Article data processor, article data processing system, program for article data processor, and program for article data processing system

Abstract

To provide a device that can switch the display to a screen where an article button for an article is arranged, depending on the article to be sold.SOLUTION: An article data processor 10 includes: a setting unit 107 for grouping and setting a preset page on which a plurality of article buttons for selecting registered articles during article registration operations are arranged and a plurality of the preset pages; a display control unit 105 for displaying an article registration screen for article registration operations and one preset group set by the setting unit 108; and a display switching unit 109 for switching the displayed one preset group to another preset group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product data processing device, a product data processing system, a program for the product data processing device, and a program for the product data processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In tenant stores in department stores and the like, one company may develop multiple brands, and multiple brand products may be sold in one tenant store.

[0003] For example, a store that sells prepared foods under multiple brands will have multiple weighing devices for each brand. As an example of such a weighing device or system, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that weighs and prices products sold by weight. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-33685 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When multiple brands of merchandise are sold in the same tenant, the weighing devices installed in each display case display screens corresponding to the brand of merchandise displayed in that display case, and merchandise is sold according to those screens. However, as the number of displayed merchandise items decreases and the store approaches closing time, it may be necessary to display multiple brands of merchandise together. In such cases, it is necessary to operate the weighing device for the corresponding brand in order to display and operate the information for each brand of merchandise on the display screen, which is cumbersome.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device that can switch the display to a screen on which product buttons for the products being sold are arranged, depending on the product being sold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the product data processing device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons are arranged for selecting products to be registered in a product registration operation; a preset group setting means for grouping and setting a plurality of the preset pages; a display means for displaying a product registration screen for the product registration operation and one preset group set by the preset group setting means; and a display switching means for switching the one displayed preset group to another preset group. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a product data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram illustrating another example of the system configuration of the product data processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an external configuration of a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the product data processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram showing an example of a flow of processes executed by the product data processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram showing an example of a flow of processes executed by the product data processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Overview Hereinafter, a product data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A product data processing system 1A and a product data processing system 1B shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are each an example of a network configuration of a product data processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The product data processing system 1 is made up of a plurality of product data processing devices 10 and a store controller 2, which are communicably connected via a communication line such as a LAN, a dedicated line, or the Internet.

[0010] The product data processing device 10 is implemented as, for example, a POS terminal with a weighing function, and is a device for weighing products, registering the products, and selling the products to customers. The store controller 2 is a higher-level device that controls the product data processing device 10. In the following description, the product data processing systems 1A, 1B or product data processing devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E will be referred to as product data processing system 1 or product data processing device 10, respectively, unless otherwise distinguished.

[0011] In this embodiment, an example of a store in which the product data processing system 1 is installed is a tenant operated in a commercial facility such as a department store or shopping center, which sells products by weight, setting prices according to the weight of the food products being purchased. The tenant illustrated in this embodiment has multiple brands and handles different products for each brand. The products are displayed, for example, in display cases 3 prepared for each brand, and each display case 3 is equipped with a product data processing device 10. The product data processing device 10 has, for example, a product weighing function, as well as appropriate functions performed in conjunction with the sale of products, such as registering and settling products for purchase, issuing labels, and packaging products.

[0012] Specifically, in the example of FIG. 1, the tenant operates three brands A, B, and C, and has installed display cases 3 for displaying products for each of the brands A, B, and C. Each display case 3 is equipped with product data processing devices 10A, 10B, and 10C that can execute sales processing according to the products of each brand A, B, and C. Each of the product data processing devices 10A, 10B, and 10C is configured to be able to communicate with a higher-level store controller 2. The product data processing devices 10A, 10B, and 10C are also configured to be able to communicate with each other directly or via the store controller 2. Regardless of this example, a plurality of product data processing devices 10 may be installed for each brand.

[0013] 2, the tenant operates two brands, D and E, and three display cases 3 are installed for displaying products for each brand. Each display case 3 is equipped with product data processing devices 10D and 10E that can execute sales processing according to the products of each brand, D and E. As product data processing device 10D, three product data processing devices 10D-1, 10D-2, and 10D-3 are provided in accordance with the number of display cases 3, and as product data processing device 10E, three product data processing devices 10E-1, 10E-2, and 10E-3 are provided in accordance with the number of display cases 3.

[0014] The product data processing device 10D-1 and the other product data processing devices 10D-2 and 10D-3 are in a parent-child or master-slave (primary-secondary) relationship, with the product data processing device 10D-1 as the parent device and the other product data processing devices 10D-2 and 10D-3 as child devices. In this configuration, as described below, the child product data processing devices 10D-2 and 10D-3 acquire predetermined information from the parent product data processing device 10D-1 and provide predetermined information to the product data processing device 10D. Meanwhile, the parent product data processing device 10D-1 is communicably connected to a store controller 2 and a parent product data processing device 10E-1 of the product data processing devices 10E that handles brand E, and transmits and receives various information. However, as long as the product data processing device 10D-1 holds the information necessary for selling brand D products, the system configuration does not necessarily require the store controller 2. Similarly, the product data processing devices 10E-1, E-2, and E-3 are in a parent-child or subordinate (primary-secondary) relationship. The parent product data processing device 10D-1 and the product data processing device 10E-1 are configured to be able to communicate with each other directly or via the store controller 2.

[0015] As will be described in detail later, each of these product data processing devices 10 stores information necessary to display a registration screen for products of the brand assigned to it, so that it can accept registration operations for products of that brand. On the other hand, when the number of products in the display cases 3 decreases due to sales, such as near closing time, products of multiple brands may be displayed together in a given display case 3. In such a case, the product data processing device 10 is capable of displaying a registration screen for products of other brands that are not originally assigned to it, so that it can accept registration operations for products of those other brands.

[0016] 2, the accounting process for recording sales may be performed by sending information from the parent device of each brand to the upper store controller 2, and the store controller 2 may perform the accounting process, or the product data processing device 10 that performs the final store-closing process may send information for accounting to the store controller 2. Alternatively, a unified product data processing device (any one of the product data processing devices 10) may be set to represent the product data processing devices 10 of all brands, and the unified product data processing device may be equipped with a function for consolidating sales accounting, and the unified product data processing device may send the consolidated sales information to the store controller 2. In this way, the power of the display case 10 in the empty display case 3 after the products have been moved to another display case 3 can be turned off. Furthermore, each product data processing device 10 may acquire information about products from the store controller 2, and each brand's slave device may acquire information about products and preset pages from the master device or refer to such information stored in the master device, while the master device may acquire information about products from the store controller 2. In this case, the slave device may transmit sales information to the master device in response to the execution of operations to weigh and register products.

[0017] The store controller 2 is a high-level device that handles core operations such as customer management and order management, and records various information such as product types and prices in the store, inventory status, sales history, and deposit and withdrawal records. In addition, when the product data processing system 1 is equipped with a store controller 2 as in this embodiment, the store controller 2 manages the member master and product master, etc., which will be described later, and the product data processing device 10 can refer to the member master and product master of the store controller 2 to perform product registration processing and update information.

[0018] Regardless of the present embodiment, it is also possible to not provide a store controller 2, but to have one product data processing device 10 have the functions of the store controller 2, and have the product data processing device 10 that also functions as the store controller 2 perform master data management and link data with other product data processing devices 10. In another example, each product data processing device 10 can also perform master data management individually. The store controller 2 may be configured as a cloud server or may be configured as multiple server devices depending on the business. The store controller 2 referred to here may be configured as any other server, such as a management device or operator terminal, regardless of its name. The product data processing system 1 may also include a transaction status management device that manages the transaction status of the product data processing device 10 (operation mode, processing status, change inventory status, fault status, etc., remote operation of store clerk approval processing for age authentication products, etc.).

[0019] Here, we will explain the process when a customer purchases a product at a tenant. The customer tells the store clerk the product they wish to purchase and its weight (or price or quantity). The store clerk takes the product desired by the customer from the display case 3 in which it is displayed and weighs it using the product data processing device 10 that handles products displayed in that display case 3. At this time, the product data processing device 10 calculates the price of the product based on the measured weight and the unit price per unit weight (price per gram) set for the product, and registers the product specified as a target for registration along with the product price. The customer tells the store clerk the weight of each product they wish to purchase as described above, and the store clerk weighs the specified product accordingly and registers the product.

[0020] For example, in the product data processing system 1A shown in Fig. 1, when a customer requests a predetermined weight of a product of brand A, the store clerk correspondingly removes the product from the display case 3 of brand A, weighs the product using product data processing device 10A, and registers the product for the predetermined weight. Subsequently, when the customer requests a predetermined weight of a product of brand B, the store clerk correspondingly removes the product from the display case 3 of brand B, weighs the product using product data processing device 10B, and registers the product for the predetermined weight. Such weighing and registering of products is repeated until all products desired by the customer have been registered, at which point the payment is processed and the products are provided to the customer.

[0021] Hardware configuration of the product data processing device 10 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a product data processing device 10 realized as a POS terminal with a weighing function. The product data processing device 10 has an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and is connected to a store clerk display unit 11, a customer display unit 12, a code reader unit 13, a tag reader unit 14, and a weighing unit 15 via interface circuits.

[0022] 4 shows an example of the external configuration of a product data processing device 10 equipped with such functional units, which is configured as a compact device in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. Because it is configured as a compact device, it can be placed on a product display case 3 or the like using legs provided at the four corners of the back surface. The screens of the clerk-side display unit 11 and the customer-side display unit 12 face in opposite directions, allowing the clerk to stand facing the customer and assist them. The screens of both the clerk-side display unit 11 and the customer-side display unit 12 face diagonally upward, making them easy for the clerk and customer to see when looking down from above. However, the screen of the clerk-side display unit 11, which is made up of a touch panel, faces more upward than the screen of the customer-side display unit 12, making it easier for the clerk to touch and operate.

[0023] The product data processing device 10 can be connected to a code reading unit 13 implemented by a scanner or camera that reads symbol codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, a tag reading unit 14 that reads information stored in an RFID tag, and the code reading unit 13 and tag reading unit 14 are connected depending on the operation in the store.

[0024] The CPU is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the product data processing device 10 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM. ROM is a read-only memory that stores various information used by the CPU, including programs. The RAM is a readable and writable memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM stores information acquired from the outside (for example, if the store controller 2 holds a product master, the product master acquired from the store controller 2) and information generated during processing. This information includes, for example, registration information (registration data) generated during a registration process for registering products, and settlement information generated during a settlement process for settling (paying for) registered products to be purchased.

[0025] The clerk display unit 11 is configured as a touch panel display, and serves as an input means for the clerk to input various information and an output means for outputting the information. The clerk uses the clerk display unit 11 to check the registration status of the products to be purchased and to perform the registration operation for the products to be purchased. Regardless of this embodiment, the store clerk side display unit 11 may also include input means such as physical mechanical keys or switches, or the input means and output means may be configured separately, such as physical mechanical keys and an LCD display.

[0026] The customer display unit 12 is a touch panel display that serves as an input means for the customer to input various information and an output means for outputting the information. The customer display unit 12 allows the customer to check the registered products and, if necessary, to approve the products to be purchased. If the customer does not need to input information, the customer-side display unit 12 may be configured as a liquid crystal panel or the like that is only capable of outputting information. Furthermore, like the store clerk display unit 11, the customer display unit 12 may also have input means such as physical mechanical keys or switches, or the input means and output means may be configured separately, such as physical mechanical keys and an LCD display.

