Information processing device and commodity registration system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and a commodity registration system that can reduce a manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an embodiment includes a virtualization control unit, one or more connection units, and one or more communication units. The virtualization control unit constructs one or more virtual devices, each executing some types of processing included in commodity sales data processing including commodity registration processing of registering a commodity targeted for sales and accounting processing of paying the price of the commodity registered by the commodity registration processing. The one or more connection units output video signals obtained by converting image data about the some types of processing generated by the virtual devices to a display device connected via a display cable. The one or more communication units transmit / receive data to / from an apparatus to be used in the some types of processing executed by the virtual devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and a product registration system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Point of Sales (POS) systems have been used in stores. A POS system includes a product registration device that registers products to be sold and an accounting device that pays for the products registered by the product registration device.

[0003] However, since a POS system has multiple devices, the manufacturing costs are high. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a product registration system that can reduce manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to an embodiment includes a virtualization control unit, one or more connection units, and one or more communication units. The virtualization control unit constructs one or more virtual devices that execute a portion of the processes included in product sales data processing, including a product registration process for registering products for sale and a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process. The one or more connection units output video signals converted from image data generated by the virtual device for the portion of the processes to a display device connected via a display cable. The one or more communication units transmit and receive data to and from devices used in the portion of the processes executed by the virtual device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the POS system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of virtualized product sales data processing executed by the management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a POS system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a product registration device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a merchandise registration device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing device and a product registration system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of the information processing device and the product registration system, and is not intended to limit the configuration, specifications, etc. of the information processing device and the product registration system.

[0008] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS (Point Of Sales) system 1 according to the first embodiment. The POS system 1 has a product registration unit 10, a first checkout unit 20, and a second checkout unit 30.

[0009] The product registration unit 10 is a unit used for product registration processing to register products to be sold.

[0010] The first checkout unit 20 and the second checkout unit 30 are units used for the checkout process to pay for the products registered by the product registration process. In other words, either the first checkout unit 20 or the second checkout unit 30 is used for the checkout process to pay for the products registered by the product registration unit 10. When either the first checkout unit 20 or the second checkout unit 30 is in use, the other checkout unit is used.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a POS system 1 according to the first embodiment. POS system 1 includes a product registration unit 10, a first checkout unit 20, a second checkout unit 30, and a management device 40 that controls these units. Product registration unit 10 includes multiple devices used in the product registration process to register products for sale. First checkout unit 20 and second checkout unit 30 include multiple devices used in the checkout process to pay for products registered through the product registration process. POS system 1 is an example of a product registration system.

[0012] The product registration unit 10 has a registration display device 11, a registration input / output device 12, and a registration peripheral device 13. The product registration unit 10 may have a plurality of registration peripheral devices 13.

[0013] The registration display device 11 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The registration display device 11 may also be a touch panel display. The registration display device 11 is connected to the management device 40 via a display cable 41. The registration display device 11 displays a video signal output from the management device 40 via the display cable 41. The registration display device 11 is an example of a registration display device. For example, the registration display device 11 displays an image related to the product registration process.

[0014] The registration input / output device 12 is connected to the management device 40 via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable 44. The registration input / output device 12 is also connected to a registration peripheral device 13. The registration input / output device 12 transmits information transmitted from the management device 40 to the registration peripheral device 13. The registration input / output device 12 also transmits information transmitted from the registration peripheral device 13 to the management device 40. Note that although the registration input / output device 12 shown in FIG. 2 shows a state in which one registration peripheral device 13 is connected, multiple registration peripheral devices 13 may be connected.

[0015] The registration peripheral device 13 is a device used in the product registration process. For example, the registration peripheral device 13 is a device such as a scanner or a keyboard. The scanner reads a code symbol such as a barcode indicating a product code for identifying a product. The keyboard is an input device that receives an instruction of the product code of the product to be registered. For example, the registration peripheral device 13 acquires product identification information for identifying the product. The registration peripheral device 13 is an example of a registration device. Then, the registration peripheral device 13 transmits the acquired information to the management device 40 via the registration input / output device 12. Note that the product registration unit 10 may have a plurality of these registration peripheral devices 13.

[0016] The first accounting unit 20 has a first accounting display device 21, a first accounting input / output device 22, and a first accounting peripheral device 23. The first accounting unit 20 may also have multiple first accounting peripheral devices 23.

