processing device 10 to visually recognize information such as the product name, price, total amount, etc. The display unit 15 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc., and displays various display information on the display screen under the control of the CPU 11.

[0024] Operation unit 16 includes a touch panel overlaid on the display screen of display unit 15, various function keys, etc. Operation unit 16 receives, for example, an input operation for specifying the contents of a transaction from a customer during a transaction and a settlement operation, and outputs the operation information to CPU 11.

[0025] The imaging unit 17 is an image scanner equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit 17 captures an image of a subject to generate image data (two-dimensional data) and outputs the image data to the CPU 11. The imaging unit 17 captures, for example, an image of a code such as an optically readable barcode, an image of expiration date information indicating a use-by date (or best-before date) set for a product, and the like.

[0026] The printing unit 18 follows control signals output from the CPU 11 to print information such as details after a purchase on paper, thereby outputting a receipt.

[0027] The change machine 19A is a cash settlement mechanism, and includes an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins. The change machine 19A calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port.

[0028] The card payment unit 19B is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card payment unit 19B includes a card recognition unit, a display unit, an operation unit, etc. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information from various cards. The read information is used to settle the registered products.

[0029] <1-2. Terminal device configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a storage unit 23, a communication unit 24, a display unit 25, an operation unit 26, an imaging unit 27, and the like.

[0030] The CPU 21 is a processor that controls each unit of the terminal device 20. The CPU 21 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 23, loads it into the RAM 22, and executes the program to perform various arithmetic processing.

[0031] The RAM 22 provides a working memory space for the CPU 21 and stores temporary data. The RAM 22 may include a non-volatile memory.

[0032] The storage unit 23 stores programs executed by the CPU 21, various setting data, and the like. The programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program codes in the storage unit 23. The storage unit 23 includes a storage device such as an HDD or SSD.

[0033] The storage unit 23 stores an electronic receipt application 231. The electronic receipt application 231 is application software for displaying an electronic receipt received from the sales data processing device 10 and notifying a customer of expiration date information indicating the expiration date (or best before date) of a product. The storage unit 23 also stores a sales data processing application 232. The sales data processing application 232 will be described later.

[0034] The communication unit 24 is a communication module having an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and is wirelessly connected to the sales data processing device 10 to enable data communication with the sales data processing device 10. The communication unit 24 also communicates with external devices via a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc.

[0035] The display unit 25 includes an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like, and displays various types of display information on a display screen under the control of the CPU 21.

[0036] The operation unit 26 includes a touch panel provided over the display screen of the display unit 25, various function keys, and the like, and receives input operations from an operator and outputs the operation information to the CPU 21.

[0037] The imaging unit 27 is a digital camera that captures images and includes an optical lens, an image sensor, various sensors, etc. The imaging unit 27 generates image data by capturing an image and outputs the generated image data to the CPU 21.

[0038] <2. Operation in sales data processing system> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the sales data processing system 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the sales registration process executed by the sales data processing device 10. The process in the sales data processing device 10 is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU 11 and the sales data processing program 131.

[0039] (Sales registration process of the first embodiment) First, the CPU 11 of the sales data processing device 10 displays on the display unit 15 the product registration screen 151 that accepts an input operation from the customer to specify the details of the transaction (step A1).

[0040] FIG. 5 shows an example of a product registration screen 151. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the product registration screen 151 includes a total amount display area 151a, a details display area 151b, a payment button 151c, a store clerk call button 151d, a product cancellation button 151e, a non-barcode product registration button 151f, and a scan instruction message 151g. The CPU 11 displays the total amount of the sales data registered at the time of the transaction in the total amount display area 151a. The CPU 11 displays the name of the product registered at the time of the transaction, the expiration date (or best before date), the price such as the unit price, etc. in the details display area 151b. The payment button 151c is a key for instructing the end of the registration of sales data for one transaction. The store clerk call button 151d is a key for instructing the customer to call a store clerk. When the CPU 11 accepts the customer's operation of pressing the store clerk call button 151d, it transmits, for example, an alarm transmission signal to an alarm owned by the store clerk. The product cancellation button 151e is a key for canceling a product registered at the time of checkout. The non-barcode product registration button 151f is a key for registering a product that does not have a barcode. When the CPU 11 accepts that the customer has pressed the non-barcode product registration button 151f, it displays, for example, input keys on the display unit 15 for manually registering product information. The scan instruction message 151g is a message instructing the customer to hold the scanner (imaging unit 17) over the barcode of the product.

