Commodity data processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity data processing apparatus that is operated by a customer, and to provide the customer with an operation experience in which the customer can enjoy the use of the commodity data processing apparatus.SOLUTION: A commodity data processing apparatus of an embodiment comprises control means, acquisition means, voice output means, and output means. The control means executes at least either one of commodity registration processing or accounting processing on the basis of a customer's operation. The acquisition means acquires commodity information identifying a commodity to be purchased by the customer. The voice output means outputs a first voice when the state of acquisition of the commodity information does not satisfy a prescribed condition, and a second voice different from the first voice when the state of acquisition of the commodity information satisfies the prescribed condition. The output means outputs information on the difference between the prescribed condition and the current state of acquisition of the commodity information when the state of acquisition of the commodity information does not satisfy the prescribed condition, or outputs information on a commodity satisfying the prescribed condition when the state of acquisition of the commodity information satisfies the prescribed condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, product data processing devices that are operated by customers themselves, such as self-service POS (Point Of Sales) terminals, have become increasingly popular, and these product data processing devices have had the effect of reducing the workload of store clerks.

[0003] However, customers may find it troublesome to use a product data processing device that requires them to operate it themselves, or may feel that there is little benefit to using such a product data processing device. In order to increase the usage rate of product data processing devices that customers can operate themselves, there is a need to improve the motivation for customers to use such product data processing devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a product data processing device and a program that can provide a customer with an operating experience that allows the customer to enjoy using the product data processing device, in a product data processing device that the customer operates themselves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A product data processing device according to an embodiment includes a control means, an acquisition means, an audio output means, and an output means. The control means executes at least one of a product registration process or a checkout process based on a customer's operation. The acquisition means acquires product information identifying the product to be purchased by the customer. The audio output means outputs a first audio signal if the product information acquisition status does not satisfy a specified condition, and outputs a second audio signal different from the first audio signal if the product information acquisition status satisfies the specified condition. The output means outputs information regarding the difference between the specified condition and the current product information acquisition status if the product information acquisition status does not satisfy the specified condition, or outputs information regarding products that satisfy the specified condition if the product information acquisition status satisfies the specified condition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a self-service POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display state of the product registration screen and a voice message according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen and a voice message when the specified conditions according to the first embodiment are not satisfied. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen and a voice message when the specified conditions according to the first embodiment are satisfied. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the product registration process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen and a voice message when the specified conditions are not satisfied according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen and a voice message when the specified conditions according to the second embodiment are satisfied. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the product registration process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen 800 and a voice message when the specified conditions according to the third embodiment are met. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product master according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a product registration process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the product master according to the first modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an output of a warning sound according to the third modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen according to the fourth modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a start screen of the product registration process according to the fifth modification. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen on which a customer can select a character or person according to the fifth modification. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of output of an image and sound corresponding to a selected character according to Modification 5. In FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product data processing device and a program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0008] (First embodiment) 1 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a self-service POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. The self-service POS terminal 1 is an example of a product data processing device according to the present embodiment. The self-service POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 1 is a POS terminal that executes product registration processing and transaction processing based on customer operations.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 1, the self-service POS terminal 1 has, for example, a vertically elongated, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3. The first housing 2 is located at the lower part of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and houses a deposit / withdrawal unit 4 inside. Under the control of a control unit (described later), the deposit / withdrawal unit 4 deposits money received from customers and dispenses change to be paid to customers.

[0010] The second housing 3 is located on the upper side of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and houses a control unit (described later) inside. The second housing 3 also includes a code reading unit 5, a card reading unit 6, and a printing unit 7 as interfaces operated by the user.

[0011] The code reading unit 5 is a reading device that reads information stored in a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The code reading unit 5 reads the code symbol through a reading window 51 formed in the second housing 3. For example, the code reading unit 5 reads a code symbol attached to a product or a code symbol displayed on a user's mobile terminal. The code reading unit 5 is an example of an acquisition means in this embodiment. The information stored in the code symbol is, for example, a product code that can identify each product. The product code is an example of product information in this embodiment. Reading the product code by the code reading unit 5 is an example of acquiring product information. Note that the method of acquiring product information is not limited to reading the code symbol, and may include taking a photo of the product's exterior with a camera or inputting a product code by the user. An image of the product's exterior may also be an example of product information.

[0012] The code reading unit 5 is not limited to a type that reads code symbols through a reading window 51 formed in the second housing 3, but may also be a hand scanner that the user can hold and operate in their hand.

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

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

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

[0016] The self-service POS terminal 1 also includes an audio output unit 15. The audio output unit 15 is an audio output device such as a speaker. The audio output unit 15 outputs various voice messages and sounds to a customer operating the self-service POS terminal 1 in accordance with the control of a control unit described below. The audio output unit 15 is an example of an audio output means in this embodiment.

[0017] A basket stand 10 is provided on one side or beside of the self-service POS terminal 1. The basket stand 10 is a stand for placing a basket, and is used, for example, when placing a basket containing products thereon.

[0018] The configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. For example, the self-service POS terminal 1 may include a bagging table or the like for bagging the products after the code symbols have been read by the code reading unit 5. In this case, it is preferable that the bagging table be provided, for example, on the other side of the self-service POS terminal 1 (the opposite side to the basket placement table 10).