[0027] The code reading unit 13 is a functional unit for reading various data from an identifier coded into a symbol code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code, and is realized by a handy scanner, a CCD camera, etc. Although the code reading unit 13 is not shown in the example of Fig. 2, it may be provided by being connected via a predetermined cable, or may be provided integrally in a predetermined part of the housing. This code reading unit 13 can read the symbol code on the price label issued for the product, for example, and obtain the coded information. If the code reading unit 13 is implemented using a CCD camera, object scanning is also possible. It can also be used to read the symbol code for code payment when making a code payment.

[0028] The tag reader 14 reads, for example, store clerk identification information, which can be acquired from an employee card carried by the store clerk or an NFC tag attached to a device worn by the store clerk, such as a wristband.

[0029] The weighing unit 15 is provided between the clerk display unit 11 and the customer display unit 12, and measures the weight of an item to be weighed placed on a designated placement surface, such as a product (item sold by weight) or a container (tare). This weighing unit 15 weighs the object placed on the placement surface using, for example, a weight detection method using a load cell. More specifically, the weighing unit 15 is composed of a weight detection unit and an AD converter, and the A / D converter converts the analog signal input from the weight detection unit into a digital signal. This allows the weighing result to be tared by referencing the tare weight reference value for the product placed in the container, and the weight of the product contents can be displayed on the clerk display unit 11 and the customer display unit 12. In the tare process, for example, a preset button for the tare process (tare preset button), which has a tare weight set for each tare weight, can be operated to subtract the tare weight from the total weight and calculate the net weight (sales weight). The tare preset button can be operated before or after placing the products in the container on the weighing unit 15. Alternatively, tare subtraction by entering the number of items can be performed, i.e., entering the tare weight using a numeric keypad or the like, and then operating the tare button to store the tare weight. Also, an empty container can be placed on the weighing unit 15, and then the tare button can be operated to weigh the empty container and store the tare weight. In this state, the container can be removed from the weighing unit 15 to enter the tare-subtracted state, and then the net weight (purchase weight) can be calculated by placing a container filled with products on it.

[0030] ● Software configuration of product data processing device 10 The product data processing device 10 includes, as software resources, functional blocks consisting of an information storage unit 101, a registration unit 102, a weight information acquisition unit 103, a settlement processing unit 104, a display control unit 105, a communication processing unit 106, a setting unit 107, a designation unit 108, a display switching unit 109, a no-operation state detection unit 110, a selling price change unit 111, a prohibition unit 112, a maintenance unit 113, an application unit 114, and an aggregation unit 115, as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

[0031] The computer programs executed by each functional unit can be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or by recording them on various computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs.

[0032] The information storage unit 101 is a storage unit that stores information necessary for each functional unit to execute a function. This information storage unit 101 stores, for example, a member master, a product master, a store clerk master, display screen information, and the like.

[0033] The member master is a storage unit that stores information about member customers. Data items stored in this member master include, for example, a member number (member code) that identifies the customer, and personal information such as the customer's name, contact information, and membership rank. The member number is an example of customer identification information that identifies a member customer. This member number is presented to the store via a member card or application software deployed on a mobile device carried by the customer. The member number can be composed of various characters, such as alphanumeric characters and symbols, or a combination of these, as long as it can be configured to uniquely identify the customer.

[0034] The product master stores information about products. Data items stored in this product master include, for example, a PLU code for searching product prices, product identification information consisting of a JAN code or the like, product name, measurement category, unit price, unit weight, and tare weight. This information is used to display product information on the clerk display unit 11 and the customer display unit 12, calculate the selling price, issue receipts, etc. The measurement category is a category related to measurement, and includes categories such as indefinite weight, where the sales price is determined based on the unit price per unit weight and the measurement value, and fixed price, where the sales price is determined based on the unit price per unit quantity and the sales quantity.

[0035] Note that a product master may be prepared for each brand, in which case a brand code capable of identifying the brand is associated with each product master. In this case, it is not necessary to associate a brand code with each product. In this case, for example, each product data processing device 10 can refer to the brand code and download and store product data for the brand code set in each product data processing device 10. Note that regardless of this, a brand code may also be associated with each product. Furthermore, the product data processing device 10 may be configured to store only the product master corresponding to the brand assigned to it, or may store the product master corresponding to all the brands offered by the tenant.

[0036] The clerk master stores information about the clerk who operates the product data processing device 10. Data items stored in this clerk master include, for example, clerk identification information (employee identification information) that identifies the clerk, the clerk's name, etc. This clerk information is used to associate the clerk with the product registration operation and payment process. As a specific example, as will be described later, when product registration is performed across multiple product data processing devices 10 in a single transaction (for the current customer), the clerk identification information of the clerk who performs the registration operation is associated with the product registration in each product data processing device 10. Note that the clerk master is common to all brands, but a clerk master may also be associated for each brand. For example, the brand name can be output on sales data, receipts, etc.

[0037] Display screen information is information about the display screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 11 or the customer display unit 12 of the product data processing device 10, and this display screen information includes information for constructing various display screens that are displayed in response to the execution of each operation or function.

[0038] One such display screen is a preset page, which is a page on which multiple product buttons are arranged to accept product designations. When registering a product, the store clerk designates a product button on the preset page to register the product. The information about this preset page includes, for example, the name of the page, the layout and display size of the product buttons on the page, the product codes associated with the product buttons, the names of the product buttons, and the like.

[0039] The product button is an operator for specifying a product, and is also referred to as a product preset key or product preset button. This product button is associated with product master information and is used when registering a product, as well as for other purposes, such as functioning as a button (function button) for specifying a product when setting, searching, or extracting a product. In addition to the product button, a preset page may also include function buttons for executing predetermined functions. Specific examples of preset pages will be described later.

[0040] One or more preset pages can be set as a preset group by the setting unit 107, which will be described later. A preset group is set for each brand, for example, and each preset group is associated with a brand code that can identify the brand. This allows the preset group associated with a specified brand to be called up. In addition, when a preset group contains multiple preset pages, it may be possible to set the preset page to be displayed in the foreground when the preset pages are displayed as a product registration screen on the clerk-side display unit 11. In addition, when switching preset pages, the specified preset page can be switched to by operating the switching area (switching tab) for switching preset pages other than the foreground. Note that if the foreground preset page is the first page, the preset pages in the preset group have a setting for the page number, and the display order of the switching area (switching tab) described above is determined according to this setting. In addition, when adding preset pages when setting up a preset group, the page order is automatically assigned. However, it is also possible to change the page order of the preset pages after setting up. Furthermore, the product data processing device 10 may store only the preset groups corresponding to the brand assigned to it, or may store preset groups corresponding to all the brands offered by the tenant. Furthermore, as described above, a preset group is made up of one or more preset pages, but if it is made up of only one preset page, the preset group and the preset page are treated as synonyms. The brand code is an example of identification information that can identify a preset group, and by indicating the identification information by a brand, the contents of each preset group can be easily understood by the operator.

[0041] The registration unit 102 executes a registration process for the products sold to customers. The registration unit 102 accepts product designation in response to selection of a product button located on a preset page and registers the designated product as a purchase target product. In this way, the registration unit 102 registers all products to be paid for in one transaction as purchase target products, and the registration data generated thereby becomes reference data during the payment process. The registration unit 102 can also accept a cancellation operation for a registered product to be purchased, and in this case, the corresponding product or the like is deleted from the registered data.

[0042] The weight information acquisition unit 103 acquires the purchase weight (net weight) as weight information of the merchandise sold by weight to be purchased. When the merchandise is sold by weight, the weight information is acquired by subtracting the tare weight from the total weight of the merchandise weighed by the weighing unit 15 and acquiring the net weight as the purchase weight. There are various methods for subtracting the tare weight, as described above.

[0043] The payment processing unit 104 executes the payment processing for the products to be purchased. Specifically, the settlement processing unit 104 calculates the total amount for the products to be purchased registered by the registration unit 102, and then calculates the settlement amount by adding taxes such as consumption tax. At this time, if the products to be purchased are products sold by weight, the sales price of the products sold by weight is calculated based on the product weight obtained as the measurement value. Once the settlement amount is determined in the product data processing device 10, settlement processing is performed based on the settlement information. The settlement processing may be performed by the product data processing device 10 itself if it has a mechanism or functional unit for settlement (whether physically integrated or separate), or by another device that has acquired the settlement information from the product data processing device 10 and has a mechanism or functional unit for settlement. The mechanism or functional unit for settlement is composed of a cash payment, a payment using a predetermined payment medium or code, a printing unit that issues receipts, etc.

[0044] The display control unit 105 displays various information on the clerk display unit 11 and the customer display unit 12. For example, it displays a preset group for registering products (the frontmost preset page and switching area), a checkout screen showing the checkout details, information related to the settings of the product data processing device 10, the registration status of all products to be purchased, a start-up screen, etc. Furthermore, when a specific preset group is designated by the operator using the designation unit 108 (described later), it displays the designated preset group on the clerk display unit 11 in response. The display control unit 105 displays various information on the clerk display unit 11 and the customer display unit 12, but is not limited to this. The product data processing device 10 may also be provided with a speaker or lamp to notify information by voice announcements, lighting up a lamp, etc.

[0045] The communication processing unit 106 is a functional unit that enables data communication based on a predetermined communication protocol, and is realized by various programs that enable data communication with the store controller 2 or other product data processing devices 10 via a predetermined communication network, such as a public line such as a LAN or the Internet, or a dedicated line.

[0046] The setting unit 107 sets preset pages on which a plurality of product buttons for selecting registered products are arranged, and groups the plurality of preset pages together so that the display can be switched. Note that this setting unit 107 constitutes a preset group setting means in the claims. An example of a product button is a product button G182, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, etc., and an example of a preset page is a preset page G181, which will be described later with reference to the same figure, etc. The product information corresponding to each product button is based on the product master stored in the information storage unit 101. A brand code is associated with each product button, or with each product master consisting of multiple pieces of product information, making it possible to set preset pages and preset groups in which product buttons for products associated with the same brand code are arranged. That is, it is possible to set multiple preset pages consisting of product buttons for products of a specific brand, or to divide product buttons for products of a specific brand into multiple preset pages according to the product classification or use of the products, and to set these multiple preset pages as one associated preset group. The preset groups are set so as to be switched in response to the execution of a function by the display switching unit 109, which will be described later.

[0047] The designation unit 108 designates a preset group to be preferentially displayed from among the preset groups set by the setting unit 107. The designation is made based on, for example, a brand designation by the operator on a predetermined setting screen. The designation unit 108 can designate, for example, a preset group to be displayed by default.

[0048] The display switching unit 109 switches the preset group displayed by the display control unit 105 to another preset group at a predetermined timing or by a trigger.

[0049] Regarding the timing or trigger for switching preset groups, in a first example, the display switching unit 109 switches the displayed preset group to another preset group in response to an operation by a store clerk, who is the operator. The operation by the store clerk is performed, for example, by pressing a button on the screen that instructs the store clerk to change the preset group. Such a button may instruct the store clerk to switch to a preset group of a specific brand, for example. In this case, a button is provided for each brand, and the store clerk selects any button to instruct the store clerk to switch the preset group. Alternatively, the store clerk may instruct the store clerk to switch to a preset group of a specific brand in turn from among multiple brands in response to the button being pressed. The brand change button G191, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, etc., is an example of such a button.