[0041] When a customer holds the scanner (imaging unit 17) over the barcode of a product, CPU 11 causes imaging unit 17 to capture an image of the barcode attached to the product, and acquires the image of the barcode (step A2). Step A2 is an imaging step. Next, CPU 11 acquires product information, such as the product name and unit price set in correspondence with the barcode, based on the image of the barcode acquired in step A2 (step A3). CPU 11 functions as a first acquisition unit. Step A3 is the first acquisition step.

[0042] Next, CPU 11 judges whether the image captured by imaging unit 17 in step A2 includes expiration date information indicating the expiration date (or best before date) of the product together with the product's barcode (step A4). If the image captured by imaging unit 17 in step A2 includes expiration date information of the product together with the product's barcode (step A4; YES), CPU 11 acquires expiration date information by subjecting the image captured by imaging unit 17 to OCR (Optical character Recognition) processing (step A5). That is, CPU 11 acquires the expiration date information from the image of the expiration date information captured by imaging unit 17. CPU 11 functions as a second acquisition unit. Step A5 is a second acquisition step. Specifically, CPU 11 acquires, as expiration date information, a number arranged in the vicinity (within a predetermined range from the predetermined character string) of a predetermined character string such as the expiration date (or best before date) included in the image captured by imaging unit 17.

[0043] On the other hand, if the image captured by the imaging unit 17 in step A2 does not include expiry date information of the product together with the barcode of the product (step A4; NO), the CPU 11 shifts the sales registration process to step A6.

[0044] FIG 6A shows an example where image Ia captured by imaging unit 17 includes product expiration date information along with the product barcode. In this case, in step A3, CPU 11 acquires product information such as the product name and unit price from the barcode. Furthermore, in step A5, CPU 11 acquires the number located to the right of "best before" as the expiration date. FIG 6B shows an example where image Ib captured by imaging unit 17 does not include product expiration date information and includes only the product barcode. In this case, in step A3, CPU 11 acquires product information such as the product name and unit price from the barcode and does not execute step A5.

[0045] When the customer presses the no-barcode product registration button 151f, the CPU 11 receives the product information input operation by the customer via the operation unit 16, thereby acquiring the product information.

[0046] Next, CPU 11 displays product information such as the product name and unit price acquired in step A3 in detail display area 151b of product registration screen 151. Furthermore, CPU 11 displays the total price of the currently registered products in total price display area 151a of product registration screen 151 (step A6).

[0047] Next, the CPU 11 displays a deadline registration selection screen 151h on the product registration screen 151, and accepts a selection operation by the customer as to whether or not to register deadline information of the product via the operation unit 16 (step A7). That is, the CPU 11 accepts a selection operation as to whether or not to associate the product information with deadline information. The CPU 11 functions as a reception unit.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows an example of a deadline registration selection screen 151h displayed on the product registration screen 151. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the deadline registration selection screen 151h includes a REGISTER button 151i, a DON'T REGISTER button 151j, and a DON'T REGISTER ALL button 151k. The REGISTER button 151i is a key for instructing to register deadline information to the product indicated by the product information displayed in step A6. The DON'T REGISTER button 151i is a key for instructing not to register deadline information to the product indicated by the product information displayed in step A6. The DON'T REGISTER ALL button 151k is a key for instructing not to register deadline information to the product indicated by the product information displayed in step A6 in the future processing of the sales registration process. Note that, in a state in which the deadline registration selection screen 151h is displayed on the product registration screen 151, the CPU 11 does not accept pressing of the PAYMENT button 151c, CALL CLERK button 151d, CANCEL PRODUCT button 151e, and NON-BARCODED PRODUCT REGISTER button 151f.

[0049] Next, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the customer presses the "Register" button 151i on the expiration registration selection screen 151h (step A8). If the "Register" button 151i on the expiration registration selection screen 151h is pressed, that is, if registration of product expiration information is instructed (step A8; YES), the CPU 11 judges whether or not step A5 has been executed (step A9).

[0050] If step A5 has not been executed (step A9; NO), that is, if the expiration date information of the product has not been acquired, the CPU 11 displays an expiration date scan screen 151l on the product registration screen 151 (step A10).

