Sales data processing device

Abstract

To efficiently monitor a customer.SOLUTION: A sales data processing device to be operated by a customer includes sound control means and error detection means. The sound control means outputs a sound concerning an operation of the customer until payment is completed. When an event related to the operation different from a usual operation occurs in the operation of the customer, the sound control means changes the sound to a sound volume larger than a sound volume during the usual operation. The error detection means detects, as the different event, an error related to the operation. The sound control means changes the sound volume based on a result of detection of the error by the error detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, self-checkout registers, which allow customers to register products themselves, have become common in stores (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Stores equipped with self-checkout registers are equipped with monitoring devices for monitoring customers. A monitoring clerk is assigned to the monitoring device. The monitoring clerk monitors customers via the screen of the monitoring device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-017075 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional technology, the monitoring clerk checks the customer's status from the monitoring screen, so if, for example, he or she takes his or her eyes off the monitoring screen, he or she may not be able to grasp the status of each registered settlement device, and therefore, there is a problem in that he or she may not be able to monitor customers efficiently.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient monitoring of customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a sales data processing device that is operated by a customer and is equipped with a sound control means that outputs sounds related to operations performed by the customer until payment is completed, and the sound control means changes the volume of the sounds to a louder volume than that during normal operation when an event occurs in the customer's operation that is different from normal operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the registration and settlement device as seen from the customer side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a registration and settlement device. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a registration settlement device. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of sales data processing performed by a registration and settlement device in full self-service mode. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of sales data processing performed by a registration and settlement device in full self-service mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the customer side display unit in full self-service mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Embodiment) (Network configuration of sales data processing system St) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the network configuration of a sales data processing system St according to this embodiment. The sales data processing system St is installed in various stores. The various stores include, for example, retail stores and restaurants. The retail stores include, for example, supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, discount stores, department stores, and various supply stores. The restaurants include, for example, fast food restaurants, restaurants, izakayas, coffee shops, cafeterias, and food courts.

[0009] The sales data processing system St shown in Fig. 1 includes a store controller 10, a transaction status management device 11, and a registration and settlement device 20. Each device is communicatively connected via a LAN 55. Each device is a computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc.

[0010] The store controller 10 stores various types of information necessary for transactions. The various types of information include a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN (Japanese Article Number) code), product name, and sales price for each product. The product master also includes product identification information, product name, and unit price of products that require weighing (products to be weighed). In addition to the product master, the store controller 10 also stores various types of information such as inventory status, sales history, and deposit and withdrawal records. The store controller 10 may also store information regarding special sales and member information.

[0011] The transaction status management device 11 displays the processing status of the registered settlement devices 20 and controls the registered settlement devices 20. For example, a store clerk (monitoring store clerk) is assigned to the transaction status management device 11, and the registered settlement devices 20 are monitored by the monitoring store clerk. The transaction status management device 11 displays the status of each of the multiple registered settlement devices 20. Specifically, the transaction status management device 11 displays a split screen showing each registered settlement device 20, and displays the status of each registered settlement device 20. The monitoring store clerk supports customers who operate the registered settlement devices 20, and, when an age verification product such as alcoholic beverages is registered in the registered settlement device 20, verifies the age of the customer.

[0012] The registration and settlement devices 20 (20-1 to 20-n (n≧1)) are examples of sales data processing devices. The registration and settlement device 20 is a cash register device that can register products and settle payments through customer operation. The registration and settlement device 20 comprises a registration unit and a settlement unit. The registration unit executes a registration process to register products. In the registration process, registration information for products purchased by customers is generated. The settlement unit executes a settlement process based on the registration information generated in the registration process. Note that although FIG. 1 shows multiple registration and settlement devices 20, there may be only one.

[0013] The registration and settlement device 20 can switch between different operation modes. The operation modes include (A) a full self-service mode, (B) a store clerk registration mode, and (C) a transaction-only mode. Each operation mode is described below.

[0014] (A) Full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the customer registers products on the device (self-service registration) and pays for the items on the device (self-service checkout). (B) The clerk registration mode is an operating mode in which a clerk registers the product and performs face-to-face or self-checkout. In face-to-face settlement, the customer faces a store clerk at the device and the settlement is performed based on the customer's operation. Note that the registered settlement device 20 can also be equipped with a change dispenser on the store clerk side. In this case, in the store clerk registration mode, instead of or in addition to face-to-face settlement, the store clerk may receive cash or the like from the customer and perform the settlement. Self-payment is a payment process performed by a registered settlement device 20 other than the registered settlement device 20 itself, based on the customer's operation. For this reason, the registered settlement device 20 in clerk registration mode outputs registration information. The registration information is output by sending it to the other registered settlement device 20, but it may also be coded and displayed on a display medium. The display medium may be, for example, a paper medium or an electronic medium such as a smartphone. The other registered settlement device 20 acquires the registration information by receiving the registration information or by reading the coded registration information. Note that the sales data processing system St may also use a dedicated registration device (registration-only device) whose operating mode cannot be switched, instead of the registered settlement device 20 in clerk registration mode.

[0015] (C) The checkout-only mode is a mode in which the registration information registered by the registration and settlement device 20 in the clerk registration mode is acquired and self-checkout is performed. The registration information is acquired, for example, by reception, but it can also be acquired by reading a code displayed on the display medium described above. Note that the sales data processing system St can also use a device dedicated to checkout (checkout-only device) whose operating mode cannot be switched, instead of the registration and settlement device 20 in the checkout-only mode.

[0016] The sales data processing system St may also include a clerk terminal carried by a clerk. The clerk terminal may be capable of displaying a screen similar to that of the transaction status management device 11. The clerk terminal may also notify a clerk when a customer calls the clerk at the registration settlement device 20 or when fraud by a customer is detected.

[0017] (Configuration example of registration and settlement device 20) Next, the configuration of the registration and settlement device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the registration and settlement device 20 as seen from the customer side. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the registration and settlement device 20. On one or both sides of the registration and settlement device 20, a counter 230 is arranged on which shopping baskets, personal bags, etc. can be placed.

[0018] The registration and settlement device 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, a communication unit 215, a camera 216, a weighing scale 217, and a sign pole 220. Each unit is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0019] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 202 to control the operation of the registration and settlement device 20. The various programs include a volume control program according to this embodiment. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores various programs and various other information used by the CPU 201.

[0020] The RAM 203 is a readable and writable memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing. This information also includes registration information indicating registered products and payment information generated during payment.

[0021] Hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, hard disk 204 stores (records) imaging results (e.g., video) captured by camera 216. Hard disk 204 may store various programs executed by CPU 201, instead of ROM 202. Furthermore, hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing, instead of RAM 203.

