Commodity registration apparatus and method

Abstract

To improve operability by confirming a key whose input is valid in a process at the present time.SOLUTION: A commodity registration device includes a keyboard on which a plurality of keys are arranged, a display, an identification unit, a notification unit, and a processing unit. The display displays a screen corresponding to a step for each step related to the commodity registration. The specification part specifies a key whose input is valid in a process corresponding to a screen displayed on a display from among a plurality of keys arranged on a keyboard. The notification unit notifies the valid key specified by the specifying unit by using a screen displayed on the display. The processing unit executes processing relating to commodity registration according to an input of the valid key specified by the specifying unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a product registration device equipped with a keyboard with multiple keys and a display that displays a screen corresponding to each step related to product registration. In this type of product registration device, when a key that is not valid for the current step is operated and input, the control unit of the product registration device treats the key operation input as an error and suspends processing. The control unit will not resume processing unless an operation to clear the error is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5211021 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a product registration device that can confirm which keys are valid for input in the current process and can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the product registration device includes a keyboard with multiple keys, a display, an identification unit, a notification unit, and a processing unit. The display displays a screen corresponding to each step related to product registration. The identification unit identifies, from among the multiple keys arranged on the keyboard, a key whose input is valid for the step corresponding to the screen displayed on the display. The notification unit notifies the user of the valid key identified by the identification unit using the screen displayed on the display. The processing unit executes processing related to product registration in response to input of the valid key identified by the identification unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a merchandise registration device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of each key arranged on a keyboard of the product registration device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a first table included in the product registration device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of a screen displayed on a touch panel display of the product registration device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the layout of a screen displayed on the touch panel display of the product registration device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a second table included in the product registration device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a third table included in the product registration device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor of the merchandise registration device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the merchandise registration device in accordance with the input processing program. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the merchandise registration device in accordance with the input processing program. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel display during the sign-on process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the lit / unlit state of each key arranged on the keyboard during the sign-on process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel display during the product registration process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the lit / unlit state of each key arranged on the keyboard during the product registration process. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel display when waiting for payment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the lit / unlit state of each key on the keyboard when waiting for payment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product registration device that can confirm which keys are valid for input in the current process and can improve operability will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] [Product registration device configuration explanation] 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the merchandise registration device 1. The merchandise registration device 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, a communication interface 15, a change dispenser interface 161, a payment terminal interface 162, a keyboard 171, a scanner 172, a touch panel 173, a customer display 174, a printer 175, and a system transmission path 18. The system transmission path 18 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 18 interconnects the processor 11 with the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock 14, the communication interface 15, the change dispenser interface 161, the payment terminal interface 162, the keyboard 171, the scanner 172, the touch panel 173, the customer display 174, and the printer 175.

[0009] The merchandise registration device 1 is configured as a computer by connecting a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, and a communication interface 15 via a system transmission line 18. This computer then controls device interfaces such as a change dispenser interface 161 and a payment terminal interface 162, and devices such as a keyboard 171, a scanner 172, a touch panel 173, a customer display 174, and a printer 175, thereby realizing various functions of the merchandise registration device 1.

[0010] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or an application program to realize various functions of the product registration device 1. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0011] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 11 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0012] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0013] The clock 14 functions as a time information source for the computer. The product registration device 1 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 14.

[0014] The communication interface 15 constitutes an interface for managing data communication between the computer and devices connected via a communication network. The other device is, for example, a store server. The store server is a server computer that supports the functions of the product registration device 1. The store server is provided with a product master for this support. The product master is a database that stores product data such as the product name and unit price of each product, in association with a product code that individually identifies each product sold in the store. The product registration device 1 registers sales data of products purchased by customers based on the product data stored in the product master. The store server also has an aggregation file for classifying and aggregating the sales units, sales amounts, etc. of each product by product. The store server collects the product sales data registered by the product registration device 1, aggregates it by product in the aggregation file, and manages sales, inventory, etc. for the entire store.

[0015] The change machine interface 161 constitutes an interface for managing data communication between the computer and the automatic change machine. The product registration device 1 inputs amount data of coins inserted into the automatic change machine from the automatic change machine via the change machine interface 161. The product registration device 1 also outputs change data to the automatic change machine via the change machine interface 161. The automatic change machine that has input the change data automatically dispenses coins equivalent to the change data as change.