[0051] 8 shows an example of an expiration date scan screen 151l displayed on the product registration screen 151. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 11 displays a message on the expiration date scan screen 151l instructing the customer to hold the scanner (imaging unit 17) over the expiration date (or best before date) of the product. The CPU 11 also displays an image such as an illustration or a photograph on the expiration date scan screen 151l instructing the customer over the position to hold the scanner (imaging unit 17). Note that when the expiration date scan screen 151l is displayed on the product registration screen 151, the CPU 11 does not accept pressing of the payment button 151c, the store clerk call button 151d, the product cancellation button 151e, and the non-barcode product registration button 151f.

[0052] When a customer holds the scanner (imaging unit 17) over the expiration date information indicating the expiration date (or best before date) of a product, CPU 11 causes imaging unit 17 to capture an image of the expiration date information indicating the expiration date (or best before date) attached to the product, and acquires the image of the expiration date information (step A11). Step A11 is an imaging step. Next, CPU 11 acquires the expiration date information of the product by performing OCR processing on the image of the expiration date information acquired in step A11 (step A12). Step A12 is a second acquisition step. Specifically, CPU 11 acquires, as expiration date information, a number located in the vicinity (within a predetermined range from the predetermined character string) of a predetermined character string such as the expiration date (or best before date) included in the image captured by imaging unit 17.

[0053] On the other hand, if step A5 has been executed (step A9; YES), that is, if the expiry date information of the product has been acquired, the CPU 11 shifts the sales registration process to step A13.

[0054] Next, the CPU 11 associates the product information of the product acquired in step A3 with the expiration date information of the product acquired in step A5 or step A12. That is, when the CPU 11 accepts as the reception unit that the product information and the expiration date information are associated with each other, the CPU 11 associates the product information with the expiration date information. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 displays the expiration date information of the product acquired in step A5 or step A12 in the details display area 151b of the product registration screen 151 (step A13). Also, when the Do Not Register button 151j or the Do Not Register All button 151k is pressed on the expiration date registration selection screen 151h, that is, when an instruction is given not to register the expiration date information of the product (step A8; NO), the CPU 11 shifts the sales registration process to step A14.

[0055] Next, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the customer has pressed the payment button 151c on the product registration screen 151 (step A14). If the payment button 151c on the product registration screen 151 has not been pressed (step A14; NO), the CPU 11 shifts the sales registration process to step A2 and captures an image of the barcode of the next product with the imaging unit 17.

[0056] On the other hand, if the payment button 151c is pressed on the product registration screen 151 (step A14; YES), the CPU 11 accepts the payment operation by the customer and executes the payment process for the transaction based on the payment operation (step A15). In step A15, the customer pays with cash, for example, using the change dispenser 19A. Alternatively, the customer pays with a credit card, for example, using the card payment unit 19B.

[0057] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether to issue an electronic receipt as a receipt on which product information, expiry date information, payment information, etc. of the product processed for payment in step A15 are recorded (step A16). Whether an electronic receipt or a paper receipt is to be issued may be preset, or the CPU 11 may display a screen on the display unit 15 that allows the customer to select whether to issue an electronic receipt or a paper receipt.

[0058] If a paper receipt is to be issued (step A16; NO), the CPU 11 causes the printing unit 18 to issue a receipt containing product information, expiration information, payment information, etc. for the product processed for payment in step A15 (step A17), and terminates the sales registration process.

[0059] Figure 10 shows an example of the paper receipt 30 printed by the printing unit 18 in step A17. In the example shown in Figure 10, product information for the cake and candles, payment information, etc. are printed on the paper receipt 30. Also, expiration date information is registered for the cake, that is, expiration date information is associated with the product information for the cake, so on the paper receipt 30, a best-by date 31, which is the expiration date information for the cake, is printed below the product information for the cake.

[0060] On the other hand, when an electronic receipt is issued (step A16; YES), the CPU 11 transmits to the terminal device 20 an electronic receipt including product information, expiration date information, payment information, etc., of the products for which payment was processed in step A15. Furthermore, if the products listed on the electronic receipt include a product for which expiration date information is registered, the CPU 11 transmits notification information to the terminal device 20 to notify the customer of the expiration date information (step A18), and ends the sales registration process. The notification information is, for example, information including an instruction to notify the expiration date information in the terminal device 20. Furthermore, the notification information may be information associating product information of a product for which expiration date information is registered with the expiration date information.

