Commodity processing device

Abstract

To provide a commodity processing device that enables mobile ordering of a weighing commodity.SOLUTION: A commodity processing device 5 comprises: a reception part 50; a display part 51; a transmission part 52; and a control part 53 which causes settlement information to be transmitted from the transmission part 52 to a terminal device 3 specified according to customer identification information, wherein the settlement information contains an actual weight of a commodity measured based on the desired weight of the commodity displayed in the display part 51, and a price based on the actual weight. When a commodity and a desired weight are specified in the terminal device 3 of a customer, the lowest price and the highest price in a range of weights with respect to the desired weight are displayed based on a range of weights set for each commodity, and the control part 53 transmits the settlement information to the terminal device 3 if the price based on the actual weight of the measured commodity falls within the range of the lowest price and the highest price.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile ordering is a well-known method of ordering products. With mobile ordering, a customer uses a terminal or the like to order and pay for products either inside or outside a store, and then picks up the ordered products at the store (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-89370 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some products sold in stores are pre-weighed items (such as prepared foods and meat), whose price varies depending on the weight of the item. When ordering pre-weighed items via mobile, the following problems can arise. With pre-weighed items, the price is not determined when the customer places their order, but is instead determined by actually weighing the item at the store. In this case, customers may become anxious because they do not know how much the price will be, since the price is not determined when they place their order. On the other hand, if a customer is not satisfied with the price of the item after it has been weighed and cancels their order, the store may have to discard the item, which could result in food waste. For these reasons, it has been difficult to order pre-weighed items via mobile.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a product processing device that enables mobile ordering of weighed products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A product processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a receiving unit that receives order data linking product information relating to a product ordered by a customer via a terminal, the product information including the product and the product's desired weight, and customer identification information that identifies the customer; a display unit that displays the product and the product's desired weight based on the order data received by the receiving unit; a transmitting unit that transmits various information to the customer's terminal; and a control unit that causes the transmitting unit to transmit payment information including the actual weight of the product weighed based on the product's desired weight displayed on the display unit to the terminal identified by the customer identification information.When the customer specifies the product and desired weight on the customer's terminal, the minimum and maximum prices within the weight range for the desired weight are displayed based on the weight range set for each product, and the control unit causes the payment information to be transmitted to the terminal if the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product is within the minimum and maximum price range.

[0007] In a product processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, when a customer specifies a product and its desired weight on their terminal, the minimum and maximum prices within the weight range are displayed based on the weight range for the desired weight set for each product, and the control unit transmits payment information to the terminal if the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product falls within the minimum and maximum price range. This allows customers to know the minimum and maximum prices they must pay when ordering a product, eliminating the anxiety of not knowing how much the price will be. Furthermore, because customers check the price range before placing an order, customers are less likely to cancel an order after it has been prepared. This prevents products from being discarded in stores and reduces food waste. As described above, the product processing device enables mobile ordering of weighed products.

[0008] (2) In the product processing device described in (1) above, if the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product exceeds the minimum or maximum price range, the control unit may cause the display unit to display that the price exceeds the range. This configuration can notify the worker that the minimum or maximum price has been exceeded. This allows the worker to weigh the product so that the price falls within the minimum and maximum price range. This makes it possible to provide products at prices that meet the customer's needs.

[0009] (3) The product processing device of (1) or (2) above may include a payment unit that performs payment for products when the product is ordered. The payment unit may use the customer's deposit to settle the highest price when the product is ordered, and if there is a difference between the actual product price and the highest price, the difference may be refunded to the deposit. In this configuration, payment is made at the highest price when the order is placed, so no further payments are required thereafter. This allows for smooth delivery of the product. Furthermore, if there is a difference between the actual product price and the highest price, the difference is refunded to the deposit, allowing for appropriate payment.

[0010] (4) In any one of the product processing devices (1) to (3) above, when a customer specifies a product and a desired weight on their terminal, a selection option for a product processing method set for each product is displayed, and when the product processing method is specified on the terminal, the receiving unit receives order data related to product information including the product processing method, and the display unit displays the product processing method based on the product information. The product processing method may be, for example, the ratio of lean meat to fat if the product is minced meat, or the cutting method if the product is fish. With this configuration, the customer can specify the product processing method, making it possible to provide products that meet the customer's needs.