[0017] The first accounting display device 21 is a device such as an LCD display or an organic EL display. The first accounting display device 21 may also be a touch panel display. The first accounting display device 21 is connected to the management device 40 via a display cable 42. The first accounting display device 21 displays the video signal output from the management device 40 via the display cable 42. The first accounting display device 21 is an example of an accounting display device. For example, the first accounting display device 21 displays images related to accounting transactions.

[0018] The first accounting input / output device 22 is connected to the management device 40 via a LAN cable 44. The first accounting input / output device 22 is also connected to the first accounting peripheral device 23. The first accounting input / output device 22 transmits information sent from the management device 40 to the first accounting peripheral device 23. The first accounting input / output device 22 also transmits information sent from the first accounting peripheral device 23 to the management device 40. Note that while the first accounting input / output device 22 shown in FIG. 2 is shown connected to one first accounting peripheral device 23, multiple first accounting peripheral devices 23 may be connected.

[0019] The first transaction peripheral 23 is a device used in transaction processing. For example, the first transaction peripheral 23 is a printer, an automatic change dispenser, a payment terminal, etc. A printer is a device that prints receipts. An automatic change dispenser is a device that accepts money and dispenses change corresponding to the money inserted. A payment terminal is a device that executes payments using credit cards, electronic money, etc. For example, the second transaction peripheral 33 executes transaction processing to pay for merchandise. The second transaction peripheral 33 is an example of a transaction device. The first transaction peripheral 23 also transmits acquired information to the management device 40 via the first transaction input / output device 22. The first transaction unit 20 may have multiple first transaction peripherals 23.

[0020] The second accounting unit 30 has a second accounting display device 31, a second accounting input / output device 32, and a second accounting peripheral device 33. The second accounting unit 30 may also have multiple second accounting peripheral devices 33.

[0021] The second accounting display device 31 is a device such as an LCD display or an organic EL display. The second accounting display device 31 may also be a touch panel display. The second accounting display device 31 is connected to the management device 40 via a display cable 43. The second accounting display device 31 displays the video signal output from the management device 40 via the display cable 43. The second accounting display device 31 is an example of an accounting display device. For example, the second accounting display device 31 displays images related to accounting transactions.

[0022] The second accounting input / output device 32 is connected to the management device 40 via a LAN cable 44. The second accounting input / output device 32 is also connected to the second accounting peripheral device 33. The second accounting input / output device 32 transmits information sent from the management device 40 to the second accounting peripheral device 33. The second accounting input / output device 32 also transmits information sent from the second accounting peripheral device 33 to the management device 40. Note that while the second accounting input / output device 32 shown in FIG. 2 is connected to one second accounting peripheral device 33, multiple second accounting peripheral devices 33 may be connected.

[0023] The second payment peripheral 33 is a device used in payment processing. For example, the second payment peripheral 33 is a printer, an automatic change dispenser, a payment terminal, etc. A printer is a device that prints receipts. An automatic change dispenser is a device that accepts money and dispenses change corresponding to the money inserted. A payment terminal is a device that executes payments using credit cards, electronic money, etc. For example, the second payment peripheral 33 executes payment for products. The second payment peripheral 33 is an example of a payment device. The second payment peripheral 33 also transmits acquired information to the management device 40 via the second payment input / output device 32. The second payment unit 30 may have multiple second payment peripherals 33.

[0024] Next, the management device 40 will be described.

[0025] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a management device 40 according to the first embodiment. The management device 40 includes a processor 401, a RAM 402, a storage unit 403, a first communication unit 404, a second communication unit 405, a first connection unit 406, a second connection unit 407, and a third connection unit 408. These units are connected via an internal bus 409.

[0026] The processor 401 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of the management device 40. The RAM 402 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. The processor 401 uses the RAM 402 as a work area to execute a control program 411 and the like stored in the storage unit 403.

[0027] The storage unit 403 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 403 stores a control program 411.

[0028] The control program 411 is a program for implementing the functions of the management device 40. The control program 411 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0029] The first communication unit 404 is a wired communication device such as a network interface card, etc. For example, the first communication unit 404 communicates with an external device via a LAN cable (not shown).