[0061] In step A17 or A18, the CPU 11 outputs the product information acquired as the first acquisition unit and the expiry date information acquired as the second acquisition unit in association with each other. The CPU 11 functions as an output unit. Steps A17 and A18 are output steps.

[0062] Next, a description will be given of the display notification process executed by the terminal device 20. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the display notification process. The process in the terminal device 20 is realized by software processing in which the CPU 21 and the electronic receipt application 231 work together.

[0063] (Display notification processing) First, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20 receives an electronic receipt from the sales data processing device 10. Furthermore, if the products listed on the electronic receipt include a product for which expiration date information is registered, the CPU 21 receives notification information from the sales data processing device 10. Then, the CPU 21 displays an electronic receipt screen 251 displaying the received electronic receipt on the display unit 25 (step B1). Note that the notification information may be generated by the CPU 21 on the terminal device 20 side based on the product information and expiration date information included in the electronic receipt received from the sales data processing device 10.

[0064] Fig. 12 shows an example of the electronic receipt screen 251. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the CPU 21 displays an electronic receipt 251a on the electronic receipt screen 251. The electronic receipt 251a displays product information of the cake and the candle, payment information, etc. In addition, expiration date information is registered for the cake, that is, expiration date information is associated with the product information of the cake, so the electronic receipt 251a displays a best-by date 251b, which is expiration date information of the cake, below the product information of the cake.

[0065] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not notification information has been received from the sales data processing device 10 (step B2). If notification information has been received from the sales data processing device 10 (step B2; YES), the CPU 21 displays a notification setting screen 251c shown in Fig. 12 on the electronic receipt screen 251. Then, the CPU 21 accepts a selection operation by the customer on the notification setting screen 251c via the operation unit 26 of whether or not to notify the customer of the deadline information, and a setting operation of the notification timing for notifying the customer of the deadline information (step B3).

[0066] In the example shown in Fig. 12, the notification setting screen 251c includes a timing setting field 251d, a Notify button 251e, and a Do Not Notify button 251f. The timing setting field 251d is a field for setting the notification timing of the expiration date information. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the CPU 21 accepts setting one day before the expiration date as the notification timing. The Notify button 251e is a key for instructing to notify the expiration date information of a product for which expiration date information is registered. The Do Not Notify button 251f is a key for instructing not to notify the expiration date information of a product for which expiration date information is registered.

[0067] Next, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the customer presses the notification button 251e on the notification setting screen 251c (step B4). When the notification button 251e on the notification setting screen 251c is pressed, that is, when an instruction is given to notify the expiration date information of the product (step B4; YES), the CPU 11 judges whether or not the notification timing set in the timing setting field 251d on the notification setting screen 251c in step B3 has arrived (step B5). If the current timing is not the notification timing (step B5; NO), the CPU 21 shifts the display notification process to step B5 and waits until the notification timing arrives.

[0068] On the other hand, when the notification timing arrives (step B5; YES), the CPU 21 displays a notification screen 252 notifying the expiration date information of the product on the display unit 25 (step B6), and ends the display notification process. FIG. 13 shows an example of the notification screen 252 displayed on the display unit 25. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 21 displays a message on the notification screen 252 saying "It is now one day before the expiration date of one piece of cake", which indicates the expiration date information of "one piece of cake", which is a product for which expiration date information is registered. The CPU 21 may also display the date of the expiration date (or best before date) indicated by the expiration date information on the notification screen 252.

[0069] In addition, if no notification information is received from the sales data processing device 10 (step B2; NO), or if the "Do not notify" button 251f is pressed on the notification setting screen 251c, that is, if an instruction is given not to notify the product's expiration date information (step B4; NO), the CPU 11 terminates the display notification process.

[0070] <3.Effects> As described above, the sales data processing device 10 in this embodiment is a sales data processing device that performs sales registration processing of products, and includes an imaging unit 17 that captures an image of an optically readable code and an image of deadline information set corresponding to the product when the sales registration processing is executed, a first acquisition unit (CPU 11) that acquires product information set corresponding to the code based on the image of the code captured by the imaging unit 17, a second acquisition unit (CPU 11) that acquires the deadline information from the image of the deadline information captured by the imaging unit 17, and an output unit (CPU 11) that outputs the product information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the deadline information acquired by the second acquisition unit in association with each other. This makes it possible to easily acquire deadline information from the image of the deadline information captured by the imaging unit 47, and output the deadline information in association with the product information of the product. Therefore, even if the deadline information of the product is not registered in advance in the product information file, the deadline information can be associated with the product.