[0019] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes the above-mentioned deposit / withdrawal unit 4, code reading unit 5, card reading unit 6, printing unit 7, display unit 81, operation unit 82, audio output unit 15, etc.

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

[0021] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor and controls all the components of the self-service POS terminal 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for storing programs and various data. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100, which is an example of a computer. The control unit 100 is an example of a control means in this embodiment.

[0022] The storage unit 14 has a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 14 stores various programs and setting information that can be executed by the CPU 11. The storage unit 14 also stores product master data and specified conditions related to audio output.

[0023] The product master is a database in which information about products is registered in association with product codes. In the product master in this embodiment, for example, product names, prices, discount information, etc. are registered in association with product codes.

[0024] Specifically, the specified conditions for audio output are conditions that specify the type of audio to be output from the audio output unit 15 when a customer operates the self-service POS terminal 1 to perform product registration or checkout. In this embodiment, the audio output unit 15 outputs a normal audio signal if the product information acquisition status does not meet the specified conditions during product registration processing, and outputs a special audio signal if the product information acquisition status meets the specified conditions. More specifically, the specified condition in this embodiment is that the total number of products registered in a single transaction is a specified number. The specified number may be, for example, a "multiple of 10." In this case, the product information acquisition status meets the specified condition when the total number of products registered in a single transaction reaches 10. Next, the product information acquisition status meets the specified condition when the total number of products registered in a single transaction reaches 20. Note that this example is merely an example, and the content of the specified condition is not limited thereto.

[0025] The normal voice is, for example, a female voice of an unidentified individual that is generally used in the self-service POS terminal 1. Alternatively, the normal voice may be a machine voice. The bonus voice is a voice with a different tone from the normal voice, and may be, for example, the voice of a famous voice actor, a celebrity, or a character. The bonus voice is preferably a voice that customers feel like "wanting to hear," and is expected to be the voice of a popular person or character. The normal voice is an example of a first voice in this embodiment. The bonus voice is an example of a second voice in this embodiment. Note that the voice data of the normal voice and the bonus voice are stored, for example, in the memory unit 14. The bonus voice may be changed by a store clerk or manager. For example, by periodically changing the bonus voice, customers may return to the store to listen to the new bonus voice. Note that various voice messages in the normal voice and the bonus voice may be stored in advance in the memory unit 14 or may be acquired from an external device via the communication unit 16.

[0026] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that can be connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown). The communication unit 16 communicates with external devices such as a store server installed in a store and an electronic payment server that provides electronic payment services, for example, via the network.

[0027] Next, the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the self-service POS terminal 1 implements an operation reception unit 111, a display control unit 112, a voice control unit 113, and a sales data processing unit 114 by the control unit 100 operating in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 14. More specifically, the program executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (the operation reception unit 111, the display control unit 112, the voice control unit 113, and the sales data processing unit 114). The CPU (processor) 11 reads the program from a storage medium such as the storage unit 14 and loads the above-mentioned units into a main storage device such as the RAM 13. As a result, the operation reception unit 111, the display control unit 112, the voice control unit 113, and the sales data processing unit 114 are generated in the main storage device. Note that these functional units are merely examples, and the self-service POS terminal 1 may also have other functions.

[0028] The program of this embodiment may be stored in advance in the storage unit 14, or may be stored on another computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded to the self-service POS terminal 1 via the network. The program executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Some or all of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0029] The operation reception unit 111 receives operations by the user via the operation unit 82. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 receives operations on various screens displayed on the display unit 81, and notifies the CPU 11 of the received operation content.

[0030] The display control unit 112 controls the display unit 81 to display various screens. For example, the display control unit 112 cooperates with the sales data processing unit 114 to display a screen for supporting product purchases and a screen for supporting checkout processing on the display unit 81. The display control unit 112 is an example of an output means in this embodiment.

[0031] The voice control unit 113 controls the voice output unit 15 to output various sounds. In cooperation with the sales data processing unit 114, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a normal voice when the acquisition status of the product information does not satisfy a specified condition in the product registration process, and to output a special voice when the acquisition status of the product information satisfies the specified condition. As described above, the specified condition in this embodiment is that the total number of products registered in one transaction is a specified number, for example, a "multiple of 10." Note that the voice control unit 113 or the control unit 100 may be an example of a voice output means.

[0032] Furthermore, when the acquisition status of the product information does not satisfy the specified condition, the voice control unit 113 outputs information relating to the difference between the specified condition and the current acquisition status of the product information.

[0033] The sales data processing unit 114 executes various processes to support the purchase of products by cooperating with the hardware and other functional units of the self-service POS terminal 1. Specifically, the sales data processing unit 114 starts sales data processing for one transaction when the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation to start a transaction via the operation unit 82. The sales data processing includes product registration processing and accounting processing.