[0016] The payment terminal interface 162 constitutes an interface for managing data communication between the computer and the cashless payment terminal. The cashless payment terminal is a terminal that reads data from credit cards, electronic money cards, etc., communicates with a credit server, electronic money server, etc., and processes cashless payments using credit cards or electronic money. The payment terminal interface 162 inputs card data, etc. read by the cashless payment terminal. The payment terminal interface 162 outputs information indicating the processing result of the cashless payment to the cashless payment terminal.

[0017] The keyboard 171 is a hardware keyboard on which a plurality of keys are arranged, each of which enters an input state when physically pressed. The keyboard 171 functions as an input device for the computer. Each key is provided with an LED, which is a light-emitting element, on the back side of the operation surface, or key top, that the operator touches, and the operator can distinguish between keys with their LEDs lit and keys with their LEDs unlit by looking at the key top.

[0018] The scanner 172 is a device for scanning and reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. The scanner 172 may read code symbols from images captured by a camera. Many products are affixed with code symbols that represent the product code unique to each product in the form of a barcode. The scanner 172 is used to read code symbols affixed to products purchased by shoppers.

[0019] The touch panel 173 includes a display as a display device and a touch sensor as an input device. The touch panel 173 displays various information on the display to the store clerk who operates the product registration device 1. For example, the touch panel 173 displays the product names, unit prices, etc. of the products registered in the product registration device 1. Alternatively, the touch panel 173 displays a list of products without barcodes on the display. The touch panel 173 detects touch operations on the display screen with the touch sensor and accepts input according to the touch position. For example, the touch panel 173 accepts input for products without barcodes displayed at the touch position.

[0020] The customer display 174 is used to display various information to customers. For example, the customer display 174 displays the product name, unit price, etc. of the product each time it is registered in the product registration device 1. The customer display 174 also displays the total amount of the transaction, the amount of change, etc.

[0021] The printer 175 is a device that prints data on receipt paper, cuts it, and issues a receipt. A receipt is, for example, a transaction receipt that records the details of a completed transaction. A receipt may also function as a receipt, a credit slip, or the like.

[0022] A merchandise registration device having such a configuration can be referred to as, for example, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, an electronic cash register, an electronic cash register, a settlement device, an accounting device, or the like.

[0023] [Keyboard details] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example layout of each key arranged on the keyboard 171. The keyboard 171 has numeric input keys arranged in approximately the center of the board surface, including numeric keypads

[00] and [0] to [9], a clear key [C], and an input key [Enter]. The clear key is an operator for clearing a numeric value input by the numeric keypad. The input key is an operator for confirming a numeric value input by the numeric keypad. Furthermore, when viewed from the board surface, the keyboard 171 has function keys such as [Department], [Bulk Cancel], [JAN], [Specified Cancel], [X], [Return], [Payment], and [Deposit] arranged to the left of the numeric input keys, function keys such as [Discount], [%-], and [Exchange] arranged above the numeric input keys, and function keys such as [Responsibility No.], [Hold], [Return], [Training], [Recall], [Credit], [10,000 Yen Bill], [Electronic Money], [Amount], [Subtotal], and [Current Total] arranged to the right of the numeric input keys.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, a letter or symbol representing the function of each key is printed on the key top of each key arranged on the board surface. The letter or symbol is called the key name. Each key is also assigned a unique key number. The key number is a consecutive number starting from "1", for example. Each key is identified by its key number.

[0025] 3, the product registration device 1 has a first table 21 in which a hard key code (HKC), a key name, and a function key code (SFKC) are set in association with the key number of each key. The product registration device 1 stores the first table 21 in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The key name is a text or symbol displayed on the key top of the key with the corresponding key number.

[0026] A hard key code is a code of a key signal output from keyboard 171 to processor 11 when a key with a corresponding key number is pressed and put into an input state. On the other hand, a function key code is a code used for data processing by processor 11. When processor 11 acquires a hard key code from a key signal of keyboard 171, it converts the hard key code into a function key code by referring to first table 21. Then, processor 11 executes data processing based on the converted function key code.