[0071] The sales data processing device 10 in this embodiment also includes a reception unit (CPU 11) that receives a selection operation for associating product information with deadline information. When the reception unit (CPU 11) receives an operation for associating product information with deadline information, the output unit (CPU 11) associates the product information with deadline information. This allows product information to be associated with deadline information only for products that a customer or the like desires to be associated.

[0072] In addition, the output unit (CPU 11) of the sales data processing device 10 in this embodiment causes the printing unit 18 to print a receipt on which the product information and expiration date information are written. This allows the customer to easily understand the product expiration date information by checking the paper receipt on which the product information and expiration date information are associated.

[0073] In addition, the output unit (CPU 11) of the sales data processing device 10 in this embodiment transmits an electronic receipt including the product information and the expiration date information to an external device. This allows a customer to easily understand the expiration date information of the product by checking the electronic receipt in which the product information and the expiration date information are associated with each other on an external device such as the terminal device 20.

[0074] In addition, the output unit (CPU 11) of the sales data processing device 10 in this embodiment transmits notification information for notifying the external device of the expiration date information. This allows the customer to easily understand the expiration date information of the product by receiving the expiration date information on the external device such as the terminal device 20.

[0075] In addition, the second acquisition unit (CPU 11) of the sales data processing device 10 in this embodiment acquires, as the deadline information, numbers arranged near a predetermined character string included in the image of the deadline information. This makes it possible to easily acquire the deadline information from the image of the deadline information captured by the imaging unit 47.

[0076] In addition, the imaging unit 17 of the sales data processing device 10 in this embodiment captures an image including both the code and the expiration date information, the first acquisition unit (CPU 11) acquires the product information based on the image, and the second acquisition unit (CPU 11) acquires the expiration date information from the image. As a result, when the image captured by the imaging unit 17 includes the product's expiration date information together with the product's barcode, there is no need to further capture an image of the expiration date information by the imaging unit 17.

[0077] In the sales data processing device 10 of this embodiment, the expiration date information is information indicating the best-before date or the expiration date of a product. This allows expiration date information such as the best-before date or the expiration date of a product to be associated with the product even if the expiration date information of the product is not registered in advance in the product information file.

[0078] In the sales data processing device 10 of this embodiment, the product information includes the product name and price, which allows the customer to easily understand product information such as the product name and price from the printed receipt.

[0079] [Second embodiment] Next, a sales data processing system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. The sales data processing system 1 according to the second embodiment does not include a sales data processing device 10, and a terminal device 20 functions as the sales data processing device.

[0080] 14 is a flowchart showing the sales registration process of the second embodiment executed by the terminal device 20. The process in the terminal device 20 is realized by software processing in cooperation between the CPU 21 and the sales data processing application 232. The sales data processing application 232 is application software for executing the sales registration process in the terminal device 20.

[0081] (Sales registration process of the second embodiment) First, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20 displays on the display unit 25 the product registration screen 253 that accepts an input operation from the customer to specify the details of the transaction (step C1).

[0082] Fig. 15 shows an example of a product registration screen 253. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the product registration screen 253 includes a total amount display area 253a, a details display area 253b, a payment button 253c, a call clerk button 253d, a product cancellation button 253e, and a product registration button without barcode 253f, similar to the product registration screen 151 of the first embodiment. In addition, the CPU 21 displays a message 253g on the product registration screen 253 instructing the customer to photograph the barcode of the product with the camera (imaging unit 27).

[0083] The customer performs an instruction operation via the operation unit 26 to photograph the barcode of the product with the camera (imaging unit 27).

[0084] Next, the CPU 21 executes steps C2 to C6 similar to the sales registration process steps A2 to A6 of the first embodiment. In step C3, the CPU 21 functions as a first acquisition unit, and in step C5, the CPU 21 functions as a second acquisition unit.

[0085] Next, the CPU 21 displays a deadline registration selection screen 253h on the product registration screen 253, and accepts a selection operation by the customer as to whether or not to register deadline information of the product via the operation unit 26 (step C7). That is, the CPU 21 accepts a selection operation as to whether or not to associate the product information with deadline information. The CPU 21 functions as a reception unit.