[0050] In a second example, when the displayed preset group is switched to another preset group, if the no-operation state detection unit 110 described later detects a no-operation state, the display switching unit 109 switches the display to the preset group that was displayed immediately before the display was switched in response to an operation by a store clerk, etc., as described above. If the preset group that was displayed before the display was switched was the preset group that was displayed by default, the detection of a no-operation state will return the display to the default preset group.

[0051] In a third example, when the registration unit 102 completes the registration of one product in the preset group switched from the displayed preset group, the display switching unit 109 switches the display to the preset group that was displayed immediately before the display was switched. In this case, too, if the preset group that was displayed before the display was switched was the preset group that was displayed by default, the registration of one product will return the display to the default preset group.

[0052] In addition, if another product data processing device 10 generates an aggregated page (a newly generated preset page by aggregating product buttons, as described below) for a preset group of a brand different from the brand assigned to itself using the aggregation unit 115 described below, when switching preset groups, the preset group to be switched and displayed may be a preset group that includes the aggregated page, or it may be possible to switch to the aggregated page.

[0053] Furthermore, the switching of the display of the preset groups may be performed not only at the predetermined timing or trigger as described above, but also by a store closing process, a sales recording operation, etc. In particular, when the trigger is a store closing process, a sales recording operation, etc., the switching setting may be reset, and the default display of the preset groups may be displayed.

[0054] Furthermore, the switching of the preset group according to the second or third example described above may be enabled or disabled by any setting. For example, a main menu displayed by transitioning from the product registration screen may accept an operation to enable or disable each control according to the second or third example. Alternatively, a function button for switching between enabling and disabling a process may be provided on one of the preset pages, and the setting may be accepted via the function button. Then, the process is enabled or disabled according to the setting. When switching between enabling and disabling is possible in this way, the current status of enabling or disabling may be displayed on the product registration screen. Furthermore, when switching the display to a preset group of another brand, guidance may be provided to the effect that the settings of the previously displayed preset group will be maintained in the display of the preset group of the switched brand. Furthermore, when the preset group is switched due to a predetermined timing or trigger as described above, it is possible to set the display to return to the default preset group, not just the preset group immediately before the switch. Furthermore, the preset group itself to be displayed as default may be temporarily changed by providing a default switch button on the registration screen that allows switching the preset group to be displayed as default. However, it is preferable that such default display settings be automatically reset by a store closing process or the like.

[0055] The enabling or disabling of such settings or the setting of default display may be determined according to the circumstances of each tenant, and the following circumstances are expected in actual situations. That is, when products of brand A and brand B are collected in the display case of brand A, the product data processing device 10 installed in brand A is mainly operated. In this case, the preset group of brand A is displayed by default, and when registering a product of brand B, a predetermined switching operation (operation based on the brand change button G191, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 8) is performed to display the preset group of brand B and specify the product of brand B. Here, according to the third example above, after the product registration operation is completed (after the employee linking process, which will be described later, is also completed), the display switches to the default preset group of brand A, but there may be cases where it is desired to maintain the display of the preset group of brand B. This is because, when products of brand A and products of brand B are displayed in the display case 3 of brand A, it is not necessarily clear which brand has more products remaining. Considering this, there may be times when it is more preferable to manually switch the preset group (brand) each time rather than having the display of the preset group automatically switched.

[0056] On the other hand, in a tenant where brand A is the main brand, if a specific display case 3 located in a more central or prominent position among multiple display cases 3 is displayed and this specific display case 3 is used primarily, it is expected that even when closing time approaches, more products will remain in this specific display case 3 than in the other display cases 3. In such a case, even when the preset group corresponding to brand A is switched to that corresponding to brand B, it is preferable to automatically switch to the default preset group for brand A rather than fixing the displayed preset group to that corresponding to brand B.

[0057] The preset group can be switched in the following manners depending on the manner in which the product data processing device 10 stores data. <Example of switching based on data in the device> In this example, each product data processing device 10 stores a plurality of preset groups for each brand in its own information storage unit 101. Then, in response to function execution by the display switching unit 109, the displayed preset group is switched to another preset group stored in the device.

[0058] 1, the product data processing device 10A normally sells products of brand A by displaying a preset group of brand A, which is set as a default, on the screen. When products of brand B are displayed in the display case 3 of brand A together with products of brand A, such as just before closing time, and the product data processing device 10A sells the products of brand B, the display switching unit 109 switches the preset group from the one corresponding to brand A to the one corresponding to brand B based on the operation of the store clerk who is the operator. In this example, the product data processing device 10A holds preset groups corresponding to all of brands A, B, and C, and the display switching unit 109 reads the preset group for brand B from the information storage unit 101 and displays the preset group for brand B on the screen in place of the preset group for brand A. This allows the store clerk to sell products of brand B using the product data processing device 10A.

[0059] In this example, if the product data processing device 10 of each brand sets a sales suspension or discount for a product of a specific brand, such information can be reflected in the corresponding preset group held by the product data processing device 10 that handles other brands, and in this embodiment, such processing is performed by the application unit 114 described later. For example, a change in the settings of the preset group of brand B made in the product data processing device 10B may be reflected in the preset group of brand B held by the product data processing device 10A by a synchronization process executed at regular time intervals. Alternatively, when a change in the settings of the preset group of brand B is made in the product data processing device 10B, information related to the change in settings may be transmitted from the product data processing device 10B to the other product data processing devices 10A and 10C, so that the change in settings may be reflected. Alternatively, when an operation to switch the displayed preset group to the preset group of brand B is performed in the product data processing device 10A, the product data processing device 10A may make an inquiry to the product data processing device 10B, and if a change in settings has been made in the product data processing device 10B, information related to the change in settings may be acquired and reflected.

[0060] <Example of copying and switching a preset group held by another product data processing device 10> In this example, each product data processing device 10 stores only the preset group of the brand assigned to that device in its own information storage unit 101. Then, in response to function execution by the display switching unit 109, a preset group corresponding to another brand stored in a product data processing device 10 that handles another brand is copied, and the displayed preset group is switched to that other preset group.

[0061] 1, the product data processing device 10A normally sells products of brand A by displaying a preset group of brand A, which is set as a default, on the screen. When selling products of brand B using the product data processing device 10A, the display switching unit 109 switches the preset group from the one corresponding to brand A to the one corresponding to brand B based on an operation by the store clerk, who is the operator. In this example, the product data processing device 10A only stores a preset group corresponding to brand A, and when the display switching unit 109 copies a preset group for brand B stored in the product data processing device 10B, it temporarily saves the preset group for brand A and displays the copied preset group for brand B on the screen. This allows the store clerk to sell products of brand B using the product data processing device 10A. At this time, the product data processing device 10A may also save the master data for products of brand A stored in its own information storage unit 101. Furthermore, the master data for products of brand B may refer to data stored in the upper-level store controller 2 or the product data processing device 10B.

[0062] In this example, when copying a preset group from another product data processing device 10, it is possible to inherit already set information by also copying and storing product sales suspension and discount settings executed in the other product data processing device 10. By acquiring this information each time a copy is made, it is possible to register products using the preset group with the latest settings.

[0063] Also, in this example, if the preset group of brand B displayed on the product data processing device 10A is returned to the default preset group of brand A by executing the function of the display switching unit 109, the preset group of brand B may be deleted from the product data processing device 10A. Furthermore, when switching the display from the preset group of brand B to the preset group of brand C, the preset group of brand B may be deleted while the default preset group of brand A is saved, and the preset group of brand C held by the product data processing device 10C may be copied and displayed on the screen.

[0064] However, regardless of this, when the product data processing device 10A copies a preset group of brand B or brand C held by the product data processing device 10B or the product data processing device 10C in response to the execution of the function of the display switching unit 109, the product data processing device 10A may store the preset group of brand B or brand C in the information storage unit 101 of its own device without deleting it, and thereafter refer to the information storage unit 101 in response to an operation by the store clerk to display on the screen the preset group of the brand selected by the store clerk.

[0065] <Example of Switching by Referencing Preset Groups Held by Other Product Data Processing Devices 10> In this example, each product data processing device 10 stores only the preset group of the brand assigned to that device in its own information storage unit 101. Then, in response to function execution by the display switching unit 109, a product data processing device 10 that handles another brand references a preset group corresponding to that other brand stored in that other brand, and switches the displayed preset group to that other preset group.

[0066] 1, the product data processing device 10A normally sells products of brand A by displaying a preset group of brand A, which is set as a default, on the screen. When selling products of brand B using the product data processing device 10A, the display switching unit 109 switches the preset group from that corresponding to brand A to that corresponding to brand B based on an operation by the store clerk, who is the operator.

[0067] In this example, the product data processing device 10A only stores a preset group corresponding to brand A, and the display switching unit 109 references a preset group for brand B stored in the product data processing device 10B and displays the preset group for brand B on the screen instead of the preset group for brand A. This allows the store clerk to sell products of brand B using the product data processing device 10A. In this way, the product data processing device 10A directly references a preset group for another brand stored in another product data processing device 10 and displays the preset group on the screen of its own device, and also extracts information about products of the other brand from the other product data processing device 10 to its own device. Therefore, the latest setting changes, such as product sales suspensions and price discounts, executed in the other product data processing device 10 are always reflected.

[0068] In addition to the example of Figure 1, in the example of Figure 2 as well, the parent device of each brand may refer to the preset groups held by the parent devices of other brands, and switching of the preset groups may be performed in the same manner as described above.

[0069] <Example of switching by referencing upper store controller 2> In the above-described "example of switching by referring to preset groups held by other product data processing devices 10," the reference destination for preset groups of other brands different from the brand handled by the device itself may be a higher-level store controller 2 that holds information on preset groups of each brand. The store controller 2 also holds information on setting changes, such as product sales suspensions and price discounts, executed by each product data processing device 10. In this example, the latest product setting changes executed by other product data processing devices 10 are always reflected. Furthermore, in this example, if the store controller 2 is implemented as a server on the Internet, reference to information in the product data processing device 10 is executed by browser control, making it easy to switch preset groups.

[0070] In addition, when a predetermined preset group different from one preset group set as default by the display switching unit 109 is displayed and an operation to register a product is performed in the predetermined preset group, a guidance to confirm this may be displayed on the screen or a confirmation operation may be requested, so that the operator is made aware of or recognizes the situation.

[0071] Furthermore, information in the preset groups is based on information in the product master, and information such as product sales suspensions and discounts is set in the product master. Therefore, if each product data processing device 10 stores not only the preset groups for each brand but also the product master, or if each product data processing device 10 references the product master held by the upper-level store controller 2, the reflecting of the above-mentioned sales suspension and discount settings is not an issue and does not require processing by the application unit 114. On the other hand, if the product master held by the upper-level store controller 2 is not referenced, it is necessary to reference the product master of another product data processing device 10, or to temporarily store or copy the product master of only or all of the products placed in the preset groups that are switched and displayed. Regardless of this, as an offline measure, the necessary product master may be temporarily copied by referencing the upper-level store controller 2.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above example of switching preset groups, if a product master is prepared for each brand, each product data processing device 10 can download and store product data for the brand code set in that product data processing device 10 by referencing the brand code. This mode of acquiring product data can be applied to both an example in which a device holds a preset group for each brand and switches the preset group, and an example in which a device switches the preset group by referencing a higher-level store controller 2. Note that product masters for all brands can also be downloaded without specifying a brand code. In this case, when switching brands, there is no need to copy or refer to product masters associated with other brand codes from other product data processing devices 10.