[0027] [Touch panel screen explanation] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing layout examples of screens displayed on the display of touch panel 173. Fig. 4 shows a layout example of first pattern 31, and Fig. 5 shows a layout example of second pattern 32. The display of touch panel 173 displays a screen corresponding to each step related to product registration. Depending on the step, the screen may be displayed in the layout of first pattern 31 or in the layout of second pattern 32.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the first pattern 31 has a title area 311 in the upper section of the screen, an image area 312 in the middle section, and a button area 313 in the lower section. The title area 311 displays the stage name, date, time, and register number. The stage name is a title that represents the current process. The date and time are the year, month, day (YYYY / MM / DD) and hour, minute (hh:mm) measured by the clock 14. The register number is an identification number that is preset for the product registration device 1. For example, if two or more product registration devices 1 are installed in one store, different register numbers are set for each product registration device 1. The image area 312 displays a stage image corresponding to the current process. The button area 313 displays one or more touch buttons.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 5, the second pattern 32 has a title area 321 in the upper section of the screen, an image area 322 in the left half of the middle screen, a first button area 323 in the lower section, and a second button area 324 in the right half of the middle screen. As with the first pattern 31, the title area 321 displays the stage name, date and time, and register number. The image area 322 displays a stage image corresponding to the current process. One or more touch buttons are displayed in the first button area 323 and the second button area 324.

[0030] Incidentally, this embodiment shows an example in which ten touch buttons are pre-arranged in a matrix of two rows and five columns in the button area 313 of the first pattern 31 and the first button area 323 of the second pattern 32. Also, in the second button area 324 of the second pattern 32, touch buttons similar to numeric input keys are arranged on the right side as one faces the screen, and five touch buttons are arranged in a row on the left side. Each touch button is assigned a unique button ID.

[0031] In order to control the screen display for each process, the product registration device 1 has a second table 22 having the data structure shown in Fig. 6 and a third table 23 having the data structure shown in Fig. 7. The product registration device 1 stores the second table 22 and the third table 23 in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6, the second table 22 is a data table in which a stage name, a pattern number, and an image ID are associated with a stage number. The stage number is a unique number assigned to each process related to product registration. The stage name is the title of the process identified by the corresponding stage number. The pattern number is a number used to determine whether the screen of the process identified by the corresponding stage number will have the layout of the first pattern 31 or the layout of the second pattern 32. In this embodiment, the pattern number for the layout of the first pattern 31 is set to "1," and the pattern number for the layout of the second pattern 32 is set to "2."

[0033] The image ID is information for identifying an image, a so-called stage image, displayed in the image area 312 or the image area 322 in a process identified by the corresponding stage number. The product registration device 1 uses a part of the storage area of ​​the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 as an image memory. The product registration device 1 then stores data indicating the stage image of the process identified by each image ID in association with each image ID in the image memory.

[0034] 7, the third table 23 is a data table in which button IDs, valid function key codes (valid SFKCs), and next stage numbers are associated with stage numbers. As described above, the stage numbers are unique numbers assigned to each process related to product registration. As described above, the button IDs are also unique codes assigned to each of the multiple touch buttons displayed in the button area 313 of the first pattern 31 and the first and second button areas 323 and 324 of the second pattern 32.

[0035] A valid function key code is a function key code of a key that is permitted to be input on the screen of a process identified by the corresponding stage number. For example, if input of the function key [Subtotal] arranged on the keyboard 171 is permitted in a process with stage number

[0001] , the function key code set in the first table 21 corresponding to the key number assigned to the function key [Subtotal] is set as a valid function key code for any one of the button IDs corresponding to the stage number

[0001] in the third table 23. Similarly, if input of the function key [Returns] is permitted in a process with stage number

[0002] , the function key code set in the first table 21 corresponding to the key number assigned to the function key [Returns] is set as a valid function key code for any one of the button IDs corresponding to the stage number

[0002] in the third table 23.

[0036] The next stage number is the stage number assigned to a process to which a process transitions when a process identified by the corresponding stage number transitions to the next process as a result of the execution of a process based on the corresponding valid function key code. For example, in FIG. 7, when a process is executed based on the valid function key code [SFKCa] in a process identified by the stage number

[0001] , the process related to product registration transitions to the process identified by the next stage number

[0002] . In contrast, when a process is executed based on the valid function key code [SFKCb] in a process identified by the same stage number

[0001] , the process related to product registration transitions to the process identified by the next stage number

[0009] . On the other hand, when a process is executed based on the valid function key code [SFKCc] in a process identified by the stage number

[0002] , the next stage number is not set, so the process related to product registration does not transition.