[0086] Fig. 16 shows an example of a deadline registration selection screen 253h displayed on the product registration screen 253. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the deadline registration selection screen 253h includes a register button 253i, a do not register button 253j, and a do not register all button 253k, similar to the deadline registration selection screen 151h of the first embodiment.

[0087] Next, the CPU 21 executes steps C8 to C15, which are similar to steps A8 to A15 of the sales registration process in the first embodiment. In step C15, the customer performs a payment operation using a predetermined payment method provided in the terminal device 20.

[0088] Next, the CPU 21 stores various information such as product information, expiry date information, and payment information of the product for which payment was processed in step C15 in the storage unit 13 (step C16), and ends the sales registration process.

[0089] Next, the CPU 21 executes a display notification process similar to that of the first embodiment, and displays an electronic receipt on the display unit 25, which includes product information, expiration date information, payment information, and the like. That is, the CPU 21 outputs the product information acquired as the first acquisition unit and the expiration date information acquired as the second acquisition unit in association with each other. The CPU 21 functions as an output unit. In this case, the display notification process step B1 is an output step. Furthermore, when the CPU 21 is instructed to notify the expiration date information of a product for which expiration date information is registered, it notifies the expiration date information of the product at the notification timing.

[0090] [Third embodiment] Next, a sales data processing system 1 according to a third embodiment will be described. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. The sales data processing system 1 according to the third embodiment has a sales data processing device 40 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 instead of the sales data processing device 10. The sales data processing device 40 is an ECR or the like that is installed in a store and used for accounting, and is a device that registers sales data related to commercial transaction sales in response to input operations by an operator such as a store clerk.

[0091] The sales data processing device 40 includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a memory unit 43, a communication unit 44, a main body display unit 451, a customer display unit 452, an operation unit 46, an imaging unit 47, a printing unit 48, a drawer 49, and the like.

[0092] The CPU 41, RAM 42, memory unit 43, communication unit 44, imaging unit 47, and printing unit 48 of the sales data processing device 40 are similar to the CPU 11, RAM 12, memory unit 13, communication unit 14, imaging unit 17, and printing unit 18 of the sales data processing device 10, respectively, and therefore their descriptions are omitted.

[0093] The main display unit 451 is a display device that allows an operator, such as a store clerk, who operates the sales data processing device 40 to visually confirm information such as the product prices and the total price. The main display unit 451 includes an LCD, an EL display, etc., and displays various display information on the display screen under the control of the CPU 41.

[0094] Customer display unit 452 is a display device for a customer who has purchased a product to visually confirm information such as the product price, the total price, etc. Customer display unit 452 includes an LCD, an EL display, etc., and displays various display information on the display screen under the control of CPU 41.

[0095] The operation unit 46 is equipped with mode keys (registration key, settlement key, inspection key, setting key) for setting the operating mode of the sales data processing device 40, numeric keys, various function keys, etc., accepts key input by the user, and outputs the operation information to the CPU 41.

[0096] The drawer 49 is a drawer for storing money, gift certificates, etc., and has an opening mechanism that opens under the control of the CPU 41.

[0097] 19 is a flowchart showing the sales registration process of the third embodiment executed by the sales data processing device 40. The processing in the sales data processing device 40 is realized by software processing through cooperation between the CPU 41 and the sales data processing program 431 stored in the storage unit 43.

[0098] (Sales registration process of the third embodiment) When the operator holds the imaging unit 47 over the barcode of a product, the CPU 41 causes the imaging unit 47 to capture an image of the barcode attached to the product, and acquires the image of the barcode (step D1). Step D1 is an imaging step. The imaging in step D1 is the first imaging. Next, the CPU 11 acquires product information, such as the product name and unit price set corresponding to the barcode, based on the image of the barcode acquired in step D1 (step D2). The CPU 41 functions as a first acquisition unit. Step D2 is the first acquisition step. Note that instead of steps D1 and D2, the CPU 41 may acquire product information by accepting an input operation of product information by the operator via the operation unit 46.

[0099] When the operator judges that it is necessary to associate expiration date information with the product information of the product for which the imaging unit 47 is held over the barcode, the operator holds the imaging unit 47 over the expiration date information of the product within a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds) after holding the imaging unit 47 over the barcode. An example of a product for which expiration date information needs to be associated with product information is a product whose expiration date is shorter than a predetermined period and for which the customer needs to be notified of the expiration date.