[0030] The second communication unit 405 transmits and receives data to and from devices used in some of the retail sales data processing, including the product registration process and transaction process, executed by the virtual device. More specifically, the second communication unit 405 is a wired communication device such as a network interface card. For example, the second communication unit 405 communicates with the registration I / O device 12, the first transaction I / O device 22, or the second transaction I / O device 32 via a LAN cable 44. Furthermore, the second communication unit 405 may communicate with other devices in addition to these devices. The management device 40 may have multiple communication units, not just the second communication unit 405, for communication with the registration I / O device 12, the first transaction I / O device 22, or the second transaction I / O device 32.

[0031] The first connection unit 406 outputs a video signal obtained by converting image data for the product registration process to the registration display device 11 connected via the display cable 41. More specifically, the first connection unit 406 is an interface for connecting to the registration display device 11. For example, the first connection unit 406 is an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C. Note that the first connection unit 406 is not limited to a USB interface and may be one that connects using another protocol.

[0032] The second connection unit 407 outputs a video signal converted from image data for the transaction to the first accounting display device 21 connected via the display cable 42. More specifically, the second connection unit 407 is an interface for connecting to the first accounting display device 21. For example, the second connection unit 407 is an interface such as USB Type-C. Note that the second connection unit 407 is not limited to USB and may be connected using other protocols.

[0033] The third connection unit 408 outputs a video signal converted from image data of the transaction to the second accounting display device 31 connected via the display cable 43. More specifically, the third connection unit 408 is an interface for connecting to the second accounting display device 31. For example, the third connection unit 408 is an interface such as USB Type-C. Note that the third connection unit 408 is not limited to USB and may connect using other protocols. The first connection unit 406, the second connection unit 407, and the third connection unit 408 are examples of one or more connection units.

[0034] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the management device 40. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management device 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] The processor 401 included in the management device 40 loads the control program 411 stored in the storage unit 403 into the RAM 402, and operates in accordance with the control program 411 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 402. As a result, the processor 401 included in the management device 40 includes a communication control unit 4001 and a virtualization control unit 4002 as functional units.

[0036] The communication control unit 4001 controls the first communication unit 404 to execute communication with an external device.

[0037] The virtualization control unit 4002 constructs one or more virtual devices that execute some of the processes included in the product sales data processing, including a product registration process for registering products for sale and a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process. The virtualization control unit 4002 is an example of a virtualization control unit. The virtualization control unit 4002 constructs a virtual registration device that executes the product registration process for registering products for sale and one or more virtual checkout devices that execute the checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process.

[0038] For example, the virtualization control unit 4002 constructs a virtual registration device 4100, a first virtual accounting device 4200, and a second virtual accounting device 4300. The virtual registration device 4100, the first virtual accounting device 4200, and the second virtual accounting device 4300 are communicatively connected via a virtual network 4003.

[0039] The virtual registration device 4100 is a virtual registration device that executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold. The virtual registration device 4100 includes a product registration unit 4101, a device selection unit 4102, a communication control unit 4103, and a display control unit 4104.

[0040] The product registration unit 4101 executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold. For example, the product registration unit 4101 executes the product registration process by controlling the registration peripheral device 13 connected via the second communication unit 405. The product registration unit 4101 is an example of a product registration unit.

[0041] More specifically, the registration peripheral device 13, such as a scanner or keyboard, accepts input of product identification information for identifying a product. The product identification information may be code information, a product name, or other information. The product registration unit 4101 then acquires the product identification information via the second communication unit 405.

[0042] The registration display device 11 may also accept input of product identification information via a touch panel on a preset image having a list of products sold in the store. The product registration unit 4101 may acquire the product identification information via the first connection unit 406.

[0043] The product registration unit 4101 acquires product information about the product identified by the acquired product identification information based on a product master in which the product identification information and product information about the product are associated. The product information includes information such as the product name and product price. The product master may be stored in the storage unit 403 or in the server device. If the product master is stored in the server device, the product registration unit 4101 transmits the product identification information to the server device and receives the product information from the server device.

[0044] The product registration unit 4101 registers the acquired product information. By repeatedly executing this process, the product registration unit 4101 generates product registration information having product information for each product registered by the product registration process.

[0045] The device selection unit 4102 selects a virtual checkout device to which product registration information containing product information for each product registered through the product registration process by the product registration unit 4101. The device selection unit 4102 is an example of a selection unit. In other words, the device selection unit 4102 selects whether to use the first checkout unit 20 or the second checkout unit 30.

