Commodity sales data processing apparatus and method

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processor and a program, allowing two persons to perform registration operation of a purchase desired commodity related to one accounting in parallel.SOLUTION: A self-checkout POS terminal (commodity sales data processing apparatus) includes a first reading section configured to read a code symbol including a commodity code attached to a commodity presented by a first customer relating to one checkout, a second reading section configured to read a code symbol including a commodity code attached to a commodity presented by a second customer relating to the one checkout, a commodity registration section configured to register the commodity to which the commodity code read by the first reading section is attached and the commodity to which the commodity code read by the second reading section is attached, a display control section configured to display a registered commodity list of commodities relating to the commodity code read by the first reading section and a registered commodity list of commodities relating to the commodity code read by the second reading section side by side, and a settlement processing section configured to collectively perform settlement of prices relating to all the commodities registered by the commodity registration section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a self-checkout system that allows a customer to register and settle a product he or she wishes to purchase by operating the system himself or herself (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In conventional self-checkout systems, one customer must register the items they wish to purchase for one transaction. Therefore, if there are many items desired for purchase, it takes time to register the items, which can lead to congestion at the self-checkout. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and program that allows two people to simultaneously register products desired for purchase in one transaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A product sales data processing device according to an embodiment includes a first reading unit, a second reading unit, a product registration unit, a display control unit, and a payment processing unit. The first reading unit reads a code symbol, including a product code, attached to a product presented by a first customer in a transaction. The second reading unit reads a code symbol, including a product code, attached to a product presented by a second customer in a transaction. The product registration unit registers the product with the product code read by the first reading unit and the product with the product code read by the second reading unit. The display control unit displays a first list of products associated with the product codes read by the first reading unit and a second list of products associated with the product codes read by the second reading unit side by side. The payment processing unit performs a collective payment for all products registered by the product registration unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an example of a self-service POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how two customers are using the self-service POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display device for prompting a customer to select the number of customers for whom he or she will register products. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed on a display device and prompts customers to select whether or not to purchase a shopping bag when operation by two customers is selected. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed on a display device when operation by two customers is selected, and that prompts the customer to select whether or not to have a point card. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a first diagram showing an example of a product list displayed when a product is registered. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of a product list displayed when a product is registered. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that allows the user to select whether or not to use points accumulated on a point card for payment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting the number of points to be used when using points is selected. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a payment method. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (Outline of self-service POS terminal configuration) The schematic configuration of a self-service POS terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of a self-service POS terminal according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of how two customers are using the self-service POS terminal according to an embodiment.

[0008] The self-service POS terminal 10 is a checkout machine operated by a customer in a store such as a retail shop to register and pay for products that the customer wishes to purchase. In particular, the self-service POS terminal 10 is a checkout machine that allows two customers involved in the same transaction to simultaneously register products in parallel. The self-service POS terminal 10 also allows a single customer to register a product. Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 collectively settles the prices of products registered by two customers simultaneously in parallel. The self-service POS terminal 10 is an example of a product sales data processing device in the present disclosure.

[0009] The self-service POS terminal 10 has various devices for registering products and making payments for registered products, located on the top of the housing 11. Specifically, the self-service POS terminal 10 has a display device 15, an operation device 16, a fixed scanner 17, a handheld scanner 18, a payment terminal 19, a receipt printer 20, and a warning light 21.

[0010] The display device 15 displays various information related to a product registration process for registering products that a customer wishes to purchase, a payment process for paying for the registered products, etc. The display device 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0011] The operation device 16 acquires various pieces of customer operation information relating to product registration processing, payment processing, etc. The operation device 16 is, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display device 15.

[0012] The fixed scanner 17 is, for example, a camera-type scanner that reads identification information that uniquely identifies a product, i.e., a product code, registered in a code symbol (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code) attached to a product held over the reading window 171.

[0013] The handy scanner 18 is a handy type scanner that reads the product code registered in the code symbol attached to the product by bringing it close to the code symbol.