[0100] Next, the CPU 41 judges whether the operator has held the imaging unit 47 over the expiration information indicating the expiration date (or best before date) of the product (step D3). When the operator has held the imaging unit 47 over the expiration date information of the product (step D3; YES), the CPU 41 causes the imaging unit 47 to capture an image of the expiration date information attached to the product, and acquires the image of the expiration date information (step D4). Step D4 is an imaging step. The imaging in step D4 is the second imaging. Next, the CPU 41 acquires the expiration date information of the product by performing OCR processing on the image of the expiration date information acquired in step D4 (step D5). The CPU 41 functions as a second acquisition unit. Step D5 is the second acquisition step. Specifically, the CPU 41 acquires, as expiration date information, a number arranged in the vicinity (within a predetermined range from the predetermined character string) of a predetermined character string such as the expiration date (or best before date) included in the image captured by the imaging unit 47.

[0101] Next, the CPU 41 associates the product information of the product acquired in step D2 with the expiry date information of the product acquired in step D5 (step D6).

[0102] On the other hand, if the operator does not hold the imaging unit 47 over the expiration date information of the product (step D3; NO), the CPU 41 judges whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the image of the barcode was captured by the imaging unit 47 in step D1 (step D7). If the predetermined time has not passed since the image of the barcode was captured (step D7; NO), the CPU 41 shifts the sales registration process to step D3. If the predetermined time has passed since the image of the barcode was captured (step D7; YES), the CPU 41 shifts the sales registration process to step D8. In other words, if the second image is captured within a predetermined time after the first image is captured, the CPU 41 associates the product information acquired from the first captured image with the expiration date information acquired from the second captured image in step D6.

[0103] Next, the CPU 41 judges whether or not the operator has pressed the payment button provided on the operation unit 46 (step D8). If the payment button has not been pressed (step D8; NO), the CPU 41 shifts the sales registration process to step D1 and captures an image of the barcode of the next product with the imaging unit 47.

[0104] On the other hand, if the payment button is pressed (step D8; YES), the CPU 41 accepts the payment operation by the operator and executes the payment process for the transaction based on the payment operation (step D9). Next, the CPU 41 executes steps D10 to D12, which are similar to steps A16 to A18 of the sales registration process in the first embodiment, and ends the sales registration process. In step D11 or step D12, the CPU 41 outputs the product information acquired as the first acquisition section and the expiry date information acquired as the second acquisition section in association with each other. The CPU 41 functions as an output section. Steps D11 and D12 are output processes.

[0105] In the sales registration process of the third embodiment, if the operator does not hold the imaging unit 47 over the product's expiration date information (step D3; NO), the CPU 41 may move the sales registration process to step D3. In this case, if the operator holds the imaging unit 47 over the product's expiration date information (step D3; YES), the CPU 41 causes the imaging unit 47 to capture an image of the expiration date information attached to the product, and acquires the image of the expiration date information (step D4). Next, the CPU 41 acquires the product's expiration date information by performing OCR processing on the image of the expiration date information acquired in step D4 (step D5). Next, the CPU 41 associates the product information of the product acquired in step D2 with the product's expiration date information acquired in step D5 (step D6). That is, when the first photographing in which an image of the code is captured by the imaging unit 47 and the second photographing in which an image of the expiration date information is captured after the first photographing are performed, the CPU 41 associates the product information acquired from the image of the first photographing with the expiration date information acquired from the image of the second photographing.

[0106] In the sales registration process of the third embodiment, if the operator does not hold the imaging unit 47 over the expiration date information of the product (step D3; NO), the CPU 41 may shift the sales registration process to step D8. This allows the operator to scan the barcode of the product for which expiration date information does not need to be associated with the product information, and then immediately scan the barcode of the next product or press the payment button.

[0107] As described above, when a first photograph is taken by the imaging unit 47 to capture an image of a code, and a second photograph is taken after the first photograph to capture an image of deadline information, the output unit (CPU 41) of the sales data processing device 40 in this embodiment associates the product information acquired from the first photographed image with the deadline information acquired from the second photographed image. This allows the operator to associate the product information with the deadline information simply by holding the imaging unit 47 over the barcode and then holding the imaging unit 47 over the deadline information. Also, the operator can associate the product information with the deadline information only for products for which it is determined that association between the product information and the deadline information is necessary.