[0046] More specifically, the device selection unit 4102 selects a virtual accounting device to which the product registration information is to be sent from the first virtual accounting device 4200 and the second virtual accounting device 4300. The device selection unit 4102 may select a destination based on any criteria. For example, the device selection unit 4102 may select a destination based on an operation received by the registration display device 11, or may select a destination based on an operation received by a registration peripheral device 13 such as a keyboard, or may select an available virtual accounting device from the first virtual accounting device 4200 and the second virtual accounting device 4300 as the destination, or may select a destination based on other criteria.

[0047] The communication control unit 4103 transmits the product registration information to the virtual accounting device selected by the device selection unit 4102 via the virtual network 4003. The communication control unit 4103 is an example of a first communication control unit. That is, the communication control unit 4103 transmits the product registration information to the first virtual accounting device 4200 or the second virtual accounting device 4300.

[0048] The display control unit 4104 generates image data related to a product registration process for registering a product to be sold, and displays the image data on the registration display device 11 connected via the first connection unit 406. The display control unit 4104 is an example of a first display control unit. That is, the display control unit 4104 converts the image data into a video signal. Then, the display control unit 4104 outputs the converted video signal to the registration display device 11. As a result, the registration display device 11 displays the image generated by the display control unit 4104.

[0049] More specifically, the display control unit 4104 generates image data corresponding to each state of the product registration process. For example, the display control unit 4104 generates a standby image indicating that product registration is on standby until an operation related to product registration is received. Furthermore, when product registration starts, the display control unit 4104 generates a product registration image having a list of registered products.

[0050] The display control unit 4104 also displays the checkout unit that will perform the checkout process to pay for the products registered through the product registration process. That is, when a virtual checkout device that will perform the checkout process is selected by the device selection unit 4102, the display control unit 4104 generates a notification image that notifies the user of the checkout unit that will be used for the checkout. The display control unit 4104 then displays the various images that it has generated on the registration display device 11 connected via the first connection unit 406.

[0051] The first virtual accounting device 4200 is a virtual accounting device that executes accounting processes for paying for products registered through the product registration process. The first virtual accounting device 4200 has a communication control unit 4201, an accounting processing unit 4202, and a display control unit 4203.

[0052] The communication control unit 4201 receives product registration information from the virtual registration device 4100 via the virtual network 4003. The communication control unit 4201 is an example of a second communication control unit.

[0053] The accounting processing unit 4202 performs accounting processing to pay for the products registered through the product registration process. For example, the accounting processing unit 4202 performs accounting processing by controlling the first accounting peripheral device 23 connected through the second communication unit 405. The accounting processing unit 4202 is an example of an accounting processing unit. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 4202 obtains the total price of each product registered through the product registration process based on the product registration information. The accounting processing unit 4202 then performs accounting processing to receive payment for the obtained total price.

[0054] If the first transaction peripheral device 23 is a money processing device, the transaction processing unit 4202 calculates the amount of change based on the amount of money inserted into the first transaction peripheral device 23. The transaction processing unit 4202 then causes the first transaction peripheral device 23 to dispense the calculated amount of change. If the first transaction peripheral device 23 is a payment device, the transaction processing unit 4202 executes a payment process to pay the price using a credit card or the like.

[0055] Additionally, when payment is complete, the transaction processing unit 4202 sends receipt information indicating the transaction details to the first transaction peripheral device 23, which is a printer. The receipt information includes a list of product names and prices, as well as the total amount. In response, the transaction processing unit 4202 causes the first transaction peripheral device 23, which is a printer, to print a receipt indicating the transaction details.

[0056] The display control unit 4203 generates image data related to the transaction and displays the image data on the first accounting display device 21 connected via the second connection unit 407. The display control unit 4203 is an example of a second display control unit. That is, the display control unit 4203 converts the image data into a video signal. The display control unit 4203 then outputs the converted video signal to the first accounting display device 21. As a result, the first accounting display device 21 displays the image generated by the display control unit 4203.

[0057] More specifically, the display control unit 4203 generates image data corresponding to each state of the checkout process. For example, during the checkout process, the display control unit 4203 generates a checkout image that prompts the user to pay. For example, the checkout image is an image that shows the total price of each item registered through the item registration process. Note that the display control unit 4203 is not limited to checkout images and may generate other images as well. The display control unit 4203 then displays the various images it has generated on the first checkout display device 21 connected via the second connection unit 407.