[0014] The payment terminal 19 is a terminal device that performs payment for registered products. The payment terminal 19 performs payment using a payment method selected by the customer from a plurality of payment methods.

[0015] Specifically, the payment terminal 19 performs payment processing to settle the purchase price of a product using various payment methods, such as credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, and point payment. Credit card payment is a payment method in which the purchase price of a product is paid from a bank account registered to a credit card held by the customer. Electronic money payment is a payment method in which the purchase price of a product is paid from electronic money charged to a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) or an electronic money card held by the customer. Code payment is a payment method in which the purchase price of a product is paid using a payment app installed on a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) held by the customer. Point payment is a payment method in which the purchase price of a product is paid from points registered on a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) held by the customer or on the store's membership card, which points are earned based on the number of times the customer visits the store or the purchase amount. The self-service POS terminal 10 may also be equipped with a change dispenser to allow customers to pay in cash if they wish.

[0016] The payment terminal 19 performs credit card payment by reading, for example, information identifying the customer registered on an IC card type credit card inserted through the card insertion slot 191. The payment terminal 19 may further include a magnetic card reader that reads various information registered on the magnetic stripe of the card, a contactless card reader that reads various information registered on the card or mobile terminal via short-range wireless communication, and the like.

[0017] The receipt printer 20 issues a receipt from the outlet 201 on which the results of the product registration process and the settlement process are printed.

[0018] The warning light 21 has an LED built in, for example, and when a customer presses the store clerk call button (see FIG. 4), it flashes in front of the store to call for help from a store clerk around the self-service POS terminal 10.

[0019] The self-service POS terminal 10 has a product stand 13 on the top surface of the housing 11. The self-service POS terminal 10 also has a product stand 12 and a product stand 14 on the side of the housing 11. The product stand 12 is installed directly above the product stand 14. A shopping basket 38 containing products for one transaction is placed on the product stand 12. The product stand 13 is installed near customer 2 (see FIG. 2) on the left side of two customers who are registering products side by side. A plastic bag 39 or a reusable bag is placed on the product stand 13. Customer 2 who has scanned the products places the scanned products into the plastic bag 39 or the reusable bag placed on the product stand 13. The product stand 14 is installed near customer 3 (see FIG. 2) on the right side of two customers who are registering products side by side. A plastic bag 40 or a reusable bag is placed on the product stand 14. After scanning the products, the customer 3 places the scanned products in a shopping bag 40 or a personal bag placed on the product stand 14. The product stand 12 is an example of a first product stand in the present disclosure. The product stand 13 is an example of a second product stand in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the product stand 14 is an example of a third product stand in the present disclosure.

[0020] Hooks 36 for hanging plastic bags or reusable bags are provided on the top of product stand 13. Fig. 1 shows a state in which plastic bag 39 is hung on hook 36. Hooks 37 for hanging plastic bags or reusable bags are provided on the top of product stand 14. Fig. 1 shows a state in which plastic bag 40 is hung on hook 37. Hooks 36 and 37 are formed, for example, from rod-shaped frames.

[0021] When the customer has finished shopping, he places the shopping basket 38 containing the unregistered products on the product stand 12.

[0022] If there is only one customer, the customer hangs a shopping bag 39 or a reusable bag on the hook 36. The customer then removes an item from the shopping basket 38 and holds the item over the fixed scanner 17 installed above the shopping basket 38. This reads a code symbol, such as a barcode, attached to the item, and the item is registered. The customer then places the registered item in the shopping bag 39 or reusable bag hung on the hook 36. That is, the item is placed in the shopping bag 39 or reusable bag hung on the hook 36, following the arrows Aa and Ab shown in FIG. 1 .