[0034] When a transaction is initiated, the sales data processing unit 114 enables the reading operation of the code reading unit 5 and waits for the product code to be read. Each time a product code is read by the code reading unit 5, the sales data processing unit 114 identifies the product corresponding to the product code from the product master and executes product registration processing to store the product code or other product information of the identified product in RAM 13 or the like. When the sales data processing unit 114 receives an operation to start a transaction via the operation unit 82, it calculates the total price of the products registered up to that operation and executes transaction processing to settle the transaction with the amount paid via the deposit / withdrawal unit 4 or the like. During this transaction processing, the sales data processing unit 114 dispenses change, if any, from the deposit / withdrawal unit 4 and causes the printing unit 7 to issue a receipt on which product information, the total price, the payment amount, etc. are printed.

[0035] Furthermore, the sales data processing unit 114 cooperates with the display control unit 112 to provide a user interface for supporting product purchases via the display unit 81 during the above-mentioned sales data processing. Furthermore, the sales data processing unit 114 cooperates with the voice control unit 113 to output various voice messages in voice types suited to the acquisition status of product information during the above-mentioned sales data processing. Note that the sales data processing unit 114 may be an example of a control means and an acquisition means.

[0036] Here, screen displays and audio outputs in the product registration process in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0037] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display state of the product registration screen 800 and a voice message according to the first embodiment. For example, when a customer performs an operation to start the product registration process, the display control unit 112 causes the product registration screen 800 to be displayed on the display unit 81. The operation to start the product registration process may be, for example, but is not limited to, the customer pressing a start button displayed on the display unit 81.

[0038] The product registration screen 800 is a screen that displays details of products registered as items to be purchased. The product registration screen 800 is a screen that displays, for example, the product name, unit price, number of items, discount (price reduction and discount) information, purchase amount for each product (unit price x number of items - discount), total price of all items to be purchased, etc. of the products whose product codes have been acquired by the code reading unit 5 as items to be purchased. In the initial display state shown in Fig. 4, the product code has not yet been acquired and no products have been registered, so the product details column is blank.

[0039] The product registration screen 800 also includes a checkout process start button 89. The checkout process start button 89 is a button that accepts an operation by the customer to start the checkout process for the product to be purchased.

[0040] Furthermore, when the product registration screen 800 is displayed, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 901 such as "Welcome" in a normal voice, indicating the start of the product registration process. The voice control unit 113 may also cause the voice output unit 15 to output a voice guidance in a normal voice that explains how to operate the product registration. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the normal voice is a female voice, and the bonus voice is a male voice. The male owner of the bonus voice may be, for example, a famous voice actor or entertainer.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an example of a product registration screen 800 and a voice message when the specified conditions according to the first embodiment are not met. When a customer reads a product code using the code reading unit 5, the sales data processing unit 114 registers the product identified by the product code as a product to be purchased. The display control unit 112 acquires the product name, unit price, and discount information for the product corresponding to the product code from the product master. The sales data processing unit 114 also calculates the purchase price for each product (unit price x number of items - discount), the total discount amount for all products to be purchased, and the total price of all products to be purchased. The display control unit 112 displays the number of items read for each product code, the product name, unit price, and discount information for the products acquired by the sales data processing unit 114, the total discount amount for all products to be purchased, and the total price of all products to be purchased on the product registration screen 800.

[0042] Furthermore, if the product code acquisition status does not satisfy a specified condition, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output various guidance messages during product registration in normal voice. As described above, in this embodiment, the specified condition is that the total number of products registered in one transaction is a specified number (for example, "a multiple of 10").

[0043] 5, the total number of products for which product codes have been acquired is nine, so the product code acquisition status does not meet the specified conditions. Therefore, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message in a normal voice. For example, each time a product code is read, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 902 in a normal voice, such as "Your total is XX yen," which indicates the current total amount.

[0044] Furthermore, if the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions, the display unit 81 outputs information regarding the difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status. The difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status is, for example, the difference between the number of currently registered products and the number of products that satisfy the specified conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the specified conditions would be satisfied if 10 products were registered, but the current number of registered products is 9, so the difference is 1. In this case, the display control unit 112 displays difference information 801 on the display unit 81, saying, "Purchase one more product and the sound will change!" Although the difference information 801 in FIG. 5 explains the difference in text, the difference information 801 may also be a diagram or illustration that shows the difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status.

[0045] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen 800 and a voice message when a specified condition according to the first embodiment is met. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the total number of products for which product codes have been acquired is 10, so the product code acquisition status meets the specified condition. In this case, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message in a special voice. For example, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 903 in a special voice, such as "Your total is XX yen," informing the user of the current total amount.

[0046] Furthermore, when the product code acquisition status satisfies a specified condition, the display unit 81 displays a different message than when the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified condition. In this case, the display content may notify the customer that the specified condition is satisfied, or may be information related to the bonus audio. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display guidance information 802 including information identifying the owner of the voice of the bonus audio, such as "Today's guide is XX (name). Thank you for your continued patronage!" The information identifying the owner of the voice of the bonus audio is not limited to a name, and may be, for example, the name of a character, a nickname of a person or character, etc.

[0047] Here, the flow of the product registration process executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 in this embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0048] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the product registration process according to the first embodiment. Before the start of this flowchart, it is assumed that the display control unit 112 displays a start button on the display unit 81 that can accept an operation to start product registration.

[0049] First, when the operation receiving unit 111 receives an operation to start product registration, such as a customer pressing a start button displayed on the display unit 81 (S1 "Yes"), the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display the product registration screen 800 (S2). In this case, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 901, such as "Welcome," in a normal voice, indicating the start of the product registration process, when the screen transitions to the product registration screen 800 (S3).