[0073] Furthermore, the reference destination of the preset group may be changed depending on the status of the product data processing device 10. For example, when the product data processing device 10 is online, the preset group may be switched by referring to the product master held by the upper store controller 2, and when offline, the preset group may be switched by referring to the product master stored in the device itself. Furthermore, when switching preset groups, only the product master set in the preset group may be copied from another product data processing device 10 or a higher-level store controller 2, and configured and displayed as a preset group on the device itself. However, if there is a discount on a product, only products for which the discount information is reflected in both the product master and the preset group are subject to copying, and products that are not discontinued are excluded from copying.

[0074] The no-operation state detection unit 110 detects a no-operation state of the product data processing device 10. For example, the no-operation state detection unit 110 detects a no-operation state of the product data processing device 10 when, for example, a product button is not selected even after a predetermined time has elapsed while a preset group is being displayed after being switched from a predetermined preset group by the display switching unit 109. This detection information serves as a trigger to switch the display of the displayed preset group to a default preset page, for example.

[0075] When the operator designates a product button arranged on a preset page and inputs discount or price reduction information, the selling price change unit 111 identifies the product button accordingly and changes the selling price of the product associated with that product button in accordance with the input content. As will be described later, the changing of the product selling price by the selling price change unit 111 does not need to transition to a setting screen or the like, and can be performed by designating a product button on a product registration screen where product registration operations are performed. In addition, when the selling price change unit 111 receives information regarding the selling price of a product from a higher-level store controller 2, it may reflect the received information regarding the selling price in the information storage unit 101, thereby performing the function of changing the selling price of the product.

[0076] The prohibition unit 112 specifies a product button in the preset page and prohibits product selection using that product button, thereby halting sales of the product corresponding to that product button. That is, when the store clerk as the operator specifies a product button in the preset page and instructs to halt sales, the prohibition unit 112 is set so that product selection using that product button is prohibited in response to this. In addition, when sales of a product that has been suspended are resumed, the prohibition unit 112 can identify the product button in the preset page and cancel the suspension of sales of the target product in response to an operation requesting the resumption of sales.

[0077] The maintaining unit 113 maintains the setting of the selling price of the product changed by the selling price changing unit 111 and the setting of the product sales suspension by the prohibiting unit 112 until a predetermined operator process is executed. In addition, even if the advertising copy, the name of the place of origin, etc. are changed, the setting values ​​are maintained. A typical operation that cancels the maintenance is, for example, a store closing process (sales recording process). In addition, a function menu for canceling the execution of a function by the maintenance unit 113 may be provided on a menu screen other than the product registration screen, or a cancel button to which a cancel function is assigned may be placed on a preset page. The settings may also be canceled by executing such a function menu or operating the cancel button. Furthermore, the device may have a function that displays a selection screen for specifying an item for which the maintenance unit 113 will cancel the maintenance of the settings, and cancels the selected item. In this regard, the device may be configured to accept a designation for each product whose selling price has been changed and cancel the maintenance of the settings. In this way, the maintenance unit 113 not only maintains the change in the settings until an operation or process for canceling the settings is executed, but also maintains the settings by restricting the settings from being canceled by an operation or process other than those specified as the operation or process for canceling the settings.

[0078] In addition, if 10 or a higher-level store controller 2 is managing the sales volume (inventory management) of the product, it may be set to automatically prohibit product selection using the product button for that product when the total sales weight reaches a predetermined set value or set percentage.

[0079] When the selling price of a product corresponding to a predetermined product button arranged in the first preset group is changed by the selling price changing unit 111, and the predetermined product button is present in the second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching unit 109, the application unit 114 applies the selling price change made to the predetermined product in the first preset group to the selling price of the product corresponding to the predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group. Furthermore, when the brand code of one preset group to which the product button of the product whose selling price has been changed by the selling price changing unit 111 belongs matches the brand code of a predetermined preset group whose display is switched by the display switching unit 109, the application unit 114 applies the same price change as that of the predetermined product to a product associated with the product button arranged on a preset page in the predetermined preset group that corresponds to a predetermined product whose selling price has been changed by the selling price changing unit 111 in the predetermined preset group.

[0080] For example, when the display switching unit 109 switches the preset group displayed by default on the device to a preset group held by another product data processing device 10, if the selling price of a specified product has been changed by the selling price changing unit 111 on the other product data processing device 10, the changed selling price of the product is applied to the preset group after the switch. Taking the system configuration of FIG. 1 as an example, in a configuration in which the product data processing device 10A holds preset groups for all brands, when the product data processing device 10A switches the preset group from one corresponding to brand A to one corresponding to brand B, it queries the product data processing device 10B based on the brand code of brand B to obtain information on price changes for products associated with the brand code of brand B. The obtained information on price changes is then applied when the product data processing device 10A displays the preset group for brand B. Even in a configuration in which the product data processing device 10A holds only preset groups for brand A and references or copies the preset groups in the product data processing device 10B when switching the display to the preset group for brand B, the application unit 114 obtains information on price changes for products associated with the brand code of brand B from the product data processing device 10B based on the brand code of brand B. The obtained information on price changes is then applied when the product data processing device 10A displays the preset group for brand B in the same manner as above. As a result, when the selling price of a specified product is changed by the selling price change unit 111 in a product data processing device 10 that handles products of a specified brand, the change in selling price of the corresponding product is also reflected by the application unit 114 in the preset groups of the specified brand displayed on the screen of a product data processing device 10 that handles products of other brands, thereby realizing a unified response regardless of the type of product data processing device 10.

[0081] Furthermore, when the prohibition unit 112 prohibits product selection using a predetermined product button arranged in the first preset group, if the predetermined product button is present in the second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching unit 109, the application unit 114 applies the prohibition of product selection using the predetermined product button that was performed in the first preset group to the predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group. Furthermore, when there is a preset group having a preset page on which a product button for which product selection has been prohibited by the prohibition unit 112, and the brand code of the preset group matches the brand code of a predetermined preset group to be switched and displayed by the display switching unit 109, the application unit 114 applies the processing performed by the prohibition unit 112 in the preset group to the predetermined preset group switched and displayed by the display switching unit 109, and prohibits product selection using the product button for which product selection has been prohibited. Note that the specific method of applying the processing performed by the prohibition unit 112 in one preset group to other preset groups is the same as in the case of changing the selling price described above. As a result, just as in the case of a price change, if the prohibition unit 112 prohibits product selection using a specified product button in a product data processing device 10 that handles products of a specified brand, the application unit 114 will also prohibit product selection using the corresponding product button in the preset group of that specified brand displayed on the screen of a product data processing device 10 that handles products of another brand, thereby achieving a unified response regardless of the type of product data processing device 10.

[0082] In addition, in one preset group, the same product may be placed on multiple preset pages, such as a regular classification page and a page for special sales or recommended products.In this case, when an operation to change the selling price or stop sales of a product is performed on one preset page, the application unit 114 reflects the processing corresponding to the operation on a product-by-product basis.

[0083] When the number of products on sale in the device becomes low, the aggregation unit 115 aggregates product buttons of products other than those prohibited from being selected by the prohibition unit 112, i.e., product buttons of products that are still on sale, into one preset page if it is possible to aggregate the product buttons into one preset page. In the following description, a preset page on which product buttons are aggregated by executing the functions of the aggregation unit 115 may be referred to as an aggregated page.

[0084] The aggregation process of product buttons by the aggregation unit 115 may be executed in response to an instruction from a store clerk as an operator. In this case, for example, if the number of product buttons exceeds the number that can be aggregated on one preset page, or if the display size of the product buttons displayed on the preset page cannot be used on the aggregated page, an error occurs and the store clerk may be notified of this.

[0085] Furthermore, the system may determine whether or not the product buttons of products still on sale can be aggregated into one preset page, for example, when the number of product buttons for the products still on sale falls below a predetermined number, and automatically execute the aggregation process for the product buttons. The determination of whether or not aggregation is possible may also take into account whether or not the display size of the product buttons displayed on the preset page can be maintained on the aggregated page, as described above. If aggregation is possible, the system may announce on the screen that aggregation is possible, and then perform the aggregation process after obtaining the operator's approval.

[0086] The aggregated page may be newly generated in an existing preset group, or a predetermined preset page without product buttons may be set up in advance in the preset group, and the product buttons may be aggregated on the predetermined preset page as the aggregation process is executed, thereby forming the aggregated page.

[0087] ● Example of processing flow (product registration) Next, an example of processing executed by the product data processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing from when the product data processing device 10 is started up until product registration is executed. The commodity data processing device 10, which is in the off state, starts up upon receiving a start-up request from an operator of the commodity data processing device 10, such as a store clerk (S101). In response to this, when the store opening process is executed, predetermined operations such as confirmation of business days are performed, and then the screen transitions to a standby screen (commodity registration screen) where a commodity can be registered, and the device enters a standby state (S102).

[0088] The store clerk assists the customer and selects the product button for the product desired by the customer on the product registration screen (S103). At this time, if the product is a variable weight product (S104) and the container has not been tared (S105), a tare selection screen for selecting a tare weight is displayed by transition or pop-up, for example. On the tare selection screen, for example, tare weights preset for the product are displayed as selectable items, and the store clerk selects and sets the tare weight (S106). Note that, although tare weight setting will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the tare selection screen may also display tare weights other than the preset tare weights as selectable items. The store clerk may also be able to input the tare weight by operating the numeric keypad or mechanical keys on the screen.

[0089] If the product is a variable weight product, the product is weighed and the weight is entered (S107), and the selling price is calculated based on the net weight obtained by subtracting the tare weight from the total weight and the unit price.If the product is a fixed-price product, the quantity, such as the number of items or packs, is entered, and the selling price is calculated based on the quantity and unit price of the product (S107).

[0090] The clerk associates his / her own clerk identification information with the transaction for which he / she performed the registration operation as the portion for which he / she is responsible (for the customer he / she is currently serving) (S108). That is, when a product is specified, a preset page with an array of employee buttons (described later) and a predetermined input form are displayed on the screen, and the clerk selects his / her own employee button or enters his / her clerk identification information. The small print screen displays the registered items, salesperson information such as the name of the salesperson in charge of the transaction, the number of registered items, the total amount, etc. (S109). When this small plan screen is displayed, if the customer has not yet registered as a member (S110), an alert to that effect is displayed and the customer is prompted to register as a member (S111).

[0091] The processes from S103 to S109 are executed for each product until the registration operation for all products desired by the customer is completed. Product registration does not have to be performed entirely in one product data processing device 10, and may be performed across multiple product data processing devices 10. Even in this case, one transaction is identified by the store clerk identification information. When all the products have been registered (S112), the payment process is executed (S113). The payment process is executed according to various payment methods. When the settlement process is complete, a receipt is issued (S114), and the transaction is completed. If the payment method is non-cash, a copy showing the details of the non-cash payment is also issued.

[0092] In the above-described process, the selection of the product button in S103 and the tare subtraction process in S105 and S106 can be performed in any order, and may be performed in the reverse order to the example described above. Furthermore, regardless of the example described above, the member registration in S111 may be performed at any time up until the settlement process is performed.