[0037] [Product registration device function explanation] 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 11 for realizing the product registration device 1 that can check the valid keys for input in the current process and can improve operability. As shown in FIG. 8, the processor 11 has functions as a key input unit 41, a button input unit 42, a key conversion unit 43, a button conversion unit 44, a determination unit 45, a processing unit 46, a determination unit 47, an image acquisition unit 48, a specification unit 49, a notification unit 50, an inverse conversion unit 51, and a light emission control unit 52.

[0038] The key input unit 41 has a function of acquiring a hard key code corresponding to an operation key from the keyboard 171. When any one of the keys arranged on the keyboard 171 is pressed, the keyboard 171 outputs a signal of the hard key code set for that key to the processor 11. The key input unit 41 analyzes the signal from the keyboard 171 to acquire the hard key code. Hereinafter, the hard key code acquired by the key input unit 41 will be referred to as an input hard key code.

[0039] Button input unit 42 has a function of acquiring a button ID corresponding to an operation button from touch panel 173. When any one of the touch buttons displayed on the display of touch panel 173 is touched, a signal of the button ID set for that touch button is output from touch panel 173 to processor 11. Button input unit 42 analyzes the signal from touch panel 173 to acquire the button ID. Hereinafter, the button ID acquired by button input unit 42 will be referred to as an input button ID.

[0040] The key conversion unit 43 has a function of converting the input hard key code acquired by the key input unit 41 into a function key code. The key conversion unit 43 refers to the first table 21. That is, the key conversion unit 43 searches the first table 21 with the input hard key code and acquires the function key code set in the first table 21 corresponding to the input hard key code. Hereinafter, the function key code acquired by the key conversion unit 43 will be referred to as the input function key code.

[0041] The button conversion unit 44 has a function of converting the input button ID acquired by the button input unit 42 into a function key code. The button conversion unit 44 refers to the third table 23. That is, the button conversion unit 44 searches the third table 23 for the stage number of the current process and detects the input button ID from among one or more button IDs set in association with the stage number. The button conversion unit 44 then acquires the valid function key code set in the third table 23 in correspondence with the input button ID. The stage number of the current process is the stage number determined by the determination unit 47, as will be described in detail later.

[0042] The determination unit 45 has a function of determining whether the input function key code acquired by the key conversion unit 43 is a function key code valid for the current process. The determination unit 45 refers to the third table 23. That is, the determination unit 45 searches the third table 23 using the stage number of the current process and detects one or more valid function key codes associated with the stage number and set in the third table 23. The determination unit 45 then checks whether the input function key code is included in the valid function key codes. If the input function key code is included in the valid function key codes, the determination unit 45 determines that the input function key code is a function key code valid for the current process. On the other hand, if the input function key code is not included in the valid function key codes, the determination unit 45 determines that the input function key code is not a function key code valid for the current process.

[0043] The processing unit 46 has a function of executing processes related to product registration based on the function key code determined to be valid by the determination unit 45. The processing unit 46 also has a function of executing processes related to product registration based on the function key code acquired by the button conversion unit 44. For example, when the processing unit 46 acquires the function key code of the function key [Subtotal], it executes subtotal processing to output the subtotal amount of registered products. For example, when the processing unit 46 acquires the function key code of the function key [Current Total], it executes cash settlement processing to settle the transaction by cash payment. For example, when the processing unit 46 acquires the function key code of the function key [Credit], it executes credit settlement processing to settle the transaction by credit card payment. It goes without saying that the processes executed by the processing unit 46 are not limited to the subtotal processing, cash settlement processing, and credit settlement processing described above. The processing unit 46 can execute various processes related to product registration.

[0044] The determination unit 47 has a function of determining the stage number of the process after the processing is executed by the processing unit 46. The determination unit 47 refers to the third table 23. That is, the determination unit 47 checks whether a next stage number is set in the third table 23 for the input function key code determined to be valid by the determination unit 45 or the valid function key code acquired by the button conversion unit 44. If a next stage number is set, the determination unit 47 determines the next stage number as the stage number of the process after the processing is executed by the processing unit 46. On the other hand, if a next stage number is not set, the determination unit 47 determines the current stage number as the stage number of the process after the processing is executed by the processing unit 46. In this way, the stage number determined by the determination unit 47 becomes the stage number of the current process.

[0045] The image acquisition unit 48 has a function of acquiring a stage image of a process specified by the stage number determined by the determination unit 47. The image acquisition unit 48 refers to the second table 22. That is, the image acquisition unit 48 detects the image ID set in the second table 22 in association with the stage number determined by the determination unit 47. The image acquisition unit 48 then acquires data of the stage image identified by the image ID from the image memory.