[0058] The second virtual accounting device 4300 is a virtual accounting device that executes accounting processing to pay for products registered through the product registration processing. The second virtual accounting device 4300 has a communication control unit 4301, an accounting processing unit 4302, and a display control unit 4303.

[0059] The communication control unit 4301 receives product registration information from the virtual registration device 4100 via the virtual network 4003. The communication control unit 4301 is an example of a second communication control unit.

[0060] The accounting processing unit 4302 performs accounting processing to pay for the products registered through the product registration process. For example, the accounting processing unit 4302 performs accounting processing by controlling the second accounting peripheral device 33 connected through the second communication unit 405. The accounting processing unit 4202 is an example of an accounting processing unit. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 4302 obtains the total price of each product registered through the product registration process based on the product registration information. The accounting processing unit 4302 then performs accounting processing to receive payment for the obtained total price.

[0061] If the second transaction peripheral device 33 is a money processing device, the transaction processing unit 4302 calculates the amount of change based on the amount of money inserted into the second transaction peripheral device 33. The transaction processing unit 4302 then ejects the calculated amount of change into the second transaction peripheral device 33. If the second transaction peripheral device 33 is a payment device, the transaction processing unit 4302 executes a payment process to pay the price using a credit card or the like.

[0062] Additionally, when payment is complete, the transaction processing unit 4302 sends receipt information indicating the transaction details to the second transaction peripheral device 33, which is a printer. The receipt information includes a list of product names and prices, as well as the total amount. In response, the transaction processing unit 4302 causes the second transaction peripheral device 33, which is a printer, to print a receipt indicating the transaction details.

[0063] The display control unit 4303 generates image data related to the transaction and displays the image data on the second accounting display device 31 connected via the third connection unit 408. That is, the display control unit 4303 converts the image data into a video signal. The display control unit 4303 then outputs the converted video signal to the second accounting display device 31. As a result, the second accounting display device 31 displays the image generated by the display control unit 4303.

[0064] More specifically, the display control unit 4303 generates image data corresponding to each state of the checkout process. For example, during the checkout process, the display control unit 4303 generates a checkout image that prompts the user to pay. For example, the checkout image is an image that shows the total price of each item registered through the item registration process. Note that the display control unit 4303 may generate other images in addition to checkout images. The display control unit 4303 then displays the various images it has generated on the second checkout display device 31 connected via the third connection unit 408.

[0065] Next, the process executed by the management device 40 will be described.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of virtualized product sales data processing executed by the management device 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0067] The display control unit 4104 of the virtual registration device 4100 displays a standby image on the registration display device 11 connected via the first connection unit 406 (step S1).

[0068] The product registration unit 4101 of the virtual registration device 4100 executes product registration processing by controlling the registration peripheral device 13 connected via the second communication unit 405 and the registration display device 11 connected via the first connection unit 406 (step S2). That is, the product registration unit 4101 registers product information identified by product identification information acquired by the registration peripheral device 13 or the registration display device 11 based on the product master.

[0069] The display control unit 4104 of the virtual registration device 4100 displays the product registration image on the registration display device 11 connected via the first connection unit 406 (step S3).

[0070] The product registration unit 4101 of the virtual registration device 4100 determines whether an operation to end the product registration process has been accepted from the registration peripheral device 13 or the registration display device 11 (step S4). If an operation to end the product registration process has not been accepted (step S4; No), the product registration unit 4101 of the virtual registration device 4100 proceeds to step S2.

[0071] On the other hand, if an operation to end the product registration process is accepted (Step S4; Yes), the device selection unit 4102 of the virtual registration device 4100 selects whether the transaction will be performed by the first virtual transaction device 4200 that controls the first transaction unit 20, or the second virtual transaction device 4300 that controls the second transaction unit 30 (Step S5). In other words, the device selection unit 4102 selects the transaction unit to be used for the transaction, either the first transaction unit 20 or the second transaction unit 30. Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 5 explains the case where the first virtual transaction device 4200 is selected.