[0093] ● Example of processing flow (display switching) An example of a process for switching the preset group displayed in the product data processing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 7, the product data processing device 10 stores only the preset group of the brand assigned to itself within its own device, and copies the preset groups of other brands stored in other product data processing devices 10 and displays them on the screen of its own device. In this example, when the displayed preset group is switched to another preset group, a setting (hereinafter referred to as "return setting") for switching the preset group to the preset group displayed immediately before is optionally enabled, triggered by the completion of one product registration and the detection of a no-operation state.

[0094] When the product data processing device 10 receives an operation from a store clerk as an operator to switch the displayed preset group to another preset group, the display switching unit 109 executes a process to switch the display (S201). First, the product data processing device 10 that has accepted the display switching operation checks whether it is connected to another product data processing device 10 (S202), and if it is not connected, it notifies the user of an error as it is unable to continue processing, and interrupts or terminates the processing (S203).

[0095] If connected to another product data processing device 10, the display switching unit 109 saves the preset group displayed on the screen (S204), then accesses the product data processing device 10 that holds the preset group of the brand specified by the store clerk, copies the preset group of the specified brand, and displays it on the screen to switch the display (S205).

[0096] When a product registration operation is accepted by pressing a product button or the like in the preset group whose display has been switched (S206), the selling price of the product is confirmed (S207). When the selling price is confirmed, as in the processing example described above, a weighing operation and a process of associating the clerk identification information of the clerk with the transaction are executed.

[0097] When the product registration operation is completed, if the return setting is not enabled (S208), the system proceeds directly to the subtotal operation, or if there are products for which registration has not yet been completed, the system returns to step S201 to proceed to the registration operation for the next product (S209). When the subtotal operation is performed, the transaction is completed after the settlement process, etc.

[0098] Returning to step S206, when the product button is not pressed and no operation state continues for a predetermined time, if the return setting is not valid (S210), the device continues to wait until the product button is pressed. On the other hand, if the restoration setting is enabled (S210), and the displayed preset group is a copy of one held in another product data processing device 10 (S211), the display switching unit 109 deletes or saves the displayed preset group (S212) when the no-operation state detection unit 110 detects a no-operation state for a predetermined period of time as a trigger.Then, the display switching unit 109 calls the preset group held in its own device immediately before switching the display and displays it on the screen (S213). In step S211, if the displayed preset group is a preset group stored in the device itself, the device waits to accept operations to switch preset groups or register products. Note that if product registration is complete, subtotal operations are also accepted.

[0099] Returning to step S208, if the restoration setting is enabled and the displayed preset group is a copy of one held by another product data processing device 10 (S214), the display switching unit 109 deletes or saves the displayed preset group (S215) triggered by the registration of a product. Then, the display switching unit 109 calls the preset group held by its own device immediately before switching the display and displays it on the screen (S216). In step S214, if the displayed preset group is a preset group held by the device itself, the device remains in a standby state ready to accept a subtotal operation or an operation to register the next product.

[0100] ●Screen example FIG. 8 shows an example of the product registration screen. The product registration screen is arranged with a tare weight display area G11, a product name display area G12, a product weight display area G13, a price per unit weight display area G14, a product price display area G15, a total price display area G16, a store clerk button display area G17, a preset group display area G18, and a function button display area G19.

[0101] The tare weight display area G11 is an area where the weight of the container is displayed when the set weight of the container is called up. The product name display area G12 is an area where the product name of the product designated as the registration target is displayed. The product weight display area G13 is an area in which the weight of the product to be registered weighed by the weighing unit 15 is displayed. The price-by-weight display area G14 is an area where the price per unit weight (100 g) of the product to be registered (price-by-weight) is displayed when the product to be registered is a product sold by weight. The product price display area G15 is an area where the price (product price) according to the weight or content volume or quantity of the product to be registered is displayed. The total price display area G16 is an area where the total number of products to be registered and the total price of each product to be registered are displayed. The clerk button display area G17 displays the clerk button of the clerk performing the operation. When the clerk button is pressed, the screen transitions to the sub-screen, and the registration data of the product that the clerk performed the registration operation on is displayed on the sub-screen. The clerk may proceed directly to the checkout process from the sub-screen, or may return to the product registration screen after confirming the registration data. Furthermore, when no operation has been performed to specify the product to be registered, no particularly significant numbers or information are displayed in the tare weight display area G11, product name display area G12, product weight display area G13, price per weight display area G14, product price display area G15, total price display area G16, or clerk button display area G17.

[0102] The preset group display area G18 is an area where a preset group made up of one or more preset pages G181 is displayed. The preset page G181 is a page with product buttons G182 that can specify the product to be registered, and multiple preset pages G181 are provided according to the product classification, etc. Each preset page G181 is provided with a tab G183, and the name of the classification is displayed on the tab G183. By selecting the tab G183 while checking the name of the classification, the preset page G181 made up of product buttons G182 for products in the desired classification can be displayed in the foreground.

[0103] Regardless of the illustrated example, the preset page G181 not only functions as a page for selecting a product when registering a product, but also as a page for selecting a product when searching for and setting product information. Furthermore, the preset page G181 can be configured as a page for selecting a function by arranging a plurality of function buttons for executing various functions, rather than being limited to product selection. When providing a preset page G181 with function buttons arranged in this manner, a function button display area G19 may or may not be provided.

[0104] Furthermore, the display of the preset groups can be set so that the preset page G181 on which the most frequently used function buttons are arranged is displayed in the foreground, or so that the preset page G181 on which the product buttons G182 are arranged is displayed in the foreground. Either setting can be arbitrarily configured, and in that case, the arrangement and type of function buttons displayed on the preset page G181 and the display order of the preset page G181 can be set according to on-site requirements.

[0105] The function button display area G19 is an area where function buttons for requesting the execution of various operations and functions other than the operation of specifying the product to be registered are displayed. The function buttons include, for example, a brand change button G191 for switching the preset group displayed in the preset group display area G18, a "Deposit / Actual" button for completing product registration, a "Payment" button for proceeding to payment processing, a "Cancel" button for canceling a specified operation, a "Subtotal" button for calculating and displaying the subtotal, a "Registration Assistance" button for performing auxiliary operations on registered products, a "Receipt ON" button for enabling receipt issuance, and a "Zero Reset" button for resetting the weighing value of the weighing unit 15. Regardless of this example, the function buttons may be provided in the preset page G181.

[0106] <Brand Change Button G191> The brand change button G191 is a button for switching the preset group currently displayed on the device to another preset group. This brand change button G191 can also be used to specify a preset group to be displayed in priority to the preset group currently being displayed by default, for example. In this embodiment, a product data processing device 10 is installed in each display case 3 provided for each brand, and each product data processing device 10 is designed to register products of the brand assigned to it. Therefore, the button is called a brand change button, but functionally it is a button for executing a process of switching from one preset group to another. Therefore, if the product data processing devices 10 are configured and operated so that different preset groups are set for each device, a preset group can be set for each device and the display can be switched to the preset group for each device according to the device number. Furthermore, the brand change button G191 may be configured to be changeable to any of a plurality of settings, such as a button for switching to a preset group corresponding to a brand code or a button for switching to a preset group corresponding to a device number, and each may be referred to as a brand change button or a device number change button, respectively.

[0107] Pressing the brand change button G191 may switch the display to a preset group corresponding to a specific brand, or pressing the brand change button G191 may display a page for selecting multiple brands (preset groups), and by selecting one of the brands, the display may switch to the preset group corresponding to the selected brand.

[0108] The brand change button G191 may be enabled only when the product data processing device 10 that handles the brand to be changed declares permission to change to the preset group of that brand. By requesting permission from the other product data processing devices 10 in this way, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations on the other product data processing devices 10, for example, when there are still products of each brand remaining in the display cases 3. In the example of FIG. 2, the brand change button G191 may be enabled only when the parent product data processing device 10 declares this. This permission declaration may be managed by a flag, or may be output in response to an inquiry from the product data processing device 10 requesting switching of the preset group.

[0109] Furthermore, when a predetermined time arrives, a confirmation may be made as to whether or not the display should be switched to the preset group of the target brand, or whether or not it is possible to switch to a preset group of another brand handled by another product data processing device 10. The confirmation may be made, for example, by displaying a pop-up screen on the standby registration screen and displaying a confirmation message on the pop-up screen, or by requesting a confirmation operation. Furthermore, inventory management of products for each brand may be performed, and the confirmation screen may be displayed when the number of products on sale reaches a preset threshold. Such processing is possible because information is shared between the brands.

[0110] Furthermore, when the brand change button G191 is operated, a permission request may be sent to all product data processing devices 10 displaying the preset group for the target brand code, or to the product data processing device 10 positioned as the primary device. The product data processing device 10 that receives the permission request may then display a confirmation screen, and permission to switch to the preset group corresponding to the brand code may be granted by an operation to permit the switching of the preset group on the confirmation screen, such as by selecting "Yes." This permission operation may be requested each time the brand change button G191 is operated, or a system-wide permission may be granted once, eliminating the need for reconfirmation for switching to the preset group corresponding to the brand code. For example, if there are brands A, B, and C, and a product data processing device 10 that handles brand A is permitted to switch the display to the preset group for brand C, permission is not required when a product data processing device 10 that handles brand B switches the display to the preset group for brand C.

[0111] Furthermore, in response to a product data processing device 10 that handles a predetermined brand declaring permission, another product data processing device 10 may enable a brand change button G191 that switches to a preset group of the predetermined brand. Furthermore, the display of the brand change button G191 may be changed so that it is possible to know whether switching to a preset group of the predetermined brand is enabled or disabled. For example, the brand change button G191 may be grayed out or displayed normally, or may be switched to a displayed or hidden state, depending on whether permission is declared or not. Furthermore, a time limit may be imposed, such as after 5 p.m., on switching to a preset group of a brand other than the brand handled by the device itself, or a limit may be imposed based on the number of employees working in the store.

[0112] The function buttons may be arranged and displayed in the function button display area G19 as in the illustrated example, or may be arranged and displayed on a preset page G181 in the preset group display area G18.

[0113] Furthermore, regardless of the example shown, further function buttons may be provided, such as a member input button for inputting member information, an employee button for associating a store clerk's identification information with a transaction, a product information button for displaying detailed information about the specified product (described below with reference to Figure 9), an accessory button for registering accessories such as spoons, forks, and dressings (described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11), a discount button for specifying a product and setting a discount, a bulk sale button for discounting multiple products at once (described below with reference to Figure 12), a stop / restart sales button, a product aggregation button for aggregating product buttons G182 into a new or previously prepared preset page G181, and a points award button.

[0114] <Member input button> The member input button is a button that requests the customer to enter their member code (member registration). For example, by pressing the member input button, a member code scan screen or code input screen is displayed, allowing the customer to enter their member code. The product data processing device 10 may be in a standby state where a membership code can be entered at any time. Furthermore, the membership code may be recognized based on the barcode system, number of digits, or data classification of the barcode (e.g., flag code), or may search the membership master in response to a search request and extract a matching membership code. In this case, the membership code obtained by scanning the barcode at the appropriate time is entered, so there is no need to operate the membership input button to enter the membership code. Furthermore, when a membership code is entered, the membership code, member name or nickname, point balance, and membership rank may be displayed at any position on the registration screen. Such information may be displayed on the clerk display unit 11 for confirmation by the clerk, or on the customer display unit 12 for confirmation by the customer. In addition, if the membership code has not been entered during the process from product registration to payment, a message such as "membership code not registered" may be displayed on the screen to notify the store clerk and customer. Also, if the operation to link a transaction with a store clerk has not been performed during member registration, the entry of store clerk identification information may be requested.