[0108] Furthermore, the output section (CPU 41) of the sales data processing device 40 in this embodiment associates the product information with the expiry date information when the second photograph is taken within a predetermined time after the first photograph is taken. This allows the operator to associate the product information with the expiry date information simply by holding the imaging section 47 over the barcode and then holding the imaging section 47 over the expiry date information within a predetermined time. Furthermore, the operator can associate the product information with the expiry date information only for products for which it is determined that the association between the product information and the expiry date information is necessary.

[0109] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the sales data processing device, sales data processing method, and program according to the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The detailed configurations and operations of the components constituting the device may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0110] For example, in the sales registration process of the above embodiment, the CPU 11 may omit steps A7 and A8, and if the expiration date indicated by the expiration information is longer than a specified period, not match the product information with the expiration date information, and match the product information with the expiration date information if the expiration date is within the specified period.

[0111] In addition, the computer-readable medium storing the program for executing each process is not limited to the above examples. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memory such as flash memory, and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can also be applied. In addition, a carrier wave can be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Sales data processing system 10,40 Sales data processing device 11 CPU (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, output unit, reception unit) 41 CPU (1st acquisition section, 2nd acquisition section, output section) 12,42 RAM 13,43 Storage part 131,431 Sales data processing program 14,44 Communications Department 15 Display section 451 Main unit display 452 Customer display 16,46 Operation section 17,47 Imaging section 18,48 Printing Department 19A Change machine 19B Card Payment Department 49 Drawer 20 Terminal Equipment 21 CPU (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, output unit, reception unit) 22 RAM 23 Memory section 231 Electronic receipt app 232 Sales data processing app 24 Communications Department 25 Display section 26 Control section 27 Imaging unit

Claims

1. A sales data processing device that performs product sales registration processing, an imaging unit that captures an image of an optically readable code and an image of expiration date information set corresponding to the product during the execution of the sales registration process; a first acquisition unit that acquires product information set corresponding to the code based on an image of the code captured by the imaging unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires the deadline information from an image of the deadline information captured by the imaging unit; an output unit that outputs the product information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the expiration date information acquired by the second acquisition unit in association with each other; A sales data processing device comprising:

2. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a reception unit that receives a selection operation as to whether or not to associate the product information with the expiration date information.

3. The sales data processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the output unit associates the product information with the deadline information when the accepting unit accepts an operation to associate the product information with the deadline information.

4. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit causes a printing unit to print a receipt on which the product information and the expiration date information are written.

5. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit transmits an electronic receipt including the product information and the expiration date information to an external device.

6. The sales data processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the output unit transmits notification information for notifying the external device of the deadline information.

7. The sales data processing device of claim 1, wherein the output unit corresponds the product information obtained from the first photographed image and the expiration information obtained from the second photographed image when a first photograph is taken by the imaging unit to capture an image of the code and a second photograph is taken after the first photograph to capture an image of the expiration information.

8. The sales data processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the output section associates the product information with the deadline information when the second photograph is taken within a predetermined time after the first photograph is taken.

9. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition unit acquires, as the deadline information, a number arranged near a predetermined character string included in the image of the deadline information.

10. The imaging unit captures an image including both the code and the expiration information, The first acquisition unit acquires the product information based on the one image, The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the deadline information from the one image.

11. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the expiration date information is information indicating a best-before date or a consumption date of the product.

12. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the product information includes a product name and a price.

13. A sales data processing method for performing product sales registration processing, An imaging step of taking an image of an optically readable code and an image of expiration date information set corresponding to the product during the execution of the sales registration process; a first acquisition step of acquiring product information set corresponding to the code based on an image of the code captured in the imaging step; a second acquisition step of acquiring the deadline information from the image of the deadline information captured in the imaging step; an output step of outputting the product information acquired in the first acquisition step and the expiration date information acquired in the second acquisition step in association with each other; Methods for processing sales data, including:

14. A sales data processing device that performs product sales registration processing, A computer of a sales data processing device having an image capturing unit that captures an image of an optically readable code and an image of expiration date information set corresponding to a product during the execution of the sales registration process, a first acquisition unit that acquires product information set corresponding to the code based on an image of the code captured by the imaging unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires the deadline information from an image of the deadline information captured by the imaging unit; an output unit that outputs the product information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the expiration date information acquired by the second acquisition unit in association with each other; A program that functions as a

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