[0023] When there are two or more customers and two of them divide the work and register products in parallel at the same time, the customers hang a shopping bag 39 or their own bag on the hook 36 and hang a shopping bag 40 or their own bag on the hook 37.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, customers who register products stand side by side and each perform the product registration operation. Customer 2 on the left side removes a product from shopping basket 38 and holds the product over fixed scanner 17 installed above shopping basket 38. This reads a code symbol, such as a barcode, attached to the product, and the product is registered. The customer places the registered product in a shopping bag 39 or a personal bag hung on hook 36. That is, the product is placed in shopping bag 39 or a personal bag hung on hook 36 by following arrows Aa and Ab shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Customer 2 is an example of a first customer in the present disclosure.

[0025] The customer 3 on the right side removes an item from the shopping cart 38 and holds the handheld scanner 18 attached to the side of the housing 11 over the code symbol attached to the item. This reads the code symbol, such as a barcode, attached to the item, and the item is registered. The customer places the registered item in a shopping bag 40 or a personal bag hung on the hook 37. That is, the item is placed in the shopping bag 40 or personal bag hung on the hook 37 by following the arrows Ba and Bb shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The customer 3 is an example of a second customer in the present disclosure. If the items to be purchased include heavy items that are difficult to hold over the fixed scanner 17, it is desirable for the customer 3 on the right side to use the handheld scanner 18 to read the code symbol of the item that is difficult to hold over the fixed scanner 17.

[0026] Also, although not shown, a sign or the like showing the aforementioned arrows Aa, Ab, Ba, and Bb may be installed behind the self-service POS terminal 10 so that even first-time customers can understand the path of product movement when two people are operating the terminal.

[0027] (Hardware configuration of self-service POS terminal) The hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal.

[0028] The self-service POS terminal 10 has a configuration in which a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a peripheral device controller 34, and a communication controller 35 are interconnected via an internal bus 33.

[0029] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 10. The control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 312, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 313. The CPU 311 is connected to the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 311 loads various programs stored in the ROM 312 and the storage unit 32 into the RAM 313. The CPU 311 controls the operation of the self-service POS terminal 10 by operating in accordance with the various programs loaded into the RAM 313. In other words, the control unit 31 has the configuration of a general computer.

[0030] The storage unit 32 is, for example, a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 32 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 32 stores a control program 321, a product master 322, a product registration file 323, and a payment file 324.

[0031] The control program 321 is a program that controls the overall operation of the self-checkout POS terminal 10. The control program 321 may be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 32, or may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD. The control program 321 may also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by being downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the control program 321 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0032] The product master 322 is a master file that stores product information such as product names and prices of products for sale. The product master 322 stores product names, unit prices, additional information, and the like in association with product codes. Note that the contents of the product master are updated as needed, so the self-service POS terminal 10 constantly updates the contents of the product master 322 to the latest state by, for example, acquiring the latest product master from a store server (not shown) via the communication controller 35.

[0033] The product registration file 323 is a file that stores registered product information (for example, product name, quantity, unit price, etc.) in association with a transaction code that identifies one transaction.

[0034] The settlement file 324 is a file that stores the settlement details (for example, the settlement date and time, the settlement method, the settlement details, the settlement amount, etc.) of the transaction in association with the transaction code.

[0035] The control unit 31 is connected to a display device 15, an operation device 16, a fixed scanner 17, a handheld scanner 18, a payment terminal 19, a receipt printer 20, and a warning light 21, which input and output various types of information, via a peripheral device controller 34. The outline of each input / output device has been described above, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0036] The control unit 31 also communicates with a store server (not shown) via the communication controller 35. The self-service POS terminal 10 acquires the latest product master 322 from the store server. The self-service POS terminal 10 also periodically outputs, for example, a product registration file 323 and a settlement file 324 indicating transaction history to the store server.

[0037] (Example of a screen displayed on a display device) 4 to 11, examples of screens displayed on the display device 15 by the self-service POS terminal 10 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device for prompting the customer to select the number of customers who will register products.

[0038] The control unit 31 of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 displays an operation number selection screen 51 on the display device 15. The operation number selection screen 51 is a screen for allowing the user to select the number of customers who will register products at the self-checkout POS terminal 10.