[0115] <Employee button> The employee button is a button for associating the target product of the registration operation with an employee (a store clerk with consent). When the employee button is pressed before or after a target product is specified and store clerk identification information is acquired in a predetermined manner, the target product and the store clerk are associated and the transaction for that target product is finalized. To acquire the store clerk identification information, for example, in response to the pressing of the employee button, employee selection buttons provided for each store clerk are displayed and the store clerk is asked to select one, and store clerk identification information associated with the employee selection button is acquired in response to the selection of the employee selection button. Alternatively, store clerk identification information may be acquired from a barcode or NFC tag provided on an employee card held by the store clerk. In this way, by linking product registration operations performed between one or more product data processing devices 10 with store clerk identification information, multiple product registrations can be identified as a single transaction (transactions of a currently serving customer), and the settlement process for that single transaction can be executed by any of the product data processing devices 10. Since a store clerk is usually considered to serve one customer, this allows the settlement of products purchased by one customer to be carried out all at once. Furthermore, when one store clerk serves multiple customers, it is also possible to provide a page corresponding to multiple transactions, specify the page upon which product registration is performed, and associate the store clerk identification information, thereby distinguishing each customer and consolidating the transactions for each customer.

[0116] The above-mentioned employee selection buttons may be arranged together on a preset page G181 to provide a dedicated preset page G181 (hereinafter, the preset page G181 on which the employee selection buttons are arranged together may be referred to as the "employee selection page"). In this case, when a store clerk operates the product button G182 on the product registration screen, the employee selection page may be displayed in the foreground instead of the preset page G181 that had been displayed in the foreground up until that point, and the store clerk may operate the employee button to confirm the product weight and selling price. Once the transaction and store clerk are linked by operating the employee button, the screen transitions to the registration details screen (sub-screen) and proceeds to the settlement process. This reduces the amount of work required to link the transaction to a store clerk for each transaction. However, if you want to change the product after operating the product button G182 on the product registration screen, you need to switch the preset page G181 and operate the product button G182 again. Therefore, to avoid this, you can manually switch to the employee selection page rather than having the page automatically switch to the employee selection page after operating the product button G182. However, this is usually preferable as it allows for smooth operation.

[0117] Regardless of this example, the employee selection page may be displayed as a pop-up screen as needed. For example, since linking a membership code to a store clerk is necessary even if a product is not specified, reading the membership code may trigger the employee selection page to be displayed in the foreground and the linking to the store clerk to be performed. If the membership code and store clerk are linked first, there is no need to link the employee to the transaction when registering the product. Once the product weight and selling price are confirmed, the user can simply move to the registration details screen (sub-screen). Also, if a product is selected first, the employee selection page is displayed in the foreground when the membership code is entered, eliminating the need to switch preset page G181. If the linking to the store clerk and the transaction is completed after product selection (registration), and the selling price has not yet been confirmed during subsequent weight measurement (when the transaction has not yet been confirmed), the employee selection page is displayed in the foreground when the membership code is entered, and no special display control is required. As mentioned above, once the transaction for one product is confirmed, the registration details screen (minor screen) will appear, and if the member code has not yet been entered at this point, a guide to enter the member code may be displayed. Because this member code is constructed using a specified barcode system, it can be automatically identified as a member code when scanned, and as a result, there is no need to declare or request the entry of the member code.

[0118] Furthermore, if a function button is provided to check the attendance of store staff, and the employee button is pressed after the function button is operated, the system can also be used for attendance management. Furthermore, by managing attendance in this way, it becomes possible to selectably display only the employee buttons currently at work when registering products, or to narrow down the display to include only the employee buttons currently at work, which is advantageous for operational efficiency. Furthermore, when acquiring store clerk identification information from an employee card equipped with a barcode or NFC tag as described above, the information may be automatically linked to the store clerk that is closest to the NFC reader.

[0119] Furthermore, as described above, when the product data processing device 10 is in a standby state where a membership code can be entered at any time, the sub-screen displays a transaction to which clerk identification information is already linked, and accepting entry of a membership code from the sub-screen in this state will link the member to that transaction. However, at this stage, clerk identification information may be accepted again based on the operation of the employee button, or the preset page G181 of the employee selection button may be automatically displayed to accept clerk identification information. On the other hand, except for minor transactions, accepting the entry of a membership code does not link the membership code to an empty transaction. Therefore, the entry of clerk identification information is accepted, for example, by operating the preset page G181 of the employee selection button, scanning the barcode of the clerk identification information, or entering it using a numeric keypad, and the clerk identification information is linked to the membership code. At this time, to prompt the clerk to enter the clerk identification information, a pop-up message may be displayed, or the preset page G181 of the employee selection button may be displayed in the foreground. After that, when the product registration operation is performed and the transaction and the clerk identification information are linked, the membership code associated with the clerk identification information is also linked to the transaction. The clerk identification information may be automatically acquired from the tag of a nearby clerk. Furthermore, even if a membership code is entered when selecting a product, the membership code can be linked to the transaction and store clerk identification information by operating the employee button, etc. After that, when the product selling price is determined and the transaction is finalized, the employee button is operated again because the employee button also has the function of finalizing the registration of one transaction.

[0120] <Discount button> The price discount button is a button for temporarily discounting and changing the selling price of the product. To set a discount on a specific product and change the selling price, operate the discount button, then specify the product button G182 for the specific product, and then set the discount amount or discount rate. This allows you to specify unsold products and set a temporary discount when there are unsold products near closing time, and is efficient because you can register the same product without having to perform the discount operation every time. The discounts set for the products in this way may be reset by closing the store, recording sales, etc. Also, changing the selling price using this discount button is one example of changing the selling price of the product, and the operating method and operating sequence are not limited to this. Furthermore, since the operation of the discount button changes the selling price of the product, authorization authentication of the operator may be required when operating the button. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the selling price change is premised on a discount, but the selling price can also be increased by a similar operation.

[0121] <Sales stop / sales resume button> The sales halt / sales resume button is a button used to declare when selecting a product using the product button G182 provided on the preset page G181, i.e., when sales of a product are halted or when sales of a product that has been halted or terminated are to be resumed. Note that "sales halt" here also includes termination of sales. When a specific product is being sold normally and the sales halt / sales resume button is operated, the prohibition unit 112 sets the sales of the specific product to be halted, and product selection using the product button G182 for the specific product is prohibited. On the other hand, when sales of a specific product have been suspended, if the sales halt / sales resume button is operated and the specific product is specified, the prohibition unit 112 cancels the sales halt setting for the specific product, and product selection using the product button G182 for the specific product becomes possible again.

[0122] The stop / resume sales button can be operated by specifying the product button G182 on the product registration screen, or by calling up product information. When suspending sales of one or more products, the user may be able to declare the suspension of sales for all products at once by pressing the stop / resume sales button, specifying one or more products, and then pressing the stop / resume sales button again. Similarly, when resuming sales of one or more products that have been suspended, the user may be able to declare the resumption of sales for all products at once by pressing the stop / resume sales button, specifying one or more products, and then pressing the stop / resume sales button again. Furthermore, the button for a product that is currently on hold may be grayed out or hidden to visually indicate that the product is currently on hold. Graying out the button is preferable because it allows users to visually confirm that the product is currently on hold. If the button is operated despite being grayed out, a notification that the product is currently on hold may be displayed, or a selection button for whether or not to release the product (resume sales) may be displayed. Hiding the product button is preferable because it allows users to resume the product by first operating the stop / resume sales button and then selecting the product, preventing accidental selection. It would be even more preferable if these settings could be switched depending on the actual sales operation. Even when the button is hidden, the selection button for the products currently on hold is displayed by pressing the stop / resume sales button, allowing users to check all the products currently on hold at once, so hiding the button does not pose any particular operational problems. Furthermore, by using inventory management based on the sales volume, it is possible to automatically declare the end of sales when the sales volume is exhausted, and accordingly disable the product button G182. At this time, the corresponding product button G182 itself may be grayed out or hidden. Furthermore, even if a sales suspension is set for each product, there may be a function to simultaneously cancel the sales suspension setting for all products at the timing of closing the store or by manual operation.

[0123] <Product aggregation button> The product aggregation button is a button for aggregating product buttons G182 into a newly generated preset page G181 or a preset page G181 prepared in advance by the aggregation unit 115, thereby generating an aggregated page. The product buttons G182 that are the subject of aggregation may be moved to a predetermined preset group as a result of aggregation, or may be copied and placed on a predetermined preset page G181. Also, the product buttons G182 corresponding to each product may be aggregated, or the product buttons G182 for multiple products may be aggregated together. As an example, to achieve the former, after pressing the product aggregation button, when the product button G182 for a specific product is pressed to specify the specific product, the product buttons G182 for the specific product may be aggregated on a specific preset page G181. To achieve the latter, when the product aggregation button is pressed, multiple products may be selected, and then the product aggregation button may be pressed again, so that the multiple products may be aggregated together on a specific preset page G181.

[0124] In addition, when it is detected that the number of products currently on sale has fallen below a predetermined number in response to the operation of the aforementioned stop / resume sales button, the product buttons G182 for the products currently on sale may be automatically aggregated. If the button size of the product buttons G182 displayed on the preset page G181 is variable, the state where the number of products has fallen below a predetermined number refers to, for example, a state where the number of product buttons G182 for the products currently on sale can be displayed on the preset page G181 at the minimum button size. In another example, it refers to a state where the number of remaining products currently on sale can be displayed on one preset page at the set button size. In this example, product buttons G182 of multiple sizes are mixed. For example, if there are three sizes of product buttons—quadruple-width, double-width, and full-width (smallest size)—the largest button size can be arranged in the empty space starting from the small area in the upper left corner of the preset page G181, thereby determining whether the number of buttons can be displayed in combination. However, even when the product buttons G182 are automatically aggregated in this way, a confirmation screen may be displayed in advance to confirm whether or not the operation is necessary. In addition, a time period restriction may be set for the execution of the process of aggregating the product buttons G182, or a time period restriction may be set for the operation of the product aggregation button itself, so that the aggregation of the product buttons G182 is only executed during specified time periods.

[0125] Furthermore, as a result of executing a function based on the operation of the product aggregation button, the product buttons G182 are aggregated on a predetermined preset page G181 to generate an aggregated page, and if the brand change button G191 is operated in this state, the aggregated page may be set as one of the preset pages G181 that can be switched using the tab G183. This makes it unnecessary to operate the brand change button G191 thereafter, and is efficient because it is sufficient to switch the preset page G181 by operating the tab G183 and display the aggregated page.