[0022] The customer display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer display unit 205 displays various information related to registration and settlement to the customer, and accepts various inputs related to registration and settlement from the customer. For example, when registering a product, the customer display unit 205 displays a preset key corresponding to the product and accepts pressing of the preset key. Furthermore, when settling a payment, the customer display unit 205 displays multiple payment type selection buttons corresponding to multiple payment types and accepts selection of one button (one payment type) from the multiple payment type selection buttons.

[0023] The customer-side scanner unit 206 is an example of a reading unit. The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers. Specifically, the customer-side scanner unit 206 includes an imaging unit. The imaging unit is an image sensor having an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit reads (images) the product. When an operator holds a product over the customer-side scanner unit 206, the imaging unit captures an image of the product. The imaging unit optically captures a code symbol (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the product) held over the imaging window, or the whole or part of the product (object).

[0024] The code symbol includes a barcode (product code) attached to a product, a clerk code attached to a clerk's name tag, and a coupon code (a code indicating a coupon). The barcode attached to a product is a code for identifying the product, such as a JAN code, a PLU (Price Look Up) code, or an in-store code. The customer-side scanner unit 206 reads the barcode attached to the product, and the registration and settlement device 20 registers the product. Note that the reading method used by the customer-side scanner unit 206 is not limited to CCD or CMOS, and laser or pen methods are also possible.

[0025] The registration and settlement device 20 is equipped with a handheld scanner in addition to the customer scanner unit 206 and the store clerk scanner unit 212. The handheld scanner is used when registering large items that cannot be placed on the scale 217 (for example, purchases of boxes or rice). The handheld scanner becomes usable when a predetermined button operation is received indicating that a large item is to be registered.

[0026] The card payment unit 208 performs payments based on information stored in various media such as various cards and mobile terminals. Various cards include credit cards, prepaid cards such as electronic money, and point cards. Electronic money is charged to a charging medium such as a transportation IC card or a mobile terminal. Charging the charging medium may be performed by depositing cash into a specified charging terminal, or by depositing money from a credit card if the charging medium and the credit card are associated with each other.

[0027] The change machine 209 is a cash settlement mechanism. The change machine 209 faces the customer side and accepts various operations and cash insertion from the customer. Specifically, the change machine 209 has an insertion slot and an ejection slot for banknotes and coins. The change machine 209 calculates the amount inserted into the insertion slot, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the inserted amount and the purchase amount, and ejects the change from the ejection slot. Note that the change machine 209 may be installed on the store clerk side in addition to being installed on the customer side. In this case, the change machine 209 may be configured to accept various operations and cash insertion from the store clerk.

[0028] The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for the clerk. The clerk-side display unit 210 displays various information to the clerk and accepts various inputs from the clerk. The clerk-side display unit 210 displays preset keys corresponding to products and accepts product registration when the clerk operates the preset keys.

[0029] The key operation unit 211 is provided on the store clerk's side and includes various keys (hardware keys, buttons). The key operation unit 211 accepts various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 includes registration buttons corresponding to products, and accepts product registration when the registration buttons are operated by the store clerk.

[0030] The store clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for use by store clerks. Specifically, the store clerk-side scanner unit 212 includes an imaging unit. The imaging unit is an image sensor having an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS. The imaging unit reads (captures) a product. When an operator holds a product over the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, the imaging unit captures an image of the product. The imaging unit optically captures a code symbol (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the product) held over an imaging window, or the entire product or a part of the product (object). Note that the reading method used by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212 is not limited to CCD or CMOS, and laser or pen methods are also possible.

[0031] The registration and settlement device 20 performs processing based on the code read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 or the store clerk-side scanner unit 212. The registration and settlement device 20 determines the type of the read code (product code, store clerk code, etc.) by checking the value of a flag or other value indicated by a specific digit in the code, the number of digits read, etc. For example, if the registration and settlement device 20 determines that the read code is a product code, it performs product registration processing. Furthermore, if the registration and settlement device 20 determines that the read code is a store clerk code, it performs login processing.

[0032] The printing unit 213 prints and outputs various media (receipts, invoices, etc.). The printing unit 213 may be equipped with a rotatable mechanism. In this case, the printing unit 213 is configured so that the media issuing port faces from the store clerk side to the customer side, and vice versa.

[0033] The audio output unit 214 outputs sounds. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs a reading sound (scanning sound) when various codes are scanned, a sound indicating registered products (registration information), various audio guidance, warning sounds, etc. These sounds are related to product registration and payment.

[0034] The communication unit 215 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices (such as the store controller 10 and the transaction status management device 11).

[0035] Camera 216 is attached above customer-side display unit 205. Camera 216 is a camera that continuously captures moving or still images. A CCD camera or a CMOS camera can be used for camera 216. Camera 216 captures images of customer registration and payment operations. Camera 216 also captures images of merchandise being registered and inserted bills.

[0036] The weighing device 217 is an example of a weighing unit. The weighing device 217 is placed on the downstream counter 230 and detects the weight of a registered product. After registering a product, the registration and settlement device 20 inquires of the store controller 10 about the weight of the product. The registration and settlement device 20 performs a weighing determination to determine whether the inquired weight matches the increased weight measured by the weighing device 217. If the weighing determination results in a match (within a predetermined range), the registration and settlement device 20 determines that the product has been registered correctly (placed on the counter 230). On the other hand, if the weighing determination results in a mismatch (outside the predetermined range), the registration and settlement device 20 determines that a weighing error has occurred. Weighing errors also include an event in which the weight of the weighing device 217 increases even though the product has not been registered, or an event in which the weight of the weighing device 217 does not increase even though the product has been registered.

[0037] The size of weighing device 217 and counter 230 is such that a shopping bag or the like of a size corresponding to one shopping basket can be placed on them. However, these sizes may be such that a shopping bag or the like of a size corresponding to two or more shopping baskets can be placed on them. Also, a plurality of counters 230 may be arranged side by side, and a plurality of weighing devices 217 may be arranged.

[0038] The sign pole 220 is equipped with, for example, a light emitting unit (e.g., an LED (light emitting diode)) and can be illuminated in a predetermined illumination mode. The illumination mode includes color and blinking modes. The sign pole 220 can issue various notifications depending on the illumination mode. The various notifications include, for example, notifications indicating status such as in use, notifications to call a store clerk, and notifications of fraudulent activity by a customer.

[0039] (Regarding product registration and payment) In the full self-service mode or the checkout-only mode, the registration and settlement device 20 registers products and settles payments according to customer operations. A monitoring clerk is assigned to the transaction status management device 11 to monitor customers. The monitoring clerk monitors customers via a monitoring screen displayed on the monitoring device.

[0040] However, since the monitoring clerk checks the customer's status from the monitoring screen of the transaction status management device 11, for example, if the clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, he / she may not be able to grasp the status of each registered settlement device. Furthermore, if the clerk only monitors the monitoring screen, the deterrent effect against fraudulent behavior by customers may be low. For this reason, it may not be possible to monitor customers efficiently. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to monitor customers efficiently. Below, the functional configuration of the registration settlement device 20 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 4.