[0046] The identification unit 49 has a function of identifying a key that is valid for input in the current process from among the multiple keys arranged on the keyboard 171. The identification unit 49 refers to the third table 23. That is, the identification unit 49 collectively detects the valid function key codes set in the third table 23 in association with the stage number determined by the determination unit 47. The identification unit 49 then identifies all keys to which the detected valid function key codes are set as valid keys. The keys identified in this way become keys that are valid for input in the process corresponding to the screen displayed on the display of the touch panel 173.

[0047] The notification unit 50 has a function of notifying the user of the key identified by the identification unit 49, that is, the key whose input is valid in the current process. The notification unit 50 notifies the user of the valid key using a screen displayed on the display of the touch panel 173. The notification unit 50 refers to the first table 21. That is, the notification unit 50 detects the valid function key code detected by the identification unit 49 from the first table 21, and acquires the key name stored in the first table 21 in association with the valid function key code. When the screen of the first pattern 31 is displayed on the display of the touch panel 173, the notification unit 50 displays the acquired key name on the touch button in the button area 313. When the screen of the second pattern 32 is displayed on the display of the touch panel 173, the notification unit 50 displays the acquired key name on the touch button in the first button area 323 or the second button area 324. In this way, the notification unit 50 notifies the user of the valid keys using the screen displayed on the display of the touch panel 173.

[0048] The inverse conversion unit 51 has a function of converting the function key code of the key identified by the identification unit 49 into a hard key code. The inverse conversion unit 51 refers to the first table 21. That is, the inverse conversion unit 51 searches the first table 21 with the function key code of the key identified by the identification unit 49, and obtains the hard key code set in the first table 21 corresponding to the function key code.

[0049] The light emission control unit 52 has a function of lighting up an LED provided on a key assigned with the hard key code obtained by the inverse conversion unit 51. The light emission control unit 52 outputs a drive signal to the LED of the key, among the multiple keys arranged on the keyboard 171, assigned with the hard key code obtained by the inverse conversion unit 51. When the drive signal is input, the LED lights up. Thereafter, when the drive signal is discontinued, the LED goes out.

[0050] The functions of the above-mentioned key input unit 41, button input unit 42, key conversion unit 43, button conversion unit 44, determination unit 45, processing unit 46, decision unit 47, image acquisition unit 48, identification unit 49, notification unit 50, inverse conversion unit 51, and light emission control unit 52 are all realized by information processing executed by the processor 11 in accordance with a predetermined program. Hereinafter, this program will be referred to as an input processing program.

[0051] The input processing program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the input processing program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The input processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed by communication via a network, and installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0052] Next, the information processing executed by the processor 11 in accordance with the input processing program will be described. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the information processing that the processor 11 executes in accordance with the input processing program.

[0053] The processor 11 recognizes, as ACT1, the stage number assigned to the current process among the processes related to product registration. The process includes, for example, a sign-on process. When a sign-on operation is performed in the sign-on process, the process transitions to a process waiting for product registration. When registration of products to be sold as one transaction begins in the process waiting for product registration, the process transitions to a process in progress of product registration. When an instruction to output a subtotal is given in the process in progress of product registration, the process transitions to a process waiting for payment. When a payment method is selected in the process waiting for payment, the process transitions to a process in progress of payment. When payment is completed in the process in progress of payment, the process returns to the process waiting for product registration. These process transitions are just an example, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible.

[0054] When processor 11 recognizes the stage number of the current process, it proceeds to ACT2. In ACT2, processor 11 refers to second table 22 to acquire the image ID associated with the recognized stage number. In ACT3, processor 11 also refers to second table 22 to acquire the pattern number associated with the recognized stage number. In ACT4, processor 11 further refers to third table 22 to acquire all valid function key codes associated with the recognized stage number. Then, in ACT5, processor 11 refers to first table 21 to acquire the key names associated with all the acquired valid function key codes.

[0055] After completing the processing of ACT2 through ACT5, processor 11 proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, processor 11 edits a screen corresponding to the current step. Specifically, if the pattern number acquired in ACT3 is "1," processor 11 displays a stage image identified by the image ID acquired in ACT2 in image area 312 of first pattern 31, and further displays one or more touch buttons to which the key names acquired in ACT5 are assigned in button area 313. On the other hand, if the pattern number acquired in ACT3 is "2," processor 11 displays a stage image identified by the image ID acquired in ACT2 in image area 322 of second pattern 32, and further displays one or more touch buttons to which the key names acquired in ACT5 are assigned in first button area 323 and second button area 324.