[0126] Alternatively, in the first stage, a single brand may be aggregated, and in the second stage, as switchable brands are added, the added brand may also be aggregated. In other words, if an aggregate page is created for one brand but not for a second brand, the two brands cannot be integrated and aggregated. Therefore, for the first brand, an aggregate page is generated within that brand (first aggregated state). For the second brand, if aggregate pages exist between other switchable brands, a determination is made as to whether those aggregated pages can be aggregated. If aggregation is possible, an aggregated page is generated and displayed in the foreground (second aggregated state). In the second aggregated state, the brand change button G191 may be temporarily disabled, and the brand change button G191 may be re-enabled when the second aggregated state is cancelled. In the second aggregated state, a button for canceling the "second aggregated state" may be provided instead of or in addition to the brand change button G191. When a transition to the second aggregated state is possible, an operation button for manually switching to the second aggregated state may be displayed.

[0127] In addition, if a predetermined aggregated page is generated in another product data processing device 10 and the predetermined aggregated page is held as one of the preset pages G181 of the device by switching preset groups, pressing the product aggregation button also aggregates the product buttons G182 aggregated on the predetermined aggregated page into a new aggregated page as a target of aggregation processing. This generates an aggregated page that mixes products on sale from multiple brands. This reduces the effort required to switch preset pages G181. The above-mentioned sales suspension and discount settings are valid for both products on aggregated pages generated only by the device itself and products on aggregated pages generated by other product data processing devices 10. The product button G182 of a product that has been moved to an aggregated page may also be validly operated on the preset page G181 on which it was originally placed, but may be disabled on the preset page G181 on which it was originally placed after the product has been aggregated into the aggregated page.

[0128] <Points award button> The point award button is a button that links points to registered customers at any timing during a transaction using the product data processing device 10. It is used, for example, to award points to customers who no longer need accessories. In other words, when a customer who no longer needs accessories presses the point award button at a predetermined timing in a transaction, a predetermined number of points are awarded to the customer. However, regardless of this example, predetermined points may also be automatically awarded to a customer by operating a button that no longer needs accessories. In addition, the number of points to be awarded may be input or selected by button operation, or points set in advance for each reason may be awarded by selecting the reason for awarding points (for example, the weather or time of day, or the above-mentioned accessory not being needed, etc.).

[0129] <Product Information Button G192> FIG. 9 shows an example of a product registration screen, in which a product information button G192 is provided as one of the function buttons, and a product information screen G21 is displayed when the product information button G192 is pressed. The product information button G192 is a button for displaying detailed information about a product being called up during product registration operations, etc. By operating the button, detailed product information such as ingredients, additives, recommended accompanying products such as sauces and dressings, and cooking methods is displayed by referring to the information storage unit 101 of the device itself or by obtaining it from a higher-level store controller 2 or another product data processing device 10.

[0130] In the illustrated example, the product information screen G21 that displays detailed product information is a pop-up window, but the display format is not limited to this. Furthermore, all or part of the detailed product information may be printed. In this case, for example, a product detail print button may be provided to instruct printing, and the detailed product information may be printed in response to the operation of the product detail print button at any time. Furthermore, upon completion of the product registration operation, the user may be prompted on the screen to confirm whether printing is necessary before printing, or the detailed product information may be printed automatically. Furthermore, the detailed product information may be printed at the same time as the receipt is printed during the subtotal operation. It may also be possible to set the items to be displayed as detailed product information, and in the print layout settings, it may be possible to distinguish between items to be printed and items not to be printed for each print item or print area.

[0131] <Accessory button G311> Fig. 10 shows an example of a screen displayed when a product is registered on the product registration screen, showing a preset page G31 on which an accessory button G311, one of the function buttons, is arranged. Fig. 11 shows an example of a sub-screen displaying accessories along with the registered product. Accessories are provided in conjunction with the sale of a product, and include, for example, spoons, forks, wet towels, ice packs, dressings, sauces, etc.

[0132] In this example, whether or not an accessory is required is associated with each product in advance, and when a product requiring the selection of an accessory is registered, a preset page G31 for selecting an accessory is displayed on the screen, as shown in Fig. 10. The preset page G31 has an accessory button G311 for each accessory, and may also have a "No" button for registering an accessory as unnecessary if that accessory is not required. When any accessory button G311 is pressed, the accessory is registered in association with the registered product. This makes it possible to provide accessories corresponding to the registered product without forgetting to do so.

[0133] Regardless of this example, after registering a product on the product registration screen, the preset page G31 may be expanded by pressing a separate button for setting accessories. Also, when registering multiple products, if you have already selected accessories when registering the first product, or if you have pressed the "Not needed" button, the preset page G31 may not be displayed when registering the next product. The accessory button G311 may also be displayed on a pop-up screen instead of on the preset page G31.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 11, when an accessory is registered in relation to a registered product, the accessory name (which may be an abbreviated name) of the accessory is displayed in the registered product display area G32 that displays the registered product. Here, accessories include those that are attached to the entire transaction, such as a shopping bag, and those that are attached to each product, such as dressing. In the former case, they can be displayed as a separate item for each product, and in the latter case, they can be displayed in the display column for the target product. The accessory name displayed corresponds to the selection made on the preset page G31, etc., but if no accessory is selected, a message indicating that the accessory is not selected may be displayed. The accessory name can be displayed on either the registration screen or the sub-screen.

[0135] In addition, there are accessories that are either paid or free, and whether an accessory is paid or free may be set for each accessory. In this case, when accessories are displayed on the sub-page, free accessories may be displayed together with the display column for the target product, and paid accessories may be displayed as a separate item from the target product. However, even when paid accessories are displayed as a separate item from the target product, it is advisable to display them so that it is easy to understand which product the accessory is for, such as by displaying the accessories for the target product directly below the target product. This is convenient for both store clerks and customers, as they can check on the screen that the accessories have been registered and whether they are free or paid for.

[0136] <Bulk Sale Button G41> FIG. 12 is an example of a product registration screen, and shows the screen when a bulk sale button G41 is provided as one of the function buttons, and a discount is set for a specified product by pressing the bulk sale button G41. The bulk sale button G41 is a button that sets a discount on multiple items at once, unlike the discount buttons described above that set a discount on each item individually. This bulk sale button G41 is operated when you want to set a discount on multiple items at once, such as when holding a time sale just before closing time.

[0137] Specifically, when the bulk sale button G41 is pressed, a setting screen appears where the discount amount or discount rate can be set, and the user sets either the discount amount or discount rate. Then, by selecting one or more products using the product button G182 and pressing the bulk sale button G41 again, a bulk discount is applied to the selected products. During a discount, the product buttons G182-3, G182-5, and G182-7 for discounted items are displayed in a different manner from the product buttons G182-1, G182-2, G182-4, and G182-6 for other items, allowing the discounted items to be visually identified. In the illustrated example, only the product buttons G182-3, G182-5, and G182-7 for discounted items are displayed with a border that is not displayed on the other product buttons G182-1, G182-2, G182-4, and G182-6. However, the display manner for identifying discounted items is not limited to this and can be various other manners, such as color schemes or flashing. The bulk sale button G41 itself may also be displayed differently depending on whether a discount is being offered or not, making it easy to determine whether a discount is being offered or not.

[0138] The discount setting for a product may be set across multiple preset pages G181, or a bulk sale button G41 may be provided for each preset page G181 by product classification, and a discount may be set for the products on each preset page G181. In this case, the products eligible for the discount can be specified by selecting a tab. This allows discounts to be set on a preset page G181 basis rather than on a product-by-product basis. Also, this bulk sale button G41 may be arranged not on the preset page G181 but in the function button display area G19 so that it can be operated at any time during registration. Furthermore, restrictions may be imposed on the operation of the bulk sale button G41, such as three hours before closing time, or after 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM depending on the day of the week. This prevents the bulk sale button G41 from being operated accidentally at a time other than the planned time. Furthermore, since the operation of the bulk sale button G41 changes the selling price of the product, similar to the price discount button, authorization authentication of the operator may be required when operating the button.

[0139] <Tare selection button G521> 13 and 14 show examples of screens that are displayed when selecting a container for each product during product registration operations. If the tare weight has not been subtracted during the above-mentioned product registration operation, the product type selection screen G51 will be displayed as a pop-up window when the product button G182 for a specific product is pressed, as shown in Figure 13.

[0140] The product type selection screen G51 displays detailed product information and also has a weighing button G511 and a pack button G512. The weighing button G511 is a button to be pressed when the target product is a variable weight product (a product sold by weight), and the pack button G512 is a button to be pressed when the target product is a pack product (a fixed price product).

[0141] When the weighing button G511 is pressed, the container selection screen G52 shown in Fig. 14 is displayed as a pop-up window. The container selection screen G52 is a screen for selecting a container from one or more containers that have been set in advance for the target product, and is provided with container selection buttons G521 that indicate the containers that can be selected. When a container selection button G521 is selected on the container selection screen G52, the tare weight is subtracted from the tare weight corresponding to the selected container selection button G521. In the illustrated example, in addition to the tare weight selection button G521, an Other button G522 is also provided. When the Other button G522 is pressed, another pop-up window is displayed, allowing the user to select any tare weight other than the tare weight previously set for the target product. However, instead of this, when the Other button G522 is pressed, an input field for inputting the tare weight may be displayed, allowing the user to set the tare weight by entering the tare weight in the input field using a numeric keypad or the like.

[0142] In Figure 13, when the pack button G512 is pressed, an amount input screen is displayed as a pop-up window or the like. The amount input screen is provided with, for example, an amount input field, a confirm button, a cancel button, and the like, and the amount of the product is confirmed by entering the amount of the product in the amount input field using a numeric keypad or the like and confirming the operation with the confirm button. Note that when the cancel button is pressed, the screen may return to the product type selection screen G51 or the product registration screen. If several types of containers (tare bags) are predetermined for each product, the container is determined based on the customer's desired weight, allowing the store clerk to input the tare bag weight simply by operating the corresponding tare bag button, improving operability. Also, if the remaining weight of the product is low or if the customer wishes to purchase a large quantity of the product, it is easy to switch to fixed-price sales. Even when switching to fixed-price sales, if weighing data is available, weight data may be associated with sales data.

[0143] In the product data processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a product data processing device 10 is provided for each brand, so sales can be recorded for each brand. However, if multiple display cases 3 are used for each brand, it would be preferable to be able to tally and analyze sales amounts for each display case 3. In this regard, if a product is registered in association with the display case 3 in which it is displayed in the product master or the like, it is possible to know which display case 3 the product purchased by a customer was displayed in by referring to the product's sales record. As mentioned above, if a product is moved just before closing time, the display case 3 associated with the product can be changed to the display case 3 to which it was moved. This makes it possible to know which display case a product is displayed in when it has high sales, as well as to tally and analyze the sales amount for each display case 3 and the sales amount for each display case 3 by time period. Data analysis can also be performed according to the aggregation state of the product.

[0144] From this perspective, a preset group made up of preset pages G181 for each display case 3 may be provided on the product registration screen as shown in FIG. 8. In this case, product buttons G182 for the products displayed in the corresponding display case 3 are arranged together on each preset page G181. In this way, by switching the tab G183, the product buttons G182 for the products for each display case 3 can be displayed together. In this case, if information that can identify the display case 3 is displayed on the tab G183, it is easy to see which display case 3 the product button G182 for the product displayed in is displayed, and it is convenient to easily identify the display case 3 when switching. Furthermore, to make it easier to understand the correspondence between each display case 3 and the tab G183, a unique management number or the like may be assigned to each display case 3, and the management number or the like may be displayed on the tab G183.

[0145] Regardless of the above, if the display case 3 is associated with and registered as a product data processing device 10 that is installed on the display case 3 and handles the products displayed in the display case 3, the sales figures for each product data processing device 10 can be compiled as the sales figures for each display case 3.