[0011] (5) In any one of the product processing devices described in (1) through (4) above, the customer's terminal may be configured to change the specified minimum and maximum weight ranges for each product to a wider range, and when the customer specifies the product and desired weight on the customer's terminal, the minimum and maximum prices within the changed weight range may be displayed. Some customers may desire a wider range for the minimum and maximum prices based on the weight range. In this configuration, for example, if the preset weight range is ±50 g, the weight range can be changed to ±70 g on the customer's terminal. In other words, the range between the minimum and maximum values can be changed to a wider range of 20 g. This allows products to be offered at prices that meet the customer's needs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, mobile ordering of weighed products is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an order system including a product processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an order screen displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an order details screen displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an order details screen displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an order details screen displayed on the touch panel display. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the product processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the product processing device. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the product processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the product master. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a weighing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an ordering system equipped with a product processing device according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ordering system 1 includes a terminal device (terminal) 3, a product processing device 5, and a weighing device 7. The ordering system 1 is a mobile ordering system that allows customers to order and pay for products using the terminal device 3. Products may be products sold by weight (weighed products). The ordering system 1 may be used in stores such as supermarkets and food sections of department stores.

[0016] The terminal device 3 may be a smartphone, tablet, etc. The terminal device 3 is a device operated by a customer, and functions as an ordering device for mobile orders by using application software or a website provided by a company operating a store, etc. In FIG. 1, one terminal device 3 is shown in the ordering system 1, but the ordering system 1 can use the mobile ordering system with multiple terminal devices 3. The terminal device 3 is connected to a product processing device 5 so that it can communicate with them. The Internet, short-range communication, etc. can be used for communication.

[0017] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 3 includes a communication unit 30, a touch panel display 31, and a control unit 32.

[0018] The communication unit 30 communicates with the product processing device 5. The communication unit 30 transmits order data to the product processing device 5. The order data includes product information and customer identification information. The product information is information related to the product, and may include information indicating the product, the desired weight of the product, and the processing method. The customer identification information is information that identifies the customer operating the terminal device 3. In the order data, the product information and customer information are linked. The communication unit 30 receives payment information from the product processing device 5. The communication unit 30 outputs the payment information to the control unit 32.

[0019] The touch panel display 31 displays various information and accepts customer operations. The touch panel display 31 functions as a display unit and an operation unit of the terminal device 3. The touch panel display 31 displays a product order screen by, for example, starting application software related to the mobile order system.

[0020] 3 is a diagram showing an example of an order screen displayed on the touch panel display 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the order screen G of the touch panel display 31 displays product categories and products in the product categories. Product categories include, for example, "meat," "fish," and "prepared dishes." When "meat" is selected as the product category, products such as "minced meat" and "pork belly" are displayed.

[0021] When a customer selects, for example, "ground meat" on the order screen G displayed in FIG. 3, the order details screen G1 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 4, the order details screen G1 displays, for example, a product image, product name, unit price, desired weight, weight range, price range, processing method, and payment method. The customer can set the desired weight as they wish. When the desired weight is pressed (touched) on the order details screen G1, a screen for setting the desired weight is displayed. The desired weight may be set by the customer by inputting the weight value or by operating a drum roll. Once the customer sets the desired weight, the minimum and maximum prices within the weight range relative to the desired weight are displayed based on the weight range set for each product (±50 g in the example shown in FIG. 4). In other words, the displayed minimum and maximum prices change as the desired weight changes.

[0022] On the order details screen G1, it is possible to change the specified minimum and maximum values in the weight range set for each product, by widening the gap between the minimum and maximum values. As shown in FIG. 5, when the weight range section is pressed on the order details screen G1, a screen for setting the weight range is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the weight range can be set by operating a drum roll. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the specified minimum value in the weight range is -50g and the maximum value is +50g, so the gap between the minimum value of -50g and the maximum value of +50g can be widened in 1g increments, for example.