[0056] When the screen editing is completed, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 7. In ACT 7, the processor 11 displays the edited screen on the display of the touch panel 173. In ACT 8, the processor 11 refers to the first table 21 and converts all valid function key codes acquired in ACT 4 into hard key codes. Then, in ACT 9, the processor 11 controls the output of drive signals to light up the LEDs of all keys to which the converted hard key codes are assigned.

[0057] In this way, when a screen corresponding to the current process is displayed on the display of touch panel 173 and a drive signal is output to a key arranged on keyboard 171 to which a hard key code converted from a valid function key code is assigned, processor 11 proceeds to ACT10. Processor 11 checks whether a key on keyboard 171 has been pressed in ACT10. If no key has been pressed, processor 11 proceeds to ACT11. Processor 11 checks whether a touch button on the screen displayed on the display of touch panel 173 has been pressed. If no touch button has been pressed, processor 11 returns to ACT10. In this way, processor 11 waits for a key or touch button to be pressed in ACT10 and ACT11.

[0058] If any of the touch buttons is input during the standby state of ACT10 and ACT11, processor 11 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT21 in Fig. 10. Processor 11 acquires the button ID assigned to the input touch button in ACT21. Then, processor 11 acquires the valid function key code set in third table 23 corresponding to the button ID acquired in ACT21 from the group of button IDs associated with the current stage number and set in third table 23 in ACT22. After acquiring the valid function key code, processor 11 proceeds to ACT41.

[0059] On the other hand, if a key is input during the standby state of ACT10 and ACT11, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT10 to ACT31 in Fig. 10. The processor 11 acquires a hard key code from the input key in ACT31. Then, the processor 11 acquires a function key code that is associated with the hard key code and set in the first table 21 in ACT32.

[0060] The processor 11 determines whether the function key code obtained from the first table 21 is included in the valid function key codes associated with the current stage number and set in the third table 23 as ACT33. If the function key code is not included in the valid function key codes, the processor 11 ignores the key input and returns to the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12. On the other hand, if the function key code is included in the valid function key codes, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT41.

[0061] In this way, when a touch button is pressed and a function key code is obtained from the button ID of the touch button, or when a key is pressed and the function key code of that key is associated with the current stage number and set as a valid function key code in third table 23, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 41. In ACT 41, processor 11 executes processing related to product registration based on the function key code obtained from the button ID of the touch button or the function key code converted from the hard key code of the operation key.

[0062] After completing the process, processor 11 proceeds to ACT42. Processor 11 checks whether the process will result in a process transition. That is, processor 11 checks whether a next stage number is set in third table 23 for the function key code obtained from the button ID of the touch button or the function key code converted from the hard key code of the operation key, in association with the stage number of the current process. If the next stage number is not set, processor 11 determines that the process will not transition. On the other hand, if the next stage number is set, processor 11 determines that the process will transition. If the process will not transition, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT10 and ACT11.

[0063] On the other hand, if the process is to transition, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT43. In ACT43, the processor 11 obtains the stage number that was set as the next stage number in the third table 23. The processor 11 then returns to ACT1. The processor 11 executes the processing from ACT1 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0064] In this way, the processor 11, which executes information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10 in accordance with the input processing program, realizes the function of a key input unit 41 by processing ACT10 and ACT31. The processor 11 also realizes the function of a button input unit 42 by processing ACT11 and ACT21. The processor 11 realizes the function of a key conversion unit 43 by processing ACT32. The processor 11 realizes the function of a button conversion unit 44 by processing ACT22. The processor 11 realizes the function of a determination unit 45 by processing ACT33. The processor 11 realizes the function of a processing unit 46 by processing ACT41. The processor 11 realizes the function of a determination unit 47 by processing ACT42 and ACT43. The processor 11 realizes the function of an image acquisition unit 48 by processing ACT1 to ACT3 and ACT6. The processor 11 realizes the function of an identification unit 49 by processing ACT4 and ACT5. By processing ACT6 and ACT7, the processor 11 realizes the function of the notification unit 50. By processing ACT8, the processor 11 realizes the function of the inverse conversion unit 51. By processing ACT9, the processor 11 realizes the function of the light emission control unit 52.