[0041] (Functional configuration of the registration settlement device 20) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the registration and settlement device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the registration and settlement device 20 has the following functional units: a product registration unit 401, an audio output unit 402, an audio control unit 403, a determination unit 404, a detection unit 405, an error detection unit 406, and a mode control unit 407. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU 201. That is, the CPU 201 realizes each functional unit by executing a volume control program according to this embodiment.

[0042] (Product Registration Section 401) Product registration unit 401 registers products. Product registration unit 401 registers products, for example, based on product codes read by customer-side scanner unit 206. Product registration unit 401 can also register products based on pressing of preset keys displayed on customer-side display unit 205. (Audio output unit 402)

[0043] (Audio output unit 402) The audio output unit 402 outputs sounds related to customer operations (hereinafter referred to as "notification sounds"). Customer operations include registration operations and payment operations. Notification sounds include announcements (voice) and buzzers (sounds). Announcements are sounds such as "Please scan the product," "Please place the product in a bag," "Please select your payment method," and "Please receive your receipt." Buzzers are warning sounds such as "beep beep beep...."

[0044] (Audio control unit 403) The audio control unit 403 is an example of a sound control unit. The audio control unit 403 outputs a notification sound. For example, the audio control unit 403 outputs a notification sound when switching from the standby screen to the product registration screen or when switching from the standby screen to the checkout start screen. The notification sound may be, for example, "Welcome. Please scan the product" or "Please select a payment method." The volume of the notification sound is normal.

[0045] When an event related to a customer operation that is different from a normal event occurs, the audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound. Hereinafter, an event related to a customer operation that is different from a normal event will be referred to as a "special event.") A notification that is increased in volume from the normal volume is a notification related to a special event. Specifically, notifications related to special events include, for example, a notification indicating that a store clerk is being called (store clerk call notification), a notification prompting an operation such as rescanning, and a warning sound. A store clerk call notification is, for example, a notification such as "A store clerk is being called. Please wait a moment." A notification prompting an operation such as rescanning is, for example, a notification such as "Please allow me to scan the product code again."

[0046] By changing the volume of notifications related to special events to a louder volume, the monitoring store clerk can be aware of the occurrence of a special event by the notification sound even if they are looking away from the monitoring screen. Furthermore, for example, a customer who is unfamiliar with the registration operation may unintentionally attempt to scan but be unable to do so. In this case, the registration and settlement device 20 also generates an error. Therefore, the registration and settlement device 20 not only helps monitor fraudulent customers, but also encourages store clerks to assist confused customers.

[0047] (Error mode) Special events include various errors, of which the following examples (a) to (d) show read errors. (a) An error in the scanning operation (pretending to scan the product code) only (a registration and settlement device 20 of a type that does not have a weighing scale 217). (b) An error in the scanning operation (pretending to scan the product code) only (a registration and settlement device 20 that does not have a weighing scale 217 and that captures images using a camera (e.g., camera 216) other than the camera provided in the customer-side scanner unit 206). (c) Scanning action (pretending to scan the product code) + the weight of scale 217 increases. (d) No scanning operation + weight increase on scale 217. When any of the above errors (a) to (d) occurs, the audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound.

[0048] (Type of special event) The special events include a first type that increases the volume when detected once, and a second type that increases the volume when detected a predetermined number of times. Whether each of the following events is classified as the first type or the second type may be changeable by an operator (e.g., an authorized operator).

[0049] (First type) Examples of events (special events) that can be classified as the first type are listed below. - Unscanned error (an error occurred when trying to read the product code and it could not be read). · Reading error: Scanning operation (pretending to scan the product code, or the weight on the scale 217 increasing without scanning the product code). -Weight error (the weight of the registered product does not match the weight placed on the scale 217). Accept cancellation of product orders. -Accept calls to store staff. Specific products are registered. Specific products include products that require store clerk confirmation and large products. Store clerk confirmation products include products that require age confirmation, such as alcoholic beverages, medicines that require confirmation by a pharmacist, and products with security tags. Large products are registered by a handheld scanner while they are placed on a cart, for example, without being placed on the scale 217. -Coupon reading error (coupon code cannot be read). No operation (no operation for a certain period of time). Leaving (a customer leaving the registered settlement device 20 even though the settlement has not been completed). - Forgetting to take items (forgetting to take various items such as merchandise, change, various cards, payment media, etc.).

[0050] Note that the sound control unit 403 may increase the volume of the notification sound for each error, for example, as the duration for which each error (no operation, leaving the device, leaving the device behind) is detected becomes longer.

[0051] (Second type) Examples of events (special events) that can be classified as the second type are listed below. Accept cancellation of product orders. · Reading error: Scanning operation (pretending to scan the product code, or the weight on the scale 217 increasing without scanning the product code). -Weight error (the weight of the registered product does not match the weight placed on the scale 217). -Coupon reading error (coupon code cannot be read).

[0052] The detection of each special event and the control of the notification sound are described in detail below.

[0053] (Registration of specific products: Type 1) The determination unit 404 determines whether the product registered by the product registration unit 401 is a specific product (a product requiring store clerk confirmation or a large product). When the determination unit 404 determines that the product registered by the product registration unit 401 is a specific product, the audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the store clerk call notification.

[0054] If the determination unit 404 determines that a large item has been registered, the audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound. The notification sound may be a store clerk call notification, or may be a notification different from a store clerk call notification (for example, "A large item has been registered"). This allows the store clerk to confirm by audio that a large item has been registered.

[0055] (Product cancellation: Type 1) The detection unit 405 detects a cancellation operation for a registered product. The sound control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound for the store clerk call notification when the detection unit 405 detects that a cancellation operation for a product has been performed.

[0056] (Error detection) The error detection unit 406 detects errors related to the customer's operations. Specifically, the error detection unit 406 detects the various errors described above. Based on the error detection result by the error detection unit 406, the sound control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound related to the detected error.

[0057] (Forgotten: Type 1) If the error detection unit 406 detects that something has been left behind, the audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound related to the item being left behind, such as "Something has been left behind." The error detection unit 406 detects various items being left behind using various sensors. For example, a payment medium being left behind is detected based on the detection results of a sensor provided in the card payment unit 208. Furthermore, a change being left behind is detected by a sensor provided at the outlet of the change dispenser 209.

[0058] (Read error: Type 2) The error detection unit 406 detects a reading error, in which the product code or coupon code is not read, based on the imaging results of the customer-side scanner unit 206. When a reading error is detected by the error detection unit 406, the audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound related to the reading error. The notification related to the coupon code reading error is, for example, a notification urging a retry, such as "Please scan the coupon code again."

[0059] (Weight Error: Type 2) The error detection unit 406 detects a weight error in which a comparison result between the weight of the product registered by the product registration unit 401 and the weight of the product after weighing by the scale 217 differs. When the error detection unit 406 detects a weight error, the audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound related to the weight error.