[0023] The order details screen G1 displays a selection of product processing methods set for each product. As shown in FIG. 6, when the processing method section is pressed on the order details screen G1, the selection of product processing methods set for each product is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the product is "minced meat," the processing options displayed are "more lean," "more fatty," and "no preference."

[0024] On the order details screen G1, pressing the payment method section displays multiple payment methods. Payment methods include deposit payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, and on-site payment. In the case of deposit payment, the current deposit amount may be displayed. The deposit amount may be obtained from information stored in the terminal device 3 or information obtained through communication. In the case of credit card payment, registration information for a pre-registered credit card may be displayed, or a screen for inputting credit card information may be displayed. In the case of electronic money payment, items for multiple electronic money payment methods may be displayed.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 32 controls the operation of the terminal device 3. The control unit 32 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 32 displays an order screen G (order details screen G1) on the touch panel display 31. When the communication unit 30 receives payment information, the control unit 32 displays the payment information on the touch panel display 31. The payment information includes the actual weight of the product and a price based on the actual weight. The control unit 32 may also display a message such as "Product is ready" on the touch panel display 31 together with the payment information.

[0026] The product processing device 5 is managed by a company or the like that operates a store in the order system 1. In this embodiment, the product processing device 5 is installed in the store. The product processing device 5 may be a computer, a tablet, or the like. As shown in FIG. 7 , the product processing device 5 includes a receiving unit 50, a display unit 51, a transmitting unit 52, a control unit 53, a payment unit 54, and a memory unit 55.

[0027] The receiving unit 50 receives various information (data). The receiving unit 50 receives order data transmitted from the terminal device 3. The receiving unit 50 outputs the received order data to the control unit 53. The receiving unit 50 receives price information transmitted from the weighing device 7. The receiving unit 50 outputs the received price information to the control unit 53.

[0028] The display unit 51 displays various information. The display unit 51 is, for example, a monitor display. The display unit 51 displays the product and the desired weight of the product based on the order data received by the receiving unit 50. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 51 of the product processing device 5. As shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 51 displays the product name, unit price, desired weight, weight range, price range, and processing method based on the order data. The worker prepares (weighs) the product on the weighing device 7 based on the content displayed on the display unit 51.

[0029] The transmitting unit 52 transmits various types of information. The transmitting unit 52 transmits payment information to the terminal device 3. The transmitting unit 52 transmits product information to the weighing device .

[0030] The control unit 53 controls the operation of the product processing device 5. The control unit 53 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 53 causes the display unit 51 to display various information. The control unit 53 causes the transmission unit 52 to transmit product information to the weighing device 7.

[0031] The control unit 53 causes the transmission unit 52 to transmit payment information including the actual weight of the weighed product based on the desired weight of the product displayed on the display unit 51 and the price based on the actual weight to the terminal device 3 identified by the customer identification information (the terminal device 3 that transmitted the order data). Based on the confirmation information (described below) output from the weighing device 7, the control unit 53 causes the terminal device 3 to transmit the payment information if the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product is within the range between the minimum and maximum prices.

[0032] If the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product exceeds the minimum or maximum price range, the control unit 53 causes the display unit 51 to display that the price exceeds the range. The control unit 53 determines whether the price based on the actual weight of the product exceeds the minimum or maximum price range based on the price information output from the weighing device 7, and if it exceeds the minimum or maximum price range, causes the display unit 51 to display that the price exceeds the range. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 53 causes the display unit 51 to display a warning message such as, "The price exceeds the minimum or maximum price range! Please weigh again."

[0033] The settlement unit 54 makes a payment for a product when the product is ordered. If deposit payment is selected as the payment method on the terminal device 3, the settlement unit 54 makes a payment for the product when the product is ordered (when the order button is pressed). When the product is ordered, the settlement unit 54 makes a payment at the highest price from the customer's deposit, and if there is a difference between the actual product price and the highest price, it refunds the difference to the deposit. If the customer's deposit balance is less than the highest product price, the terminal device 3 displays a message to that effect (such as an insufficient balance or a need to be topped up). If credit card payment or electronic money payment is selected as the payment method, the settlement unit 54 makes a payment when payment information is sent to the terminal device 3.