[0065] [Explanation of the effects of the product registration device] The product registration device 1 configured as described above can achieve the following advantageous effects. That is, the display of the touch panel 173 displays a stage image of the current process related to product registration, and also displays touch buttons assigned with the key names of keys whose input is valid for that process. Therefore, the operator of the product registration device 1 can recognize that, among the multiple keys arranged on the keyboard 171, the keys whose key names are assigned to the touch buttons displayed on the screen of the touch panel 173 are keys whose input is valid for the current process. As a result, the possibility that the operator will erroneously operate a key whose input is invalid for the current process is extremely low, and it is possible to provide a product registration device 1 that can improve operability.

[0066] Furthermore, even if an invalid key is mistakenly pressed in the current process, the result of ACT 33 in Fig. 10 is "NO," and the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT 10 and ACT 11. In other words, the input of the erroneously pressed key is ignored, and no error occurs. Therefore, no operation is required to clear the error, which also improves the operability of the product registration device 1.

[0067] In addition, each key arranged on the keyboard 171 is provided with an LED. The LED of a key for which input is valid in the current process is lit. The LED of a key for which input is invalid is not lit. Therefore, the operator can recognize that a key for which an LED is lit is a key for which input is valid in the current process. As a result, the operator will only operate keys for which an LED is lit, and there is no risk of accidentally operating a key for which input is invalid in the current process, which also improves the operability of the product registration device 1.

[0068] Fig. 11 is an example of a screen displayed on the display of touch panel 173 when the current process related to product registration is the sign-on process. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the lit / unlit state of each key arranged on keyboard 171 when the process is the same. In Fig. 12, keys shaded with dots indicate keys that are unlit, and keys not shaded indicate keys that are lit.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 11, during the sign-on process, the screen of the second pattern 32 is displayed on the touch panel 173. Then, the title "Sign On" is displayed in the title area 321. The image area 322 displays a stage image showing the input area for the person in charge number and password that must be entered when signing on. The first button area 323 displays a touch button with the key name [Responsible No.] and a touch button with the key name [Training]. The second button area 324 displays touch buttons similar to the numeric input keys.

[0070] 12, the LEDs of the numeric input keys, the function key named [Responsibility No.], and the function key named [Training] on the keyboard 171 are lit, while the LEDs of the other function keys are turned off.

[0071] Therefore, the operator of the product registration device 1 can easily recognize that input from the numeric input keys, the function key named [Responsibility No.], and the function key named [Training] is valid during the sign-on process.

[0072] Fig. 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the display of touch panel 173 when the current process related to product registration is a process in progress of product registration. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the lit / unlit state of each key arranged on keyboard 171 when the process is in progress. In Fig. 14, keys shaded with dots indicate keys that are unlit, and keys not shaded indicate keys that are lit.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 13, when a product is being registered, a screen of the first pattern 31 is displayed on the touch panel 173. The title "Product Registration in Progress" is displayed in the title area 311. The image area 312 displays a stage image for displaying information about the registered product, such as the product name, quantity, unit price, discount, amount, and tax, in list form. The button area 313 displays touch buttons with the key names [Discount], [%-], [Cancel All], [Cancel Specific], [X], [JAN], [Department], and [Subtotal].

[0074] 14, the LEDs of the numeric input keys and the function keys with the key names [Discount], [%-], [Bulk Cancel], [Specified Cancel], [X], [JAN], [Department], and [Subtotal] on the keyboard 171 are lit. The LEDs of the other function keys are turned off.

[0075] Therefore, the operator of the product registration device 1 can easily recognize that during the product registration process, in addition to the numeric input keys, input of function keys with the key names [Discount], [%-], [Bulk Cancel], [Specified Cancel], [X], [JAN], [Department] and [Subtotal] is valid.

[0076] Fig. 15 is an example of a screen displayed on the display of touch panel 173 when the current product registration process is a payment waiting process. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the lit / unlit state of each key arranged on keyboard 171 when the process is the same. In Fig. 16, keys shaded with dots indicate keys that are unlit, and keys not shaded indicate keys that are lit.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 15, when the process is waiting for payment, the screen of the second pattern 32 is displayed on the touch panel 173. The title "Waiting for payment" is displayed in the title area 321. The image area 322 displays a stage image for displaying the total number and total amount of registered products and the remaining amount to be paid. The first button area 323 displays touch buttons with the key names [Back], [10,000 Yen Note], [Hold], and [Amount]. The second button area 324 displays touch buttons similar to numeric input keys, and function keys with the key names [Current Total], [Credit], and [Electronic Money].