[0050] If the operation reception unit 111 has not received the product registration start operation (S1 "No"), the operation reception unit 111 waits for an operation by the customer.

[0051] The sales data processing unit 114 then enables the reading operation of the code reading unit 5 and waits for the product code to be read. When the code reading unit 5 acquires the product code of the product to be purchased (S4 "Yes"), the sales data processing unit 114 acquires information corresponding to the acquired product code from the product master and registers it as information about the product to be purchased (S5). The sales data processing unit 114 may also accept an operation to designate the product to be purchased using the operation unit 82 such as a touch panel, acquire information corresponding to the accepted product code from the product master, and register it as information about the product to be purchased. The sales data processing unit 114 also calculates the purchase price (unit price x number of items - value discount) of the product whose product code was acquired, the total discount amount of all the products to be purchased, and the total price of all the products to be purchased.

[0052] If the number of currently registered products, i.e., the number of products purchased, does not satisfy the specified condition (S6 "No"), the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message regarding the acquisition status of the product code in a normal voice (S7). For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 902 in a normal voice informing the user of the current total amount, such as "The total is XX yen."

[0053] If the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions, the display unit 81 displays information regarding the difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status (S8). For example, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display difference information 801 indicating the difference between the number of currently registered products and the number of products that satisfy the specified conditions, as shown in Fig. 5. The display unit 81 also causes the product registration screen 800 of the display unit 81 to display the product name, unit price, number of items, discount information, and amount of the product whose product code was acquired in S4, as well as the total amount of all products eligible for purchase to which the amount of the product has been added.

[0054] If the current number of purchases satisfies the specified condition (S6 "Yes"), the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message regarding the acquisition status of the product codes as a special voice (S9). In this embodiment, as an example, the specified condition is that "the number of purchases is a multiple of 10." In this case, when the number of products for which product codes have been acquired reaches 10, as shown in FIG. 6, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 903 informing the user of the current total amount as a special voice.

[0055] Then, if the acquisition status of the product code satisfies a specified condition, the display unit 81 displays information related to the special voice (S10). For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display guidance information 802 including the name of the person who voices the special voice saying, "Your guide this time is XX (name). Thank you for your continued patronage!" In addition, the display unit 81 causes the product registration screen 800 of the display unit 81 to display the product name, unit price, number of items, discount information, and amount of the product whose product code was acquired in S4, as well as the total amount of all products eligible for purchase to which the amount of the product has been added.

[0056] The processing of S4 to S11 is repeated until the operation reception unit 111 receives the customer's pressing of the transaction process start button 89 (S11 "No").

[0057] If the product codes of the products are acquired in the next process of S4 and the number of purchased products becomes 11, that is, the number of purchased products does not satisfy the specified condition, the voice control unit 113 again outputs a voice message in normal voice to the voice output unit 15. Also, if the number of products whose product codes have been acquired becomes 20, the number of purchased products again satisfies the specified condition, and the processes of S9 and S10 are executed.

[0058] Then, if the operation reception unit 111 receives a customer's press of the checkout process start button 89 during the product registration process (S11 "Yes"), the sales data processing unit 114 executes a checkout process to settle the total price of the products whose product codes have been acquired up to that point with the amount paid by the user (S12), and terminates this process.

[0059] In this way, the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment outputs a normal voice when the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions, and outputs a special voice when the product code acquisition status satisfies the specified conditions. Therefore, with the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, customers can enjoy changes in the voice depending on the product code registration status when operating the self-service POS terminal 1. Furthermore, when the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions, the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment outputs information regarding the difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status. Therefore, with the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, customers may be motivated to make impulse purchases by listening to the special voice, which will encourage them to purchase products that satisfy the specified conditions.

[0060] In the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, the specified condition for outputting the bonus sound is that the total number of products for which product codes have been acquired in one transaction is a specified number. Therefore, with the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, customers may increase the number of products they purchase up to the specified number in order to hear the bonus sound, which can be expected to increase the number of products purchased per customer. In particular, in stores where the unit price per product is low, increasing the number of products purchased is effective in increasing sales, so the self-service POS terminal 1 that outputs the bonus sound under specified conditions related to the number of products purchased is suitable for use.

[0061] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the specified condition for the bonus sound to be output is that the total number of products whose product codes are acquired in one transaction is a specified number. In this second embodiment, the specified condition is that the total price of the products whose product codes are acquired in one transaction is equal to or greater than a specified value. In this embodiment, the specified value is, for example, 1,000 yen, but is not limited to this.

[0062] The mechanical and functional configurations of the self-checkout POS terminal 1 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen 800 and a voice message when a specified condition according to the second embodiment is not met. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the total price of the products whose product codes have been acquired is 500 yen, so the acquisition status of the product codes does not meet the specified condition. Therefore, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message in a normal voice. For example, each time a product code is read, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 912 in a normal voice, informing the user of the current total price, such as "The total is XX yen." The product code is an example of product information.