[0060] Weight errors include fraudulent behavior such as scanning inexpensive meat and putting expensive meat in a shopping cart. Specifically, a weight error is an error in which the comparison result between the registered weight of a product and the weight of the product after weighing it is different. A weight error is detected based on the comparison result of an inquiry made to the store controller 10 regarding the registered weight of the product and the increased weight measured by the scale 217. If the comparison result is less than a predetermined value, the error detection unit 406 does not detect a weight error (detects normal), and if the comparison result differs by more than a predetermined value, the error detection unit 406 detects a weight error. A notification related to a weight error is, for example, a notification such as "The weight is incorrect. Please place the scanned product."

[0061] Weight errors also include errors in which the scale 217 does not detect an increase in weight after the product is registered. Specifically, weight errors include errors in which the scale 217 does not detect an increase in weight of a predetermined weight (e.g., 10 g) or more within a predetermined time (e.g., 7 seconds) after the product is registered.

[0062] (Volume control according to the number of errors detected) Some errors can be annoying if the notification volume is increased when detected only once. Therefore, audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound when an error is detected a predetermined number of times. Specifically, audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound related to a specific error according to the number of times the error detection unit 406 detects the error (the same error). More specifically, audio control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound related to the error when a specific error is detected a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. The errors referred to here are errors of the second type described above (reading error or weight error). The predetermined number of times is any number of times (two or more times).

[0063] It should be noted that the error to be detected that serves as a condition for changing the volume is not limited to the same error, and may be different errors. Specifically, even when different errors are detected by the error detection unit 406, the audio control unit 403 may increase the volume of the notification sound depending on the number of times that different errors are detected. In this case, the notification sound may be a notification simply indicating that an error has occurred (a notification without specifying the type of error), or a notification depending on the type of error detected. For example, if three types of errors are detected, the notification depending on the type of error may be a notification related to each error (three types of notification), or a notification related to the error that was detected most frequently among the three types of errors. It should be noted that the predetermined period and the predetermined number of times may be configurable by an authorized operator.

[0064] (About changing notification sounds) The voice control unit 403 may change the content of the notification sound depending on the number of times an error is detected by the error detection unit 406. For example, if a reading error is detected the first time, a notification regarding the reading error (e.g., "Please scan again") may be made, and if a reading error is detected a predetermined number of times, a store clerk call notification may be made.

[0065] (Display screen when controlling loud volume) The registration and settlement device 20 may change the display mode of the screen when various notifications are controlled to be loud. The screen is the customer-side display unit 205, but it may also be the store clerk-side display unit 210. The display mode may be, for example, a background color mode, the display of predetermined characters or symbols, or flashing. For example, the registration and settlement device 20 displays the notification in a display mode that indicates that the volume is being controlled to be loud, the details of the detected error, the type of special event, whether or not a store clerk will be called, etc. For example, in the case of a reading error, the registration and settlement device 20 displays a large image of the scanning operation captured earlier (the image when the reading error was detected). This allows the monitoring store clerk to understand the status of each registration and settlement device 20 not only from the audio but also from the display mode on the screen.

[0066] (Mode control unit 407) Mode control unit 407 controls the mode to one of a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include a full self-service mode, a checkout only mode, and a store clerk registration mode. The full self-service mode and the checkout only mode are modes in which the customer pays for themselves (examples of a first mode). The store clerk registration mode is a mode in which a store clerk registers the product (an example of a second mode).

[0067] In the clerk registration mode, even if a reading error occurs during face-to-face payment, the clerk is present in front of the customer and can immediately assist the customer. Therefore, in the clerk registration mode, the voice control unit 403 does not increase the volume of the notification sound related to the special event, even if a special event occurs. In other words, in the clerk registration mode, the notification sound is always at a constant volume. On the other hand, in the full self-service mode or the checkout-only mode, the voice control unit 403 increases the volume of the notification sound related to the special event when a special event occurs.

[0068] (Volume control based on error priority) The registration and settlement device 20 may control notifications related to errors that have occurred based on the priority of the errors. For example, if the priority is weight error (high) > reading error (low), the notification may be more emphasized when a weight error is detected than when a reading error is detected. A more emphasized notification may be achieved by, for example, increasing the volume of the notification sound related to the error or increasing the display area of ​​the screen related to the error.

[0069] (Product registration when calling a store clerk) When a store clerk call notification is being issued, product registration operations are rarely performed. However, some customers may register products while a store clerk call notification is being issued. Therefore, if a product is registered while a store clerk call notification is being issued (for example, when a product is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206), the voice control unit 403 may issue a store clerk call notification again. In this case, a notification with different content than the store clerk call notification may be issued. The notification with different content may be, for example, a notification such as "Product registration is invalid." The second store clerk call notification or the notification with different content may be more emphasized than the previously output store clerk call notification.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, when a store clerk call notification is being issued due to the occurrence of an error (e.g., a weight error), if an error (weight error) occurs when placing the next item on the scale 217, a further notification may be issued. The further notification may be a second store clerk call notification, or a second notification related to the weight error. The further notification may be a notification that is more emphasized than the previously output notification.

[0071] (Lighting of the sign pole 220 when controlling the volume) Furthermore, when various notifications are controlled to be loud, the sign pole 220 may be displayed in a corresponding lighting mode. Specifically, the sign pole 220 lights up in a lighting mode that indicates that the volume is controlled to be loud, the details of the detected error, the type of special event, whether or not a store clerk has been called, etc. This allows the monitoring store clerk to understand the status of each registered settlement device 20 not only from the sound but also from the lighting mode of the sign pole 220.

[0072] (Monitoring screen of the transaction status management device 11 when the volume is high) When various notifications are controlled to be loud, the transaction status management device 11 displays a corresponding screen. Specifically, the transaction status management device 11 displays, on a split screen showing each registered settlement device 20, a screen indicating that the volume has been controlled to be loud, the details of the detected error, the type of special event, whether a store clerk has been called, etc. This allows the monitoring store clerk to understand the status of each registered settlement device 20 not only by voice but also from the screen of the transaction status management device 11.

[0073] (Volume control of the transaction status management device 11) The transaction status management device 11 is capable of outputting sound. When a special event occurs in the registered settlement device 20, the transaction status management device 11 may output a notification sound related to the special event. The transaction status management device 11 may also output the notification sound at a loud volume. In this case, the registered settlement device 20 in which the special event has occurred may output the notification sound related to the special event as a normal notification sound.

[0074] (Screen displayed when various errors are resolved) When a special event (e.g., an error) occurs, the registration and settlement device 20 displays the error that has occurred, for example, on the clerk display unit 210. When a clerk goes to the registration and settlement device 20 and reads the clerk code to resolve the error, the registration and settlement device 20 may display a screen on the clerk display unit 210 that includes the details of the error that has occurred and the number of times it has occurred. Note that this screen may be displayed on the customer display unit 205 instead of or in addition to the clerk display unit 210. In this way, by displaying a screen that includes the details of the error and the number of times it has occurred, the clerk can easily understand what kind of error has actually occurred.