[0078] 16, the LEDs of the numeric input keys and the function keys with the key names [Back], [10,000 Yen Bill], [Reserve], [Amount], [Current Total], [Credit], and [Electronic Money] are lit for each key arranged on the keyboard 171. The LEDs of the other function keys are turned off.

[0079] Therefore, the operator of the product registration device 1 can easily recognize that in addition to the numeric input keys, input of the function keys with the key names [Return], [10,000 Yen Bill], [Hold], [Amount], [Cash Total], [Credit] and [Electronic Money] is valid during the payment waiting process.

[0080] [Other embodiments] The above describes an embodiment of a product registration device that can check which keys are valid for input in the current process and can improve operability, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the LEDs, which are light-emitting elements provided on each key, are lit when a drive signal is input. In another embodiment, the LEDs may flash when a drive signal is input. Alternatively, the LEDs may light up in a first color when a first drive signal is input, and light up in a second color different from the first color when a second drive signal different from the first drive signal is input. The processor 11 may output a first drive signal to the LEDs of keys for which input is valid in the current process, and output a second drive signal to the LEDs of other keys, so that the keys for which input is valid in the current process can be identified by the difference in the light emission colors of the LEDs.

[0082] It should be noted that the keyboard 171 does not necessarily have to have a light-emitting element on the back side of the key top of each key. As mentioned above, the display of the touch panel 173 displays a stage image of the current process related to product registration, and also displays touch buttons to which the key names of keys valid for input in that process are assigned, thereby sufficiently enabling the operator to easily check the keys valid for input in the current process.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are given as examples of layouts of the screen displayed on the display of the touch panel 173. The layout examples are not limited to the two patterns, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32. Any other layout pattern may be used as long as it displays a stage image of the current process related to product registration and displays touch buttons to which the key names of keys valid for input in that process are assigned.

[0084] 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 of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...product registration device, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...clock, 15...communication interface, 18...system transmission path, 21...first table, 22...second table, 23...third table, 31...first pattern, 32...second pattern, 41...key input unit, 42...button input unit, 43...key conversion unit, 44...button conversion unit, 45...determination unit, 46...processing unit, 47...decision unit, 48...image acquisition unit, 49...identification unit, 50...alarm unit, 51...reverse conversion unit, 52...light emission control unit, 161...change machine interface, 162...payment terminal interface, 171...keyboard, 172...scanner, 173...touch panel, 174...customer display, 175...printer.

Claims

1. A keyboard with multiple keys, a display that displays a screen corresponding to each step involved in product registration; an identification unit that identifies, from among a plurality of keys arranged on the keyboard, a key that is valid for input in a process corresponding to a screen displayed on the display; a notification unit that notifies the valid key identified by the identification unit using a screen displayed on the display; a processing unit that executes a process related to product registration in response to the input of the valid key identified by the identification unit; A product registration device comprising:

2. a storage unit for storing, for each step related to the product registration, information on keys that are valid for input in that step; a determination unit that determines whether information on an input key is stored in the storage unit as a key whose input is valid in the current process; Further comprising:

2. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the processing section executes a process relating to product registration in response to an operation input of a key determined to have the information stored in the storage section.

3. 3. The product registration device according to claim 2, wherein when a key for which the information is determined not to be stored in the storage unit is operated and input, the processing unit ignores the operation input of the key and does not regard it as an error.

4. Each of the plurality of keys arranged on the keyboard has a light emitting element, a light emission control unit for illuminating the light emitting element provided on the key whose input is valid in the current process; 2. The product registration device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. the display is a touch panel, 2. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user by displaying on a screen a software key corresponding to a key whose input is valid in the current process.

6. a computer of a product registration device, which is equipped with a keyboard on which a plurality of keys are arranged and a display that displays a screen corresponding to each step involved in product registration, an identification means for identifying a key from among a plurality of keys arranged on the keyboard, the key being valid for input in a step corresponding to the screen displayed on the display; a notification means for notifying the user of the valid key identified by the identification means using a screen displayed on the display; and a processing means for executing a process related to product registration in response to the input of the valid key identified by the identifying means; A program to function as a

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