[0034] The memory unit 55 stores various information. The memory unit 55 stores a product master. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the product master. As shown in FIG. 10, the product master associates "product code," "product name," "unit price," "weight range," and "processing method." The "weight range" and "processing method" are set individually for each product. For example, if the product is "minced meat," the processing method is the ratio of lean meat to fat, such as "more lean," "more fatty," or "not specified." For example, if the product is "fish," the processing method is a cutting method, such as "sashimi," "filleted," or "unprocessed." The processing method is set appropriately depending on the characteristics of the product. The product master can be updated (changed).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 11, the weighing device 7 has a control unit 70, a weighing section 71, an operation section 72, and a label issuing section 73.

[0036] The control unit 70 is a part that controls various operations in the weighing device 7, and is configured to include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0037] The weighing unit 71 is configured to include a weighing platform (not shown), a load cell, a signal processing circuit, and a transmission module. A product is placed on the weighing platform. The load cell is provided below the weighing platform. The load cell converts mechanical strain generated when an object to be weighed is placed on the weighing platform into an electrical signal. The signal processing circuit amplifies the electrical signal output from the load cell and converts it into a digital signal. The transmission module outputs the digital signal to the control unit 70.

[0038] The operation unit 72 includes, for example, a touch panel display 72a and fixed keys 72b. Under the control of the control unit 70, the touch panel display 72a displays information related to the product to be weighed by the weighing device 7, basic information necessary for operating the weighing device 7, etc. The fixed keys 72b include a "unit price" key, a "fixed amount" key, a "tare" key, a "print" key, a "call" key, etc., which are necessary for a fee scale, and these are appropriately arranged together with the numeric keys.

[0039] The label issuing unit 73 issues labels (not shown). The label issuing unit 73 prints product information based on print information output from the output unit 77 (described later), and issues the labels. In this embodiment, the label issuing unit 73 issues so-called linerless labels.

[0040] The control unit 70 includes an input unit 74 , a calculation unit 75 , a control unit 76 , and an output unit 77 .

[0041] The input unit 74 inputs the product information output from the product processing device 5 to the weighing device 7. The input unit 74 outputs the input product information to the calculation unit 75.

[0042] The calculation unit 75 calculates the price of the product. Upon receiving the product information output from the input unit 74, the calculation unit 75 calculates the price (price) of the product based on the measurement value output from the weighing unit 71 and the unit price of the product based on the product information. The calculation unit 75 outputs price information relating to the calculated price to the output unit 77.

[0043] When calculation unit 75 receives confirmation information from control unit 76, it confirms the price and outputs print information to label issuing unit 73. The print information includes information indicating at least the product name, weight, and price. Calculation unit 75 also outputs display information to touch panel display 72a to display the calculated price on touch panel display 72a.

[0044] When the "Print" key of the fixed keys 72b of the operation unit 72 is pressed, the control unit 76 confirms the price calculated by the calculation unit 75. When the control unit 76 determines that the "Print" key has been pressed, it outputs confirmation information to the output unit 77. The confirmation information is information that instructs the calculation unit 75 to confirm the price. The output unit 77 outputs the confirmation information to the product processing device 5, the calculation unit 75, and the label issuing unit 73. The output unit 77 outputs the price information to the product processing device 5.

[0045] As described above, in the ordering system 1 equipped with the product processing device 5 according to this embodiment, when a customer specifies a product and its desired weight on the terminal device 3, the minimum and maximum prices within the weight range are displayed based on the weight range for the desired weight set for each product. The control unit 53 of the product processing device 5 transmits payment information to the terminal device 3 if the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product falls within the minimum and maximum price range. This allows customers to know the minimum and maximum prices they must pay when ordering a product, eliminating the anxiety of not knowing how much the product will cost. Furthermore, because customers check the price range before placing an order, customers are less likely to cancel an order after it has been prepared. This prevents products from being discarded in stores and reduces food waste. As described above, the ordering system 1 enables mobile ordering of weighed products.