[0146] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when multiple branded products are sold using one product data processing device 10, receipts may be issued for each brand, or the contents may be aggregated onto a single receipt. When aggregated onto a single receipt, multiple brand names may be printed, or when aggregated, a separate display may be printed. Normally, the receipt header has a design unique to each brand, but when brand switching is possible or has been performed, the brand marks and brand names of each brand may be printed together, or multiple brands may be listed together with the company image and company name. In other words, receipts are usually printed by brand, but when the display of preset groups is possible or has been switched, a receipt common to all brands may be printed. The printed content in the receipt header or footer may be changed so that it is clear which brand the purchased product belongs to.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the product data processing device 10 is assumed to be implemented as a POS terminal with a weighing function. However, if weighing is not required for selling products, the product data processing device 10 does not need to have a weighing function. Even in such a case, a single device can be used to switch between preset groups and provide products of various brands.

[0148] ● Overview of implementation The present invention relates to a product data processing device, a product data processing system, a program for the product data processing device, and a program for the product data processing system.

[0149] In tenant stores in department stores and the like, one company may develop multiple brands, and multiple brand products may be sold in one tenant store.

[0150] For example, a store that sells prepared foods under multiple brands will have multiple weighing devices for each brand. One such weighing device or system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-33685, which discloses a system for weighing and pricing products sold by weight.

[0151] When multiple brands of merchandise are sold in the same tenant, the weighing devices installed in each display case display screens corresponding to the brand of merchandise displayed in that display case, and merchandise is sold according to those screens. However, as the number of displayed merchandise items decreases and the store approaches closing time, it may be necessary to display multiple brands of merchandise together. In such cases, it is necessary to operate the weighing device for the corresponding brand in order to display and operate the information for each brand of merchandise on the display screen, which is cumbersome.

[0152] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device that can switch the display to a screen on which product buttons for the products being sold are arranged, depending on the product being sold.

[0153] In order to achieve the above object, a product data processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons are arranged for selecting products to be registered in a product registration operation; a preset group setting means for grouping and setting a plurality of the preset pages; a product registration screen for the product registration operation; a display means for displaying one preset group set by the preset group setting means; and a display switching means for switching the one displayed preset group to another preset group.

[0154] The product registration screen may further include a selling price change means for identifying a product button placed on the preset page and changing the selling price of the product associated with the product button, and a maintenance means for maintaining the selling price changed by the selling price change means until a predetermined process is executed.

[0155] The preset group may be further associated with identification information that identifies the preset group.

[0156] When the selling price of a product corresponding to a predetermined product button arranged in a first preset group is changed by the selling price changing means, and the predetermined product button is present in a second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching means, the display device may further comprise application means for applying the selling price change made for the predetermined product in the first preset group to the selling price of a product corresponding to the predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group.

[0157] The display switching means may further include a registration means for calculating the selling price of a product based on the unit price included in the product information of the product associated with the product button in response to selection of the product button located on a preset page within the preset group whose display has been switched by the display switching means, and registering the product, wherein when a product is registered by the registration means, the display switching means may switch the displayed preset group to the preset group immediately before the display was switched by the display switching means.

[0158] The device may further include a no-operation state detection means for detecting a no-operation state, and when the no-operation state detection means detects a no-operation state after switching the display of the preset group, the display switching means may switch the displayed preset group to the preset group that was displayed immediately before the display was switched by the display switching means.

[0159] The display device may further include a prohibition means for identifying the product button and prohibiting product selection using the product button, and an application means for applying the prohibition of product selection using the specified product button in the first preset group to the specified product button in the second preset group when the prohibition means prohibits product selection using the specified product button in the first preset group and the specified product button is present in the second preset group displayed by the display switching means.

[0160] A product data processing system according to another aspect of the present invention is a product data processing system comprising a plurality of product data processing devices, each of which comprises a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons are arranged for selecting products to be registered in a product registration operation, a preset group setting means for grouping and setting the plurality of preset pages, a display means for displaying a product registration screen for the product registration operation and one preset group set by the preset group setting means, and a display switching means for switching the preset group displayed by the display means in one product data processing device to a preset group held by another product data processing device.

[0161] The device may further include a price change means for identifying a product button arranged on the preset page on the product registration screen and changing the selling price of the product associated with the product button, and an application means for, when the selling price of a product corresponding to a predetermined product button arranged in a first preset group is changed by the selling price change means in another product data processing device, and when the predetermined product button is present in a second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching means in the device itself, applying the price change made to the predetermined product in the first preset group to the selling price of the product corresponding to the predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group.

[0162] The device may further include a prohibition means for identifying the product button and prohibiting product selection using the product button, and an application means for applying the prohibition of product selection using the specified product button in the first preset group, which has been performed in another product data processing device, to the specified product button in the second preset group, if the specified product button is present in a second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching means in the device itself, when the prohibition means has prohibited product selection using the specified product button in the first preset group.

[0163] A program for a product data processing device according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a preset page that arranges multiple product buttons for selecting products to be registered during product registration operations, a preset group setting process that groups and sets multiple preset pages, a product registration screen for products and registration operations, and a display process that displays one preset group set by the preset group setting process, and a display switching process that switches one displayed preset group to another preset group.

[0164] A program for a product data processing system according to another aspect of the present invention, in a product data processing system having a plurality of product data processing devices, causes the product data processing devices to execute the following: a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons are arranged for selecting registered products in a product registration operation; a preset group setting process for grouping and setting the plurality of preset pages; a display process for displaying a product registration screen for the product registration operation and one preset group set by the preset group setting process; and a display switching process for switching the preset group displayed by the display process on one product data processing device to a preset group held by another product data processing device.

[0165] In addition, the computer program (program for a product data processing device or program for a product data processing system) that causes the product data processing device or the product data processing system to execute a specified process can be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or by recording it on various computer-readable recording media such as a CD-ROM.

[0166] According to the product data processing device or product data processing system of the present embodiment, the display can be switched to a screen on which product buttons for the products are arranged, depending on the product being sold. In particular, when a tenant owns multiple brands, it is possible to switch with a simple operation between a mode in which each product data processing device handles products of one brand and a mode in which one product data processing device handles products of multiple brands. This allows for smooth sales even when products displayed by brand are mixed together, such as near closing time. Furthermore, various settings and operations can be performed from the product registration screen where products are registered, without having to switch to a settings screen or the like, which is convenient.

[0167] The product data processing device and product data processing system according to the present invention described above primarily include configurations related to switching the display of preset groups and changing the settings of default preset groups, thereby enabling product buttons displayed on other devices to be displayed on the device itself. As long as this objective is achieved, any configuration that enables preset groups and product buttons applied to other devices to be displayed on the device itself is within the scope of the present invention, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, in addition to switching preset groups and aggregating product buttons, the scope of the present invention also includes configurations in which, for example, preset groups and product buttons set on other devices are added or copied to preset pages within a preset group displayed on the device itself. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1: Product data processing system 2: Store Controller 3: Display case 10: Product data processing device 101: Information storage section 102: Registration unit (registration means) 103: Weight information acquisition section 104: Settlement processing unit 105: Display control unit (display means) 106: Communication processing unit 107: Setting unit (preset group setting means) 108: Designation part (designation means) 109: Display switching unit (display switching means) 110: No-operation state detection unit (no-operation state detection means) 111: Selling price change unit (selling price change means) 112: Prohibited part (prohibited means) 113: Maintenance section (maintenance means) 114: Application part (applicable means) 115: Aggregation section

Claims

1. a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons for selecting products to be registered in a product registration operation are arranged; and a preset group setting means for grouping and setting the plurality of preset pages; a display means for displaying a product registration screen for product registration operation and one preset group set by the preset group setting means; a display switching means for switching the displayed preset group to another preset group, A product data processing device characterized by:

2. a selling price changing means for specifying a product button arranged on the preset page on the product registration screen and changing the selling price of the product associated with the product button; and a maintaining means for maintaining the selling price changed by the selling price changing means until a predetermined process is executed. The product data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The preset group is further associated with identification information that identifies the preset group. The product data processing device according to claim 2 .

4. and when the selling price of a product corresponding to a predetermined product button arranged in a first preset group is changed by the selling price changing means, and the predetermined product button is present in a second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching means, applying means for applying the selling price change made for the predetermined product in the first preset group to the selling price of a product corresponding to the predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group. The product data processing device according to claim 3 .

5. a registration means for calculating a selling price of a product based on a unit price included in product information of a product associated with a product button selected on a preset page in the preset group whose display has been switched by the display switching means, and registering the product; when one product is registered by the registration means, the display switching means switches the displayed preset group to the preset group immediately before the display switching means switches the display; The product data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further comprising a no-operation state detection means for detecting a no-operation state, when the no-operation state detection means detects a no-operation state after switching the display of the preset group, the display switching means switches the displayed preset group to the preset group that was displayed immediately before the display switching means switched the display; The product data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. prohibition means for identifying the product button and prohibiting product selection using the product button; and when the prohibiting means prohibits product selection using a predetermined product button arranged in a first preset group, and the predetermined product button is present in a second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching means, applying the prohibition of product selection using the predetermined product button in the first preset group to the predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group. The product data processing device according to claim 3 , comprising:

8. A product data processing system including a plurality of product data processing devices, The product data processing device includes: a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons for selecting products to be registered in a product registration operation are arranged; and a preset group setting means for grouping and setting the plurality of preset pages; a display means for displaying a product registration screen for product registration operation and one preset group set by the preset group setting means; a display switching means for switching the preset group displayed by the display means of one product data processing device to a preset group held by another product data processing device, A product data processing system.

9. a selling price changing means for specifying a product button arranged on the preset page on the product registration screen and changing the selling price of the product associated with the product button; and applying means for applying the change in selling price of the predetermined product made in the first preset group to the selling price of the product corresponding to the predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group when the selling price change means has changed the selling price of the product corresponding to the predetermined product button arranged in the first preset group in another product data processing device and the predetermined product button is present in the second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching means in the device itself, 9. The product data processing system according to claim 8.

10. prohibition means for identifying the product button and prohibiting product selection using the product button; and applying means for applying the prohibition of product selection by a predetermined product button arranged in the first preset group, which has been performed in the first preset group, to a predetermined product button arranged in the second preset group when the prohibition means prohibits product selection by a predetermined product button arranged in the first preset group in another product data processing device and the predetermined product button is present in a second preset group switched and displayed by the display switching means in the device itself.

9. The product data processing system according to claim 8.

11. For computers, a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons for selecting products to be registered are arranged in a product registration operation; and a preset group setting process for grouping and setting the plurality of preset pages; a display process for displaying a product registration screen for product registration operations and one preset group set by the preset group setting process; A display switching process is executed to switch one displayed preset group to another preset group. A program for a product data processing device.

12. In a product data processing system including a plurality of product data processing devices, The product data processing device: a preset page on which a plurality of product buttons for selecting products to be registered are arranged in a product registration operation; and a preset group setting process for grouping and setting the plurality of preset pages; a display process for displaying a product registration screen for a product registration operation and one preset group set by the preset group setting process; a display switching process for switching the preset group displayed by the display process in one product data processing device to a preset group held by another product data processing device; A program for a product data processing system.

Images