[0064] Furthermore, if the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions, the display unit 81 outputs information regarding the difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the specified conditions would be satisfied if 1,000 yen worth of products were registered, but the total amount of currently registered products is 500 yen, so the difference is 500 yen. In this case, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display difference information 811 saying, "The voice will change when you purchase another 500 yen!" In FIG. 8, the difference information 811 explains the difference in text, but the difference information 811 may also use a diagram or illustration to show the difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status.

[0065] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen 800 and a voice message when a specified condition according to the second embodiment is met. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the total price of the products for which product codes have been acquired is 1,200 yen, so the product code acquisition status meets the specified condition. In this case, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message in a special voice. For example, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 913 in a special voice, such as "Your total is XX yen," informing the user of the current total price.

[0066] Furthermore, when the product code acquisition status satisfies the specified conditions, the display unit 81 displays a different message than when the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions. As in the first embodiment, the display content in this case may notify the customer that the specified conditions are satisfied, or may be information related to the special audio. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display guidance information 812 including information identifying the owner of the voice of the special audio saying, "Your guide this time is XX (name). Thank you for your continued patronage!"

[0067] The flow of the product registration process executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 in this embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0068] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a product registration process according to the second embodiment. The process from accepting a product registration start operation in S1 to registering information corresponding to the acquired product code in S5 is the same as that in the first embodiment described in FIG.

[0069] If the total price of the currently registered products, i.e., the product purchase price, does not satisfy the specified condition (S101 "No"), the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message regarding the acquisition status of the product code in a normal voice (S7). For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 912 in a normal voice that notifies the current total price, such as "The total is XX yen."

[0070] If the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions, the display unit 81 displays information about the difference between the specified conditions and the current product code acquisition status (S8). For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display difference information 811 indicating the difference between the total price of the currently registered products and the total price that satisfies the specified conditions.

[0071] Then, if the purchase amount of the currently registered product satisfies the specified condition (S101 "Yes"), the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message regarding the acquisition status of the product code as a special voice (S9). The voice message regarding the acquisition status of the product code output by the voice control unit 113 is also referred to as a voice message regarding the registration status of the product. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 913 informing the user of the current total amount as a special voice.

[0072] Then, when the acquisition status of the product code satisfies a specified condition, the display unit 81 displays information related to the special voice (S10). For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display guidance information 812 including the name of the person who speaks the special voice saying, "Your guide this time is XX (name). Thank you for your continued patronage!"

[0073] The process from accepting pressing of the transaction start button 89 in S11 to the start of transaction processing in S12 is the same as in the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 7. Here, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0074] In this embodiment, the specified condition is that the total price of the products whose product codes are acquired in one transaction must be equal to or greater than a specified value, so once the specified condition is met, the specified condition continues to be met even if additional products are registered thereafter. Therefore, after switching from the normal voice to the bonus voice, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message using the bonus voice.

[0075] In this way, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, the specified condition for outputting the bonus audio is that the total price of the products whose product codes have been acquired in one transaction is equal to or greater than a specified value. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment has the potential to increase the purchase amount of products to an amount that satisfies the specified condition in order for customers to hear the bonus audio, which can be expected to increase the purchase amount per customer.

[0076] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the specified condition for outputting the bonus sound is that the product whose product code is acquired is a specified product. The product code is an example of product information.

[0077] The mechanical and functional configurations of the self-checkout POS terminal 1 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen 800 and a voice message when a specified condition according to the third embodiment is met. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a product with the product name "Character Confectionery" is the specified product that meets the specified condition for which a special voice sound is output. Therefore, when the code reading unit 5 reads the product code for "Character Confectionery" through a customer's operation, the specified condition is met. In this case, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message using a special voice sound. For example, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 922 using a special voice sound, such as "Your bill is XX yen," which indicates the current total amount.

[0079] The bonus audio in this embodiment may be, for example, audio related to a product that is specified as a product that satisfies a specified condition. For example, if the specified product is a "character confectionery," the bonus audio may be the audio of a character used for the product. Furthermore, when the product code of the specified product is acquired, the audio control unit 113 may cause the audio output unit 15 to output an audio message including the name and characteristic lines of the character as the bonus audio.

[0080] Furthermore, when the specified conditions are met, the display unit 81 displays notification information 821, such as "Thank you for your purchase," as shown in FIG. 11 , indicating that the specified product has been purchased. The notification information 821 is an example of information about a product that meets the specified conditions. Note that the content of the notification information 821 is not limited to this. For example, the notification information 821 may include the name of the specified product. The notification information 821 may also include an image related to the specified product. For example, if the specified product is a "character confectionery," the notification information 821 may include an image or name of the character.

[0081] Furthermore, if the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified conditions, the display control unit 112 may display information indicating products that satisfy the specified conditions on the product registration screen 800 of the display unit 81. For example, if the specified product is "character sweets," the display control unit 112 may display information indicating that the sound will change when the "character sweets" are purchased on the product registration screen 800 of the display unit 81. The information indicating products that satisfy the specified conditions is an example of information regarding the difference between the specified conditions and the current product information acquisition status in this embodiment. Note that, in this embodiment, it is not essential to display information indicating products that satisfy the specified conditions.