[0075] (About ticket vending machines) In this embodiment, the sales data processing device is the registration and settlement device 20, but the sales data processing device is not limited to the registration and settlement device 20 and may be a ticket vending machine that issues various tickets (meal tickets, admission tickets, etc.). In other words, the sales data processing system St may be equipped with a ticket vending machine instead of or in addition to the registration and settlement device 20. When a special event occurs, the ticket vending machine changes the volume of the notification sound related to the special event to a louder volume than the normal volume.

[0076] (An example of sales data processing performed by the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment) Next, the processing performed by the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of sales data processing performed by the registration and settlement device 20 in full self-service mode. As shown in Fig. 5, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether a transaction has started due to a predetermined input on the standby screen (step S501). The predetermined input may be a customer pressing a transaction start button, or the camera 216 may input the customer's detection result.

[0077] The registration and settlement device 20 waits until the transaction starts (step S501: NO). When the transaction starts (step S501: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether the product has been registered (step S502). If the product has not been registered (step S502: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 proceeds to step S505. If the product has been registered (step S502: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether the registered product is a specific product (e.g., an age verification product) (step S503).

[0078] If the registered product is not a specific product (step S503: NO), the registration settlement device 20 proceeds to step S505. If the registered product is a specific product (step S503: YES), the registration settlement device 20 outputs a store clerk call notification at a volume louder than the normal volume (step S504).

[0079] Next, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether or not a second type of special event (e.g., a reading error or a weight error) has been detected (step S505). If the second type of special event has not been detected (step S505: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 proceeds to step S508. If the second type of special event has been detected (step S505: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether or not the special event has been detected a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time (step S506).

[0080] If the special event has not been detected a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period (step S506: NO), that is, if the special event is resolved immediately, the registered settlement device 20 proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if the special event has been detected a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period (step S506: YES), the registered settlement device 20 changes the volume of the notification sound related to the second type of special event to a volume louder than the normal volume and outputs it (step S507).

[0081] Next, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether a first type of special event (for example, no operation or leaving the store) has been detected (step S508). Note that the first type of special event here excludes the following: registration of a specific product, and acceptance of an operation related to calling a store clerk (a cancel operation or an operation to call a store clerk). If a first type of special event is not detected in step S508 (step S508: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 proceeds to step S510. If a first type of special event is detected (step S508: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 changes the volume of the notification sound related to the first type of special event to a louder volume than the normal volume and outputs it (step S509).

[0082] Next, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether an operation related to calling a store clerk (a cancel operation or a store clerk call operation) has been accepted (step S510). If an operation related to calling a store clerk has not been accepted (step S510: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 proceeds to step S512. If an operation related to calling a store clerk has been accepted (step S508: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 outputs a store clerk call notification at a volume louder than the normal volume (step S511).

[0083] The registration settlement device 20 then determines whether product registration has been completed by operating the button to accept the start of settlement (step S512). If product registration has not been completed (step S512: NO), the registration settlement device 20 returns to step S502. If product registration has been completed (step S512: YES), the registration settlement device 20 executes a payment type selection process to accept the selection of a payment type (step S513). The registration settlement device 20 then executes a settlement in progress process (FIG. 6) and ends the series of processes.

[0084] The settlement in-progress process shown in Fig. 6 is a process that is performed until the payment using the payment type selected in the payment type selection process is completed. As shown in Fig. 6, the registered settlement device 20 determines whether a first type of special event (e.g., forgetting to take change or no operation) has been detected (step S601). If the first type of special event has not been detected (step S601: NO), the registered settlement device 20 proceeds to step S603. If the first type of special event has been detected (step S601: YES), the registered settlement device 20 changes the volume of the notification sound related to the first type of special event to a volume louder than the normal volume and outputs it (step S602).

[0085] Next, the registration settlement device 20 determines whether a second type of special event (e.g., a coupon code reading error) has been detected (step S603). If the second type of special event has not been detected (step S603: NO), the registration settlement device 20 proceeds to step S606. If the second type of special event has been detected (step S603: YES), the registration settlement device 20 changes the volume of the notification sound related to the second type of special event to a louder volume than the normal volume and outputs it (step S604).

[0086] Next, the registration and settlement device 20 determines whether or not a store clerk call operation has been accepted (step S606). If the store clerk call operation has not been accepted (step S606: NO), the registration and settlement device 20 proceeds to step S608. If the store clerk call operation has been accepted (step S606: YES), the registration and settlement device 20 outputs a store clerk call notification at a volume louder than the normal volume (step S607).

[0087] Then, the registered settlement device 20 determines whether the settlement is complete (step S608). If the settlement is not complete (step S608: NO), the registered settlement device 20 returns to step S601. If the settlement is complete (step S608: YES), the registered settlement device 20 ends the series of processes.

[0088] (An example of a screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205) Next, an example of a screen displayed on customer side display unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 7 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 in full self-service mode. Figures 7(A) and (B) show an example of the screen when a first type of special event occurs. Figures 7(C) and (D) show an example of the screen when a second type of special event occurs.

[0089] 7 will be described as each screen displayed in front of the product registration screen 700. The registration screen 700 displays, for example, the name of the registered product, the unit price of the product, the number of items purchased for each product, the total amount, the total number of items purchased, etc.

[0090] FIG. 7A shows a store clerk call notification screen 710 that is displayed when a product cancellation operation is accepted. The store clerk call notification screen 710 includes a message 711 and a customer image 712. The message 711 indicates that the product cancellation operation has been accepted and that a store clerk is being called. The customer image is an image of the customer captured by the camera 216. The image is a video of the event that occurred. This allows the store clerk and the customer to understand the cause of the event. The image may be an image (still image) taken at a predetermined timing (e.g., when product registration begins). The image may also be, for example, an image (video or still image) taken when a store clerk call operation (e.g., a product cancellation operation) is accepted, or an image (video or still image) taken when various errors are detected. On the store clerk call notification screen 710, a sound indicated by the message 711 (store clerk call notification) is output at a high volume. It should be noted that the customer image 712 does not necessarily have to be included in each screen shown in FIG.

[0091] 7(B) shows a store clerk call notification screen 720 that is displayed when a specific product (for example, a product requiring store clerk confirmation) is registered. The store clerk call notification screen 720 includes a message 721 and a customer image 712. The message 721 indicates that the specific product has been registered and that a store clerk is being called. On the store clerk call notification screen 720, the voice indicated in the message 721 (store clerk call notification) is output at a high volume.