[0072] Based on the selection result, the display control unit 4104 of the virtual registration device 4100 displays a notification image indicating the checkout unit to be used for the checkout process on the registration display device 11 (step S6). The flowchart shown in Figure 5 assumes that the first virtual checkout device 4200 has been selected, so the notification image notifies the user that the checkout process will be performed using the first checkout unit 20.

[0073] The communication control unit 4103 of the virtual registration device 4100 transmits the product registration information to the selected virtual accounting device via the virtual network 4003 (step S7). That is, the communication control unit 4103 transmits the product registration information to the first virtual accounting device 4200 or the second virtual accounting device 4300. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 assumes that the first virtual accounting device 4200 is selected, and therefore the communication control unit 4103 transmits the product registration information to the first virtual accounting device 4200.

[0074] The order of steps S6 and S7 may be reversed. That is, the virtual registration device 4100 may display the notification image after transmitting the product registration information.

[0075] The display control unit 4203 of the first virtual accounting device 4200 displays a transaction image on the first accounting display device 21 based on the product registration information received by the communication control unit 4201 (step S8).

[0076] The accounting processing unit 4202 of the first virtual accounting device 4200 performs accounting processing by controlling the first accounting peripheral device 23 connected via the second communication unit 405 and the first accounting display device 21 connected via the second connection unit 407 (step S9).

[0077] The accounting processing unit 4202 determines whether the accounting process has been completed (step S10). If the accounting process has not been completed (step S10; No), the accounting processing unit 4202 proceeds to step S8.

[0078] On the other hand, if the transaction process is completed (step S10; Yes), the management device 40 ends the virtualized product sales data process.

[0079] As described above, the management device 40 according to the first embodiment implements a virtual registration device 4100, a first virtual accounting device 4200, and a second virtual accounting device 4300. The virtual registration device 4100 displays images on the registration display device 11 and controls the registration peripheral device 13 to execute product registration processing. The first virtual accounting device 4200 displays images on the first accounting display device 21 and controls the first accounting peripheral device 23 to execute transaction processing. The second virtual accounting device 4300 displays images on the second accounting display device 31 and controls the second accounting peripheral device 33 to execute transaction processing. This allows the POS system 1 to execute product registration processing and transaction processing without the need for a product registration device or transaction device. Therefore, the management device 40 can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0080] (Second embodiment) FIG. 6 shows an example of the system configuration of a POS system 1a according to the second embodiment. POS system 1a does not include a management device 40. POS system 1a also includes a product registration device 50, which is used for product registration processing, instead of product registration unit 10. Product registration device 50 also controls first transaction unit 20 and second transaction unit 30.

[0081] More specifically, the product registration device 50 executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold. Furthermore, the product registration device 50 implements a first virtual checkout device 4200 and a second virtual checkout device 4300.

[0082] Next, the product registration device 50 will be described.

[0083] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a product registration device 50 according to the second embodiment. The product registration device 50 includes a processor 501, a RAM 502, a storage unit 503, a first communication unit 504, a second communication unit 505, a first connection unit 506, a second connection unit 507, a registration display device 508, and a registration peripheral device 509. These units are connected via an internal bus 510.

[0084] The processor 501 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of the product registration device 50. The RAM 502 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. The processor 501 uses the RAM 502 as a work area to execute a control program 511 and the like stored in the storage unit 503.

[0085] The storage unit 503 is an auxiliary storage device such as a HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 503 stores a control program 511.

[0086] The control program 511 is a program for implementing the functions of the merchandise registration device 50. The control program 511 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0087] The first communication unit 504 is a wired communication device such as a network interface card, etc. For example, the first communication unit 504 communicates with an external device via a LAN cable (not shown).

[0088] The second communication unit 505 transmits and receives data to and from devices used in some of the retail sales data processing, including the product registration process and transaction process, executed by the virtual device. More specifically, the second communication unit 505 is a wired communication device such as a network interface card. For example, the second communication unit 505 communicates with the first transaction input / output device 22 or the second transaction input / output device 32 via the LAN cable 44. Furthermore, the second communication unit 505 may communicate with other devices as well. The product registration device 50 may have multiple communication units other than the second communication unit 505 for communication with the first transaction input / output device 22 or the second transaction input / output device 32.