[0046] In the ordering system 1 according to this embodiment, if the price based on the actual weight of a weighed product exceeds the range between the minimum and maximum prices, the control unit 53 of the product processing device 5 displays on the display unit 51 that the price exceeds the range. This configuration notifies the worker that the price exceeds the minimum and maximum prices. This allows the worker to weigh the product so that the price falls within the minimum and maximum price range. This makes it possible to provide products at a price that meets the customer's request.

[0047] In the ordering system 1 according to this embodiment, the product processing device 5 includes a payment unit 54 that performs payment for products when the product is ordered. When the product is ordered, the payment unit 54 performs payment for the highest price from the customer's deposit, and if there is a difference between the actual product price and the highest price, the difference is refunded to the deposit. With this configuration, payment is made at the highest price when the order is placed, so no further payments are required thereafter. This allows for smooth delivery of the product. Furthermore, if there is a difference between the actual product price and the highest price, the difference is refunded to the deposit, allowing for appropriate payment.

[0048] In the ordering system 1 according to this embodiment, when a customer specifies a product and desired weight on the terminal device 3, a selection option for the product processing method set for each product is displayed. When a product processing method is specified on the terminal device 3, the receiving unit 50 of the product processing device 5 receives order data related to product information including the product processing method. The display unit 51 of the product processing device 5 displays the product processing method based on the product information. The product processing method may be, for example, the ratio of lean meat to fat if the product is minced meat, or the cutting method if the product is fish. With this configuration, the customer can specify the product processing method, making it possible to provide products that meet the customer's needs.

[0049] In the ordering system 1 according to this embodiment, the customer terminal device 3 can change the specified minimum and maximum weight ranges for each product to a wider range. When the customer specifies the product and desired weight on the customer terminal device 3, the minimum and maximum prices within the changed weight range are displayed. Some customers may wish to have a wider range for the minimum and maximum prices based on the weight range. In this configuration, for example, if the preset weight range is ±50 g, the weight range can be changed to ±70 g on the customer terminal device 3. In other words, the range between the minimum and maximum can be changed to a wider range of 20 g. This allows products to be offered at prices that meet the customer's needs.

[0050] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0051] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the product processing device 5 and the weighing device 7 are provided. However, the product processing device 5 may also include the function of the weighing device 7.

[0052] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the terminal device 3 is equipped with a touch panel display 31. However, the terminal device 3 does not have to be equipped with a touch panel display 31. The terminal device 3 only needs to have a function capable of displaying an order screen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 3...terminal device (terminal), 5...product processing device, 50...receiving unit, 51...display unit, 52...transmitting unit, 53...control unit, 54...payment unit.

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives order data relating to a product ordered by a customer via a terminal, the product information including the product and a desired weight of the product, and customer identification information that identifies the customer; a display unit that displays the product and the desired weight of the product based on the order data received by the receiving unit; a transmitting unit that transmits various information to the terminal of the customer; a control unit that causes the transmitting unit to transmit payment information including an actual weight of the product measured based on the desired weight of the product displayed on the display unit and a price based on the actual weight to the terminal identified by the customer identification information; When the customer specifies the product and the desired weight on the terminal, the lowest price and the highest price within the weight range for the desired weight are displayed based on the weight range set for each product, The control unit causes the terminal to transmit the payment information when the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product is within the range between the minimum price and the maximum price.

2. The product processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when the price based on the actual weight of the weighed product exceeds the range of the minimum price or the maximum price, causes the display unit to display that the price exceeds the range.

3. a payment unit that performs payment for the product when the product is ordered, 3. The product processing device according to claim 1, wherein the settlement unit settles the highest price from the customer's deposit when the product is ordered, and if a difference occurs between the actual price of the product and the highest price, the difference is refunded to the deposit.

4. When the customer specifies the product and the desired weight on the terminal, a selection item for the product processing method set for each product is displayed, the receiving unit receives the order data related to the product information including the product processing method when the product processing method is specified on the terminal; The product processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays a method for processing the product based on the product information.

5. The customer terminal is capable of changing the specified minimum and maximum values in the weight range set for each product to widen the range between the minimum and maximum values, 3. The product processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the product and the desired weight are specified on the customer's terminal, the lowest price and the highest price within the changed weight range are displayed.

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