[0092] 7(C) shows a notification screen 730 that is displayed when a predetermined number of reading errors are detected within a predetermined period of time. The notification screen 730 includes a message 731 and a customer image 712. The message 731 prompts the customer to rescan. On the notification screen 730, the notification shown in the message 731 (notification related to the reading error) is output at a loud volume.

[0093] 7(D) shows a notification screen 740 that is displayed when a predetermined number of weight errors are detected within a predetermined period of time. The notification screen 740 includes a message 741 and a customer image 712. The message 741 indicates that the scanned items are different from the items placed in the shopping bag, and urges the customer to place the scanned items in the shopping bag. On the notification screen 740, the notification shown in the message 741 (notification related to the weight error) is output at a loud volume.

[0094] As described above, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment changes the volume of the notification sound to a louder volume than the volume during normal operation when a special event occurs. Therefore, even if the monitoring clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, he / she can understand the status of each registration and settlement device 20 by the sound. Furthermore, because the notification sound related to a special event is output at a loud volume, it has the effect of deterring customers from committing fraudulent acts. Therefore, it is possible to support appropriate operation by customers and to enable clerks to monitor customers efficiently.

[0095] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment changes the volume of the notification sound based on the detection result of an error related to a customer's operation. This allows the monitoring clerk to know by sound that an error has occurred in each registration and settlement device 20 even if he or she takes his or her eyes off the monitoring screen, thereby improving the efficiency of monitoring. Furthermore, because the notification sound related to an error is output at a high volume, it is possible to have the effect of deterring fraudulent behavior by customers.

[0096] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment changes the volume of the notification sound to a loud sound when a reading error, in which the product code or coupon code is not read, is detected. This allows the monitoring clerk to know by sound that a reading error has occurred at each registration and settlement device 20 even if they take their eyes off the monitoring screen, thereby improving the efficiency of monitoring. Furthermore, because the notification sound related to the reading error is output at a loud volume, it is possible to have the effect of deterring fraudulent behavior by customers related to the reading error.

[0097] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment changes the volume of the notification sound to a loud sound when a weight error is detected, where a discrepancy occurs between the registered weight of a product and the weight of the product after weighing. This allows the monitoring staff member to be aware of the occurrence of a weight error at each registration and settlement device 20 by the sound even if they take their eyes off the monitoring screen, thereby improving monitoring efficiency. Furthermore, because the notification sound for a weight error is output at a loud volume, it is possible to deter fraudulent acts by customers related to weight errors.

[0098] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment changes the volume of the notification sound to a louder volume when the registration of a specific product is detected. This allows the monitoring clerk to know by the sound that a specific product has been registered at each registration and settlement device 20 even if he or she takes his or her eyes off the monitoring screen, and thus to quickly go to the customer.

[0099] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment changes the volume of the notification sound to a louder volume when a product cancellation operation is detected. This allows the monitoring store clerk to quickly respond to the customer even if they take their eyes off the monitoring screen because they can hear the sound that a product cancellation operation has been performed at each registration and settlement device 20.

[0100] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment changes the volume depending on the number of times an error is detected. This prevents the volume from being turned up just because a minor error is detected once, making it possible to prevent excessive volume control.

[0101] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 20 according to this embodiment increases the volume of the notification sound when a special event occurs in full self-service mode or checkout-only mode, but does not increase the volume of the notification sound even when a special event occurs in clerk-registered mode. This prevents the volume of the notification sound from increasing in clerk-registered mode because a clerk is present in front of the customer. This prevents the store from becoming excessively noisy. Furthermore, the monitoring clerk can easily hear the notification sound in full self-service mode or checkout-only mode.

[0102] (Modification of the embodiment) Next, modified examples of the embodiment will be described. Note that in the following modified examples, the contents described in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the respective configurations of the following modified examples and the embodiments.

[0103] (Variation 1: Example of product registration using a mobile terminal) First, Variation 1 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which product registration (including self-registration) was performed at the registration and settlement device 20. In Variation 1, an example will be described in which a customer uses a mobile terminal to go around the store and perform self-registration of products. In Variation 1, payment is made by self-payment at the registration and settlement device 20, as in the embodiment.

[0104] In Modification 1, the sales data processing system St includes a mobile terminal and a cloud server in addition to the configuration of the embodiment. The mobile terminal is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The mobile terminal may be a customer terminal owned by a customer or a rental terminal rented by a store. The mobile terminal may also be installed in a shopping cart or held by a customer. The cloud server communicates with the mobile terminal and the registration settlement device 20. The cloud server stores information identifying the mobile terminal, customer information, registered product information, etc. The shopping cart includes a weighing device that can detect the weight of products placed in the cart.

[0105] The flow from product registration to payment in the sales data processing system St according to the first modification will be explained below in (1) to (6).

[0106] (1) A customer uses the camera function of a mobile terminal to read a barcode attached to a product. After reading the barcode, the mobile terminal transmits product identification information obtained from the read barcode to a cloud server. The timing for transmitting the product identification information may be the timing when the product identification information is obtained (timing when the barcode is read: first timing) or the timing when the start of payment is accepted (second timing). When transmitting the product identification information at the second timing, the mobile terminal may store the product identification information sequentially after reading the barcode. When transmitting the product identification information at the second timing, the mobile terminal may transmit the stored product identification information all at once to the cloud server.

[0107] (2) The cloud server stores registration information (cart information) including cart identification information that identifies a customer (mobile terminal). When the cloud server receives product identification information from a mobile terminal, it updates the registration information by adding the product identified by the product identification information to the registration information.

[0108] (3) Once the customer has completed registering the products they wish to purchase, they press the checkout button displayed on their mobile terminal. When the mobile terminal receives the button press, it displays a checkout code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) that encodes the cart identification information on the display (touch panel) of the mobile terminal.

[0109] (4) Then, the customer goes to the registration settlement device 20 and has the customer-side scanner unit 206 of the registration settlement device 20 read the settlement code. After reading the settlement code, the registration settlement device 20 obtains cart identification information from the read settlement code. The registration settlement device 20 then requests the cloud server to send the registration information indicated by the cart identification information.

[0110] (5) When the cloud server receives a request to send registration information from the registration settlement device 20, the cloud server identifies the registration information using the cart identification information included in the request. Then, the cloud server transmits the registration information to the registration settlement device 20.

[0111] (6) Upon receiving the registration information from the cloud server, the registration settlement device 20 performs settlement based on the received registration information.

[0112] In the first modification, the functional units of the product registration unit 401, the audio output unit 402, the audio control unit 403, the determination unit 404, the detection unit 405, and the error detection unit 406 may be provided in the mobile terminal. When a special event occurs, the mobile terminal changes the volume of the notification sound to a louder volume. For example, the mobile terminal can detect a reading error as a special event by analyzing an image captured by a camera provided in the mobile terminal.