[0089] The first connection unit 506 outputs a video signal converted from image data of the transaction to the first accounting display device 21 connected via the display cable 42. The first connection unit 506 is an interface for connecting to the first accounting display device 21. For example, the first connection unit 506 is an interface such as USB Type-C. Note that the first connection unit 506 is not limited to USB and may connect using other protocols.

[0090] The second connection unit 507 outputs a video signal converted from image data of the transaction to the second accounting display device 31 connected via the display cable 43. The second connection unit 507 is an interface for connecting to the second accounting display device 31. For example, the second connection unit 507 is an interface such as USB Type-C. Note that the second connection unit 507 is not limited to USB and may connect using other protocols.

[0091] The registration display device 508 is the same device as the registration display device 11 according to the first embodiment. That is, the registration display device 508 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The registration display device 508 may also be a touch panel display.

[0092] The registration peripheral device 509 is a device similar to the registration peripheral device 13 according to the first embodiment. That is, the registration peripheral device 509 is a device used in the product registration process. For example, the registration peripheral device 509 is a scanner, a keyboard, etc. The product registration device 50 may have a plurality of these registration peripheral devices 509.

[0093] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the merchandise registration device 50. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the merchandise registration device 50 according to the second embodiment.

[0094] The processor 501 included in the product registration device 50 loads the control program 511 stored in the storage unit 503 into the RAM 502 and operates in accordance with the control program 511 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 502. As a result, the processor 501 included in the product registration device 50 includes, as functional units, a communication control unit 5001, a product registration unit 5002, a device selection unit 5003, an internal communication control unit 5004, a display control unit 5005, and a virtualization control unit 5006.

[0095] The communication control unit 5001 controls the first communication unit 504 to execute communication with an external device.

[0096] The product registration unit 5002 has the same function as the product registration unit 4101 of the virtual registration device 4100 .

[0097] The device selection unit 5003 has the same function as the device selection unit 4102 of the virtual registration device 4100 .

[0098] The internal communication control unit 5004 communicates with the first virtual accounting device 4200 or the second virtual accounting device 4300 constructed by the virtualization control unit 5006. Here, communication in the internal communication control unit 5004 is not limited to data input / output to / from external devices, but also includes data input / output to / from the first virtual accounting device 4200 or the second virtual accounting device 4300 constructed by the internal communication control unit 5004. Furthermore, transmission in the internal communication control unit 5004 is a concept that includes data output to the first virtual accounting device 4200 or the second virtual accounting device 4300. Furthermore, reception in the internal communication control unit 5004 is a concept that includes data input from the first virtual accounting device 4200 or the second virtual accounting device 4300. The internal communication control unit 5004 transmits product registration information to the virtual accounting device selected by the device selection unit 5003.

[0099] The display control unit 5005 has the same function as the display control unit 4104 of the virtual registration device 4100 .

[0100] The virtualization control unit 5006 creates one or more virtual devices that execute some of the processes included in the product sales data processing, including a product registration process for registering products for sale and a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process. The virtualization control unit 4002 is an example of a virtualization control unit. The virtualization control unit 5006 creates one or more virtual checkout devices that execute a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process.

[0101] For example, the virtualization control unit 5006 constructs a first virtual accounting device 4200 and a second virtual accounting device 4300. The first virtual accounting device 4200 and the second virtual accounting device 4300 are then communicatively connected via a virtual network 4003.

[0102] The first virtual accounting device 4200 is a virtual accounting device that executes accounting processes to pay for products registered through the product registration process. The first virtual accounting device 4200 has the same functions as the first virtual accounting device 4200 according to the first embodiment.

[0103] The second virtual accounting device 4300 is a virtual accounting device that executes accounting processes for paying for products registered through the product registration process. The second virtual accounting device 4300 has the same functions as the second virtual accounting device 4300 according to the first embodiment.

[0104] As described above, the product registration device 50 according to the second embodiment creates a virtual first virtual checkout device 4200 and a virtual second virtual checkout device 4300. This allows the POS system 1a to perform product registration and checkout processes without the need for a checkout device. Therefore, the product registration device 50 can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0105] (Variation 1) In the first embodiment, it was explained that the management device 40 creates the virtual registration device 4100, the first virtual accounting device 4200, and the second virtual accounting device 4300. In the second embodiment, it was explained that the product registration device 50 creates the first virtual accounting device 4200 and the second virtual accounting device 4300.