[0082] Which products are designated products may be registered in a product master, for example. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product master 141 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the product master 141 of this embodiment, for example, product names, bonus audio flags, and prices are registered in association with product codes. Note that the product master 141 may further include discount information, etc. The bonus audio flag is information indicating which products are designated products; for example, in FIG. 12, products with a bonus audio flag of "1" indicate designated products, and products with a bonus audio flag of "0" indicate products that are not designated products.

[0083] For example, the sales data processing unit 114 may search the product master 141 for the product code read by the code reading unit 5, and if the bonus audio flag associated with the product code is "1", pass on information to the display control unit 112 and the audio control unit 113 that the specified conditions have been met.

[0084] The flow of the product registration process executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 in this embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0085] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a product registration process according to the third embodiment. The process from accepting a product registration start operation in S1 to registering information corresponding to the acquired product code in S5 is the same as that in the first embodiment described in FIG.

[0086] The sales data processing unit 114 refers to the product master 141 and determines whether the product code acquired in S4 is a specified product. If the acquired product is not a specified product (S201 "No"), the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message regarding the acquisition status of the product code in a normal voice (S7). For example, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message in a normal voice that notifies the current total amount, such as "The total is XX yen."

[0087] If the product code acquisition status does not satisfy the specified condition, the display unit 81 displays information regarding the difference between the specified condition and the current product code acquisition status (S8). For example, the display control unit 112 may cause the display unit 81 to display the product name and package image of the specified product, and may cause the display unit 81 to display information indicating that the sound will change when the specified product is purchased. Note that the processing of S8 is not essential in this embodiment.

[0088] If the acquired product is a specified product (S201 "Yes"), the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message regarding the acquisition status of the product code as a special voice (S9). For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 922 in a special voice that notifies the current total amount, such as "Your bill is XX yen."

[0089] If the acquisition status of the product code satisfies the specified condition, the display unit 81 displays information about the specified product (S202). For example, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 81 to display notification information 821 indicating that the specified product has been purchased, such as "Thank you for your purchase," as shown in FIG.

[0090] The process from accepting the pressing of the transaction start button 89 in S11 to the start of transaction processing in S12 is the same as in the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 7. Here, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0091] In this embodiment, the specified condition is that the product whose product code has been obtained is the specified product, so even after the specified condition is met and the bonus audio is output, if the next product whose product code is obtained is not the specified product, the processing of S7 is executed and the normal audio is output.

[0092] As described above, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, the specified condition for outputting the bonus audio is that the product for which the product code has been acquired is the specified product. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment may have the possibility of a customer purchasing the specified product in order to listen to the bonus audio, which can promote sales of the product. Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment can increase the number of customers who visit the store to hear the bonus audio for the specified product, and promote "impulse buying."

[0093] Furthermore, according to the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, there is a possibility that customers will use the self-service POS terminal 1 in order to listen to the special audio, which can contribute to an increase in the utilization rate of the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0094] In addition, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, by using audio corresponding to a specified product at the self-service POS terminal 1, audio output and display corresponding to the brand image or corporate image of the specified product can be produced, thereby making it possible to effectively promote the specified product to customers using the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0095] (Variation 1) In the third embodiment described above, the specified product for which the bonus sound is output is defined by the bonus sound flag, but the method of defining the specified product is not limited to this. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product master 142 according to this modified example. As shown in Fig. 14, in the product master 142 according to this modified example, for example, the product name, the type of sound, and the price are registered in association with the product code. Note that the product master 142 may further include discount information, etc.

[0096] The type of sound is, for example, "normal sound" or "bonus sound." If there are multiple bonus sounds, the multiple bonus sounds are registered as sound types, such as "bonus sound A" and "bonus sound B" as shown in Figure 14. Products whose sound type is not "normal sound" are designated products. In the example shown in Figure 14, "character candy A" and "character candy B" are both designated products, and are associated with different bonus sounds A and B, respectively. In such a configuration, the sound control unit 113 causes the sound output unit 15 to output a sound message in the type of sound associated with the designated product whose product code has been read.

[0097] (Variation 2) Although the first to third embodiments have been described above as independent embodiments, multiple embodiments may be combined. For example, the third embodiment may be combined with the first or second embodiment. In this case, the specified condition for outputting the bonus sound may be, for example, "the total number of products whose product codes have been acquired in one transaction is a specified number, or the products whose product codes have been acquired are specified products," or "the total price of the products whose product codes have been acquired in one transaction is equal to or greater than a specified value, or the products whose product codes have been acquired are specified products." That is, the audio control unit 113 may cause the audio output unit 15 to output the bonus sound when the product whose product code has been acquired is a specified product, in addition to when the specified condition regarding the number of products purchased or the purchase amount is met. In this case, the bonus sound output when the specified condition regarding the number of products purchased or the purchase amount is met may be different from the bonus sound output when the product code of a specified product is acquired.

[0098] (Variation 3) Furthermore, if the customer does not perform any operation for a specified period of time during the product registration process or the checkout process, the audio output unit 15 may output a warning audio different from the normal audio and the special audio. The warning audio is an example of a third audio.