[0113] Furthermore, in the sales data processing system St according to the first modification, the shopping cart is equipped with a weighing device. The shopping basket is placed on the weighing device. The weighing device detects the weight of an item placed in the shopping basket. When a mobile terminal (or the weighing device) registers an item, it queries the store controller 10 for the weight of the item. The mobile terminal performs a weighing determination to determine whether the queried weight matches the increased weight measured by the weighing device. If the weighing determination returns a result indicating a match (within a predetermined range), the mobile terminal determines that the item has been registered successfully. On the other hand, if the weighing determination returns a result indicating a mismatch (outside the predetermined range), the mobile terminal determines that a weighing error (weight error) has occurred. Weight errors also include an event in which the weight of the weighing device increases even though the item is not registered, or an event in which the weight of the weighing device does not increase even though the item has been registered.

[0114] When a special event is detected, the mobile terminal increases the volume of notifications related to special notifications (e.g., notifications encouraging a retry). For example, a notification in the event of a reading error is a notification encouraging a retry, such as "Please remove the item from the shopping cart and scan again." Furthermore, a notification in the event of a weight error is a notification encouraging a retry, such as "Please place the scanned item into the shopping cart." Note that for errors that fall under the second type of special event, the mobile terminal may increase the volume of notifications related to the error depending on the number of times the error is detected.

[0115] In this way, the sales data processing system St in the first modification can increase the volume of the notification sound when registering a mobile terminal while moving. This allows the store clerk to grasp the status of each mobile terminal by the sound. For example, the store clerk can carefully observe a customer who has a mobile terminal with a loud volume and provide support to that customer. Furthermore, because the notification sound on the mobile terminal is output at a loud volume, frequent loud notification sounds become noticeable, which can have the effect of deterring fraudulent behavior by shoppers.

[0116] Furthermore, during checkout, if a special event occurs at a registered settlement device 20, the notification sound is increased in volume. This allows the monitoring clerk to understand the status of each registered settlement device 20 through the sound, even if they take their eyes off the monitoring screen. Furthermore, because the notification sound related to a special event is output at a high volume, it has the effect of deterring fraudulent behavior related to customer checkout. Therefore, it is possible to support customers in performing appropriate checkout operations, and it is possible for clerks to efficiently monitor customers' checkout operations.

[0117] (Variation 2) Next, a description will be given of Modification 2. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the volume of the notification sound is increased depending on the number of times each error is detected. In Modification 2, instead of or in addition to this configuration, an example will be described in which the volume of the notification sound is increased as the number of times each error is detected increases.

[0118] Specifically, for example, when an error (e.g., a read error) is detected a first number of times within a predetermined period, audio control unit 403 changes the notification sound to a first volume. Furthermore, when the error (same error: read error) is detected a second number (>first number) of times within a predetermined period, audio control unit 403 changes the notification sound to a second volume (>first volume). Furthermore, when the error (same error: read error) is detected a third number (>second number) of times within a predetermined period, audio control unit 403 changes the notification sound to a third volume (>second volume).

[0119] The error to be detected as a condition for changing the volume is not limited to the same error, and may be different errors. Specifically, even when different errors are detected by the error detection unit 406, the audio control unit 403 may increase the volume of the notification sound depending on the number of times the different errors are detected.

[0120] According to the second modification, the volume of the notification sound increases depending on the number of times each error is detected, making it easier for the monitoring store clerk to identify registered settlement devices 20 that are experiencing serious errors that cannot be resolved. Therefore, the second modification can improve the efficiency of monitoring. Furthermore, because the notification sound is output at a louder volume, frequent occurrence of loud notification sounds becomes more noticeable, which can have the effect of deterring fraudulent behavior by shoppers.

[0121] (Variation 3) Next, a description will be given of Modification 3. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the special event is the occurrence of various errors or the acceptance of an operation related to calling a store clerk. In Modification 3, an example will be described in which the special event is the aspect of product registration.

[0122] Product registration can be performed by scanning the product barcode (hereinafter referred to as "scan registration") or by operating a preset key (hereinafter referred to as "preset registration"). In Variation 3, for example, normal events will be described as scan registration, and special events as preset registration.

[0123] In Modification 3, the audio control unit 403 outputs the product name and the registered number of registered products. The audio control unit 403 may output either the product name or the registered number of registered products as a notification sound. When preset registration is performed, the audio control unit 403 changes the volume of the notification sound to a louder volume. The notification sound may include, for example, the selling price in addition to the product name and registered number, or may include an electronic sound indicating registration. In this way, by changing the volume of the notification sound depending on the registration mode of the product, customers and monitoring store clerks can tell whether the product is being registered by scan registration or preset registration based on the volume of the notification sound.

[0124] This allows customers to register products while checking the registration type (scan registration or preset registration) and registration information (product name, number of items registered) based on the volume of the notification sound, without looking at the customer-side display unit 205. This supports customers' registration operations and improves the efficiency of customers' work related to registration. Furthermore, because a loud volume is output during preset registration, a monitoring store clerk can easily monitor customers by comparing the volume obtained from the registration settlement device 20 with the customer's products obtained by visual confirmation. This effectively prevents fraudulent behavior by customers related to preset registration. For example, this can prevent fraudulent behavior such as registering only one of multiple products to be registered preset and paying without registering the rest.

[0125] It is not necessary to register special events as preset events, but it is also possible to register special events as scan events and register normal events as preset events. Even in this case, customers and monitoring store clerks can tell whether it is a scan event or a preset event by the volume of the notification sound.

[0126] The embodiments will be summarized below. [Name of invention] Sales data processing device TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sales data processing device. [Background technology]

[0127] In recent years, self-checkout registers, which allow customers to register products themselves, have become common in stores (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Stores equipped with self-checkout registers are equipped with monitoring devices for monitoring customers. A monitoring clerk is assigned to the monitoring device. The monitoring clerk monitors customers via the screen of the monitoring device. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-017075 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in conventional technology, the monitoring clerk checks the customer's status from the monitoring screen, so if, for example, he or she takes his or her eyes off the monitoring screen, he or she may not be able to grasp the status of each registered settlement device, and therefore, there is a problem in that he or she may not be able to monitor customers efficiently. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient monitoring of customers.

[0128] [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a sales data processing device that is operated by a customer and is equipped with a sound control means that outputs sounds related to operations performed by the customer until the customer completes payment, and the sound control means changes the volume of the sounds to a volume louder than the volume during normal operations when an event occurs in the customer's operations that is different from normal operations. With the above configuration, even if the monitoring clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, he / she can grasp the status of each registered settlement device 20 by the sound. In addition, since the notification sound for special events is output at a loud volume, it has the effect of deterring customers from committing fraudulent acts. Therefore, it is possible to support customers in performing appropriate operations and the clerk can efficiently monitor customers.

[0129] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, an error detection means may be provided for detecting an error related to the operation as the different event, and the sound control means may change the volume based on the result of the error detection by the error detection means. With the above configuration, even if the monitoring clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, the occurrence of an error in each registered settlement device 20 can be detected by the sound, thereby improving the efficiency of monitoring. In addition, since the notification sound related to the error is output at a loud volume, it can be effective in deterring fraudulent behavior by customers.