[0106] However, other devices may constitute the virtual registration device 4100, the first virtual accounting device 4200, and the second virtual accounting device 4300. For example, the virtual registration device 4100 and the second virtual accounting device 4300 may be constituted by an accounting device that performs accounting processing to pay for products registered by the product registration process, instead of the first accounting unit 20. Furthermore, the virtual registration device 4100 and the first virtual accounting device 4200 may be constituted by an accounting device that performs accounting processing to pay for products registered by the product registration process, instead of the second accounting unit 30.

[0107] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0108] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments and modifications are provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) included in each device, but this is not limited to this. For example, the programs may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program downloaded via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0109] In addition, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments and variants may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. 1a POS system 10 Product Registration Unit 11 Registration display device 12 Registration input / output device 13 Registration peripherals 20 First Accounting Unit 21 First accounting display device 22 First accounting input / output device 23 First accounting peripherals 30 Second Accounting Unit 31 Second accounting display device 32 Second accounting input / output device 33 Second accounting peripherals 40 Management device 41, 42, 43 Display cable 44 LAN (Local Area Network) cable 50 Product registration device 508 Registration display device 509 Registration Peripherals 4001 Communication control unit 4002, 5006 Virtualization control unit 4003 Virtual Network 4100 Virtual Registration Device 4200 First Virtual Accounting Device 4300 Second Virtual Accounting Device 4101, 5002 Product Registration Department 4102, 5003 Device selection section 4103, 4201, 4301, 5001 Communication control unit 4104 Display control unit 4202, 4302 Accounting Department 4203, 4303, 5005 Display control unit 5004 Internal communication control unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0111] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-179834

Claims

1. a virtualization control unit that constructs one or more virtual devices that execute part of the processes included in the product sales data processing, including a product registration process that registers products to be sold and a checkout process that pays for the products registered by the product registration process; one or more connection units that output a video signal obtained by converting the image data of the part of the processing generated by the virtual device to a display device connected via a display cable; one or more communication units that transmit and receive data to and from devices used in the part of the processing executed by the virtual device; An information processing device comprising:

2. the virtualization control unit constructs a virtual registration device that executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold, and one or more virtual checkout devices that execute a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process; The virtual registration device a product registration unit that controls a device connected via the communication unit to execute the product registration process; a first display control unit that generates image data related to the product registration process and displays the image data on a display device connected by the connection unit; The virtual accounting device an accounting processing unit that controls the device connected via the communication unit to execute the accounting process; a second display control unit that generates image data related to the transaction and displays the image data on a display device connected via the connection unit; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The virtual registration device a selection unit for selecting the virtual checkout device to which product registration information containing product information for each product registered by the product registration process is to be transmitted; a first communication control unit that transmits the product registration information to the virtual checkout device selected by the selection unit via a virtual network; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The virtual accounting device a second communication control unit that receives the product registration information via a virtual network; The transaction processing unit executes the transaction processing based on the product registration information. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. A product registration system having a registration unit having a plurality of devices used in a product registration process for registering products to be sold, a checkout unit having a plurality of devices used in a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process, and an information processing device, The registration unit a registration display device that displays the video signal output from the information processing device; a registration device that acquires product identification information for identifying a product; Equipped with The accounting unit: an accounting display device that displays the video signal output from the information processing device; accounting equipment for performing accounting to pay for the goods; Equipped with The information processing device includes: a virtual registration device that controls the registration device to execute the product registration process and displays a video signal obtained by converting image data related to the product registration process on the registration display device; a virtual accounting device that controls the accounting device to execute the accounting process and displays a video signal converted from image data related to the accounting process on the accounting display device; A product registration system comprising:

6. A product registration system having a checkout unit having a plurality of devices used for a checkout process for paying for products registered by a product registration process, and a product registration device that executes the product registration process for registering products to be sold, The accounting unit: a billing display device that displays the video signal output from the product registration device; accounting equipment for performing accounting to pay for the goods; Equipped with The product registration device a registration display device that displays the video signal output from the product registration device; a registration device that acquires product identification information for identifying a product; a product registration unit that controls the registration device to execute the product registration process; a display control unit that displays a video signal obtained by converting image data related to the product registration process on the registration display device; a virtual accounting device that controls the accounting device to execute the accounting process and displays a video signal converted from image data related to the accounting process on the accounting display device; A product registration system comprising:

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