[0099] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output of a warning sound according to this modification. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, for example, if a customer does not operate the self-service POS terminal 1 for 10 seconds or more after the product registration screen 800 is initially displayed, the voice control unit 113 causes the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 932 such as "Please scan the product" as a warning sound. Ten seconds is an example of a predetermined time, and the predetermined time is not limited to this time. Furthermore, the voice control unit 113 may also cause the voice output unit 15 to output a voice message 932 such as "Please scan the product" as a warning sound not only when the product registration screen 800 is initially displayed, but also when, for example, a customer does not perform an operation for a predetermined time or more after a product code is acquired.

[0100] Unlike the special sound, the warning sound does not need to be a sound that the customer "want to hear." For this reason, the warning sound may be, for example, a voice that does not identify an individual, or a machine voice.

[0101] By outputting a warning voice that is different from the normal voice, the warning voice guidance is easier for customers and store clerks to hear even when multiple self-service POS terminals 1 are in operation. This makes it easier for customers to recognize that they are being asked to operate the device, and makes it easier for store clerks to notice customers who are having trouble operating the device. This allows store clerks to quickly follow up with customers.

[0102] Furthermore, if the customer does not perform any operation for a specified period of time during the product registration process or the transaction process, the display control unit 112 may cause the display unit 81 to display a message urging the customer to perform an operation.

[0103] The configuration of this modified example may be combined with any of the first to third embodiments. Therefore, according to the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is possible for a store clerk to easily find a customer who is having trouble with an operation and follow up with the customer.

[0104] (Variation 4) In addition to outputting the bonus sound, a character may also be displayed on the display unit 81. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen 800 according to this modified example. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the display control unit 112 displays a plurality of character images 861 on the product registration screen 800 of the display unit 81. The display control unit 112 may perform display control such as moving the character image 861 each time a product code is read, for example.

[0105] In addition, the bonus sound in this modified example may be the sound of a character corresponding to the character image 861. In this case, the sound control unit 113 causes the sound output unit 15 to output a sound message 940 relating to the price of the product whose product code has been acquired or the total price of the registered products in the character's voice. Alternatively, the sound control unit 113 may use the character's voice as a normal voice, and when a specified condition is met, cause another voice to be output as a bonus sound.

[0106] Furthermore, the display control unit 112 may display the character image 861 only when a specified condition for outputting the bonus sound is satisfied. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may always display the character image 861 regardless of the specified condition for outputting the bonus sound.

[0107] The configuration of this modified example may be combined with any of the first to third embodiments. Therefore, according to the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiments, the display of the character and the output of the character's voice allow customers to further enjoy operating the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0108] (Variation 5) Furthermore, the customer may be able to select the character or person to be displayed on the screen of the self-service POS terminal 1 and the sound to be output. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a start screen 840 for the product registration process according to this modified example. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 842 according to this modified example on which the customer can select a character or person. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an image and sound output corresponding to the selected character according to this modified example.

[0109] When a customer presses start button 841 displayed on start screen 840 shown in Fig. 17 to start the product registration process, display control unit 112 causes selection screen 842 shown in Fig. 18 to be displayed on display unit 81. Selection screen 842 displays selection buttons 843 to 848 indicating multiple characters or people that the customer can select. Selection screen 842 may also include skip button 849 for selecting normal audio without selecting any character or person.

[0110] The display control unit 112 displays an image of a character or person selected by a customer on the selection screen 842 shown in Fig. 18 on the product registration screen 800. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the display control unit 112 displays a plurality of character images 861 on the product registration screen 800.

[0111] In this modification, the sound corresponding to the character or person selected by the customer on the selection screen 842 shown in Fig. 18 is used as the normal sound. When a specified condition is satisfied, the sound control unit 113 may output a sound different from the sound corresponding to the character or person selected by the customer as the bonus sound. Alternatively, the sound control unit 113 may use, as the normal sound and the bonus sound, sound that corresponds to the character or person selected by the customer but has a different tone of voice, character mode, etc.

[0112] Alternatively, the sound corresponding to the character or person selected by the customer on the selection screen 842 may be used as the bonus sound. In this case, if the specified conditions are not met, the sound control unit 113 causes the sound output unit 15 to output a normal sound that is not the sound corresponding to the selected character or person. In addition, in this case, if the specified conditions are met, the sound control unit 113 causes the sound output unit 15 to output the sound corresponding to the selected character or person as the bonus sound. Furthermore, the display control unit 112 may display an image corresponding to the character or person selected by the customer only if the specified conditions for outputting the bonus sound are met.

[0113] (Variation 6) The specified conditions under which a sound different from the normal sound is output are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. For example, in the first embodiment, the specified condition under which a special sound is output is "the number of purchases is a multiple of 10," but it may also be "the number of purchases is 10 or more." In this case, after the number of products for which product codes have been acquired reaches 10, the output of the special sound continues even when the next product is registered and the number reaches 11, without returning to the normal sound.

[0114] In the third embodiment described above, even after the specified conditions are met and the bonus sound is output, if the next product code acquired is not the specified product, the normal sound is restored. However, the processing flow is not limited to this. For example, once the product code of a specified product is acquired, the bonus sound may continue to be output for that transaction without restoring to the normal sound even if a product code of a product that is not the specified product is acquired.

[0115] (Variation 7) If the customer does not perform any operation for a specified time or longer after the specified conditions are met and the bonus sound is output, the sound control unit 113 may end the use of the bonus sound and return to the normal sound. Also, the display control unit 112 may cause the display unit 81 to display information indicating that the customer is required to perform the next operation within a specified time as a condition for continuing the bonus sound. With this configuration, the self-service POS terminal 1 of this modified example can encourage customers to use the self-service POS terminal 1 at an appropriate speed.