[0130] (3) In the configuration of (2) above, a reading means capable of reading various codes is provided, and the error includes a reading error in which the reading means does not read a product code or coupon code, and the sound control means may change the volume when the reading error is detected. With the above configuration, even if the monitoring clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, the occurrence of a reading error at each registered settlement device 20 can be detected by the sound, thereby improving the efficiency of monitoring. In addition, since the notification sound regarding the reading error is output at a loud volume, it is possible to have the effect of deterring fraudulent acts by customers related to the reading error.

[0131] (4) In the configuration of (2) above, a product registration means for registering products and a weighing means for weighing the weight of the registered products are provided, and the error includes a weight error in which the comparison result between the registered weight of the product and the weight of the product after weighing by the weighing means is different, and the sound control means may be configured to change the volume when the weight error is detected. With the above configuration, even if the monitoring clerk takes their eyes off the monitoring screen, they can be notified by sound when a weight error occurs at each registered settlement device 20, thereby improving monitoring efficiency. In addition, because the notification sound for weight errors is output at a loud volume, it is possible to have the effect of deterring fraudulent acts by customers related to weight errors.

[0132] (5) In the configuration of (1) above, a product registration means for registering a product and a determination means for determining whether the product registered by the product registration means as the different event is a specific product may be provided, and the sound control means may change the volume when the determination means determines that the product is the specific product. According to the above configuration, even if the monitoring clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, he / she can know by a sound that a specific product has been registered at each registration settlement device 20, and can therefore quickly go to the customer.

[0133] (6) In the configuration of (1) above, a detection means may be provided for detecting a cancellation operation to cancel a product registered as the different event, and the sound control means may change the volume when the cancellation operation is detected by the detection means. According to the above configuration, even if the monitoring clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, he / she can be notified by a sound that a product cancellation operation has been performed at each registered settlement device 20, and can therefore quickly go to the customer.

[0134] (7) In any of the above configurations (2) to (6), the sound control means may change the volume in accordance with the number of times the error is detected. According to the above configuration, the volume is not increased when a minor error is detected only once, so that excessive volume control can be prevented.

[0135] (8) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, a mode control means may be provided for controlling the device to one of a plurality of modes, including a first mode in which the customer pays for the item themselves and a second mode in which a store clerk registers the item, and the sound control means may change the volume if the event occurs in the first mode, and may not change the volume even if the event occurs in the second mode. According to the above configuration, in the clerk registration mode, since the clerk is present in front of the customer, the volume of the notification sound can be kept low. This prevents the store from becoming excessively noisy. In addition, the monitoring clerk can easily hear the notification sounds in the full self-service mode and the checkout-only mode.

[0136] (8) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a sales data processing device operated by a customer to function as a sound control means that outputs sounds related to operations performed by the customer until the customer completes payment, and the sound control means changes the volume of the sounds to a volume louder than the volume during normal operations when an event related to the operation that is different from normal operations occurs in the customer's operations. With the above configuration, even if the monitoring clerk takes his / her eyes off the monitoring screen, he / she can grasp the status of each registered settlement device 20 by the sound. In addition, since the notification sound for special events is output at a loud volume, it has the effect of deterring customers from committing fraudulent acts. Therefore, it is possible to support customers in performing appropriate operations and the clerk can efficiently monitor customers.

[0137] In addition, all or part of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of the registration and settlement device 20 described above may be realized by a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function.

[0138] Specifically, in the above description, the registration and settlement device 20 has been described as having the following functional units: a product registration unit 401, a voice output unit 402, a voice control unit 403, a determination unit 404, a detection unit 405, an error detection unit 406, and a mode control unit 407. All or some of these functional units may be provided in another computer device. For example, all or some of these functional units may be provided in the store controller 10, an external server device, or another computer device. Furthermore, the number of computer devices provided with these functional units is not limited to multiple, and may be one.

[0139] Specifically, for example, instead of the registered settlement device 20, the store controller 10 or an external server device may execute a process to change the volume of the notification sound to a louder volume than that during normal operation when a special event occurs.

[0140] In relation to the above, the registration and settlement device 20 may function as a so-called thin client specialized in the input / output interface portion with respect to product registration and settlement. In other words, the registration and settlement device 20 may accept various inputs (operation by an operator, detection by a device such as a scanner), transmit the input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to a cloud server, receive the processing results of the cloud server based on the input information (updated screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on a display unit, control of a device).

[0141] The programs for implementing the sales data processing system St and the registration and settlement device 20 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] St...Sales data processing system, 10...Store controller, 20...Registration and settlement device, 201...CPU, 202...ROM, 203...RAM, 204...Hard disk, 205...Customer side display unit, 206...Customer side scanner unit, 208...Card payment unit, 209...Change machine, 210...Store clerk side display unit, 211...Key operation unit, 212...Store clerk side scanner unit, 215...Communication unit, 216...Camera, 401...Product registration unit, 402...Audio output unit, 403...Audio control unit, 404...Determination unit, 405...Detection unit, 406...Error detection unit, 407...Mode control unit

Claims

1. A sales data processing device operated by a customer, a sound control means for outputting sounds related to operations performed by the customer until payment is completed; the sound control means changes the volume of the sound to a volume higher than that during normal operation when an event related to the operation that is different from normal occurs in the operation of the customer; A sales data processing device characterized by:

2. an error detection means for detecting an error related to the operation as the different event; The sound control means changes the volume based on the result of the error detected by the error detection means.

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

3. Equipped with a reading means capable of reading various codes, The error includes a reading error in which the reading means does not read the product code or coupon code, the sound control means changes the volume when the reading error is detected.

3. The sales data processing device according to claim 2.

4. a product registration means for registering a product; A weighing means is provided for measuring the weight of the registered commodity, The error includes a weight error in which a comparison result between the registered weight of the product and the weight of the product after being weighed by the weighing means is different, The sound control means changes the volume when the weight error is detected.

3. The sales data processing device according to claim 2.

5. a product registration means for registering a product; a determination unit that determines whether the product registered by the product registration unit as the different event is a specific product; the sound control means changes the volume when the determination means determines that the product is the specific product.

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

6. a detection means for detecting a cancellation operation for canceling the product registered as the different event; the sound control means changes the volume when the detection means detects the cancel operation.

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

7. The sound control means changes the volume in accordance with the number of times the error is detected.

5. The sales data processing device according to claim 2, wherein the sales data processing device is a computer.

8. a mode control means for controlling the system to one of a plurality of modes including a first mode in which the customer settles the account by himself / herself and a second mode in which the store clerk registers the merchandise; the sound control means changes the volume when the event occurs in the first mode, and does not change the volume when the event occurs in the second mode; 3. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

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