[0116] (Variation 8) In the above-described embodiments, the self-service POS terminal 1 is used as an example of a product data processing device, but the type of the product data processing device is not limited to this. For example, a smartphone-type POS terminal in which a customer registers products using a camera or the like on a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) owned by the customer, or a cart-type POS terminal in which a customer registers products using a smartphone or tablet connected to a shopping cart, may be used as a product data processing device. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which a customer performs operations during product registration processing has been described, but a customer may also perform operations during checkout processing.

[0117] The types of product data processing devices can be broadly classified into registration and accounting devices where customers perform product registration and accounting operations, accounting devices where customers perform accounting operations, and registration devices where customers register products.

[0118] The registration and checkout device where customers register products and complete checkout operations is a registration and checkout device equipped with both product registration and checkout functions. An example of such a registration and checkout device is a fully self-service register.

[0119] The checkout device where the customer processes the transaction only needs to have a transaction function, and does not need to have a function for accepting product registration operations by the customer. An example of such a checkout device is a self-checkout device.

[0120] The registration device where customers register products only needs to have a product registration function, and does not need to have a function to accept customer transaction operations. Examples of such registration devices include stationary registration devices with registration functions, smartphone-type POS terminals that allow customers to scan products themselves while shopping around the store, and cart-type POS terminals.

[0121] (Variation 9) In the above-described embodiments, the display control unit 112 is an example of an output unit, but the output unit is not limited to this. For example, the audio output unit 15 may be an example of both an audio output unit and an output unit. In this case, if the product code acquisition status does not satisfy a specified condition, the audio control unit 113 causes the audio output unit 15 to output information regarding the difference between the specified condition and the current product code acquisition status. Furthermore, if the product code acquisition status satisfies a specified condition, the audio control unit 113 may cause the audio output unit 15 to output a voice message in the form of a bonus voice, such as "Today's guide is XX (name). Thank you for your continued patronage!", including information identifying the voice of the bonus voice.

[0122] The output means may also be an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp or the like. For example, the self-service POS terminal 1 may be provided with an LED lamp in the first housing 2 or the second housing 3 that can be turned on and off under the control of the control unit 100. The number of LED lamps may be the same as the number of purchases of products that meet the specified conditions for outputting the bonus sound, for example. In this case, the control unit 100 may light up the number of LED lamps equal to the difference between the number of products currently registered and the number of products that meet the specified conditions.

[0123] As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, in a product data processing device that is operated by a customer himself, it is possible to provide the customer with an operating experience that allows the customer to enjoy using the product data processing device.

[0124] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1 Self-service POS terminal 2. First enclosure 3 Second enclosure 4. Deposit and Withdrawal Section 5 Code reader 6 Card reader 7 Printing section 8 Display operation section 10 Basket stand 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 Storage section 15 Audio output section 16 Communications Department 51 Reading window 61 Card slot 71 Receipt issuing port 81 Display section 82 Control section 89 Start accounting button 100 control section 111 Operation reception section 112 Display control unit 113 Audio control unit 114 Sales data processing section 141,142 Product Master 800 Product registration screen 801,811 Difference information 802,812 Information 821 Notification Information 840 Start Screen 841 Start button 842 Selection Screen 843 Select button 849 Skip button 861 character images 901~903,912,913,922,932,940 Voice message [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0126] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-154984

Claims

1. a control means for executing at least one of a product registration process and a checkout process based on a customer's operation; an acquisition means for acquiring product information identifying the product to be purchased by the customer; a voice output means for outputting a first voice when the acquisition status of the product information does not satisfy a prescribed condition, and a second voice different from the first voice when the acquisition status of the product information satisfies the prescribed condition; an output means for outputting information relating to a difference between the specified condition and the current acquisition status of the product information when the acquisition status of the product information does not satisfy the specified condition, or for outputting information relating to a product that satisfies the specified condition when the acquisition status of the product information satisfies the specified condition; A product data processing device comprising:

2. the specified condition is that the total number of products for which the product information is acquired by the acquisition means in one transaction is a specified number; The product data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the specified condition is that the total price of the products for which the product information is acquired by the acquisition means in one transaction is equal to or greater than a specified value; The product data processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The specified condition is that the product about which the product information is acquired by the acquisition means is a specified product. The product data processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the voice output means outputs a third voice different from the first voice and the second voice if no operation by the customer is performed for a specified time or longer during the product registration process or the transaction process. The product data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. an acquiring step of acquiring product information identifying the product to be purchased by the customer; a voice output step of outputting a first voice when the acquisition status of the product information does not satisfy a specified condition, and outputting a second voice different from the first voice when the acquisition status of the product information satisfies the specified condition; an output step of outputting information on a difference between the specified condition and the current acquisition status of the product information when the acquisition status of the product information does not satisfy the specified condition, or outputting information on a product that satisfies the specified condition when the acquisition status of the product information satisfies the specified condition; a control step of executing at least one of a product registration process or a checkout process for the product for which the product information has been acquired based on the customer's operation; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images