[0039] The operator number selection screen 51 includes a one-person operation selection button 52, a two-person operation selection button 53, one-person operation guide information 54, two-person operation guide information 55, a store clerk call button 56, and a guide information display area 57.

[0040] The single-person operation selection button 52 is an operator for selecting whether to register a product by one customer. When the single-person operation selection button 52 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 sets the operation mode of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 to a state in which the self-checkout POS terminal 10 is operated by one customer.

[0041] The two-person operation selection button 53 is an operator for selecting whether to register a product by two customers. When the two-person operation selection button 53 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 sets the operation mode of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 to a state in which it can be operated by two customers.

[0042] The one-person operation guide information 54 is information that guides the customer on how to register products and the route the products should be taken when operating the shopping cart alone. More specifically, the one-person operation guide information 54 is information that indicates how to remove the products from the shopping cart 38, scan them with the fixed scanner 17, and then place them in the shopping bag 39.

[0043] Two-person operation guide information 55 is information that guides customers on how to register products and the route that products should be taken when two people are operating the store. More specifically, two-person operation guide information 55 is information that indicates that a first customer should remove products from shopping basket 38, scan them with fixed scanner 17, and then place them in shopping bag 39, and that a second customer should remove products from shopping basket 38, scan them with handheld scanner 18, and then place them in shopping bag 40.

[0044] The clerk call button 56 is an operator that is pressed to call a clerk. A customer presses the clerk call button 56 when they do not know how to operate the self-service POS terminal 10 or when a malfunction occurs in the operation of the self-service POS terminal 10. When the clerk call button 56 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 turns on or flashes the warning light 21 to notify a clerk nearby the self-service POS terminal 10 that operational assistance is required. When a clerk notices that the warning light 21 is on or flashing, they rush to the self-service POS terminal 10 that has the warning light 21 on or flashing and assist the customer.

[0045] The guide information display area 57 is an area that displays information showing an overview of the operations performed on the number-of-operators selection screen 51. In the case of the number-of-operators selection screen 51, the guide information display area 57 displays a message such as "Please select an operation mode."

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed on a display device and prompts customers to select whether or not to purchase a shopping bag when operation by two customers is selected.

[0047] When two-person operation is selected on the operation number selection screen 51, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a shopping bag purchase selection screen 61 on the display device 15. The shopping bag purchase selection screen 61 is a screen that allows each of the two customers operating the self-service POS terminal 10 to select whether to purchase a shopping bag or use their own bag.

[0048] The plastic bag purchase selection screen 61 includes a first display area 62 that displays information for a first customer (customer 2 in Figure 2), a second display area 63 that displays information for a second customer (customer 3 in Figure 2), and a guide information display area 68.

[0049] In the first display area 62, a purchase plastic bag button 64, a use my bag button 65, a back button 66, and a call store clerk button 67 are displayed.

[0050] The purchase plastic bag button 64 is an operator that allows the customer to select whether or not to purchase plastic bags. When the purchase plastic bag button 64 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a plastic bag purchase screen (not shown) on the display device 15. On the purchase plastic bag screen, the customer selects the size and number of plastic bags to purchase.

[0051] The "Use My Bag" button 65 is an operator that allows the customer to select whether or not to use a "My Bag." When the "Use My Bag" button 65 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 assumes that the customer will not purchase a shopping bag and continues the subsequent processing.

[0052] The back button 66 is an operator that transitions to the screen one layer earlier. When the back button 66 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the operation number selection screen 51 on the display device 15. This allows the customer to redo the operation.

[0053] The store clerk call button 67 is an operator that has the same function as the above-mentioned store clerk call button 56. Since this has already been explained, a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0054] In the second display area 63, a purchase plastic bag button 64, a use my bag button 65, a back button 66, and a call store clerk button 67 are displayed.

[0055] The purchase plastic bag button 64, use my bag button 65, and call store clerk button 67 have the same functions as those described above, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0056] The back button 66 has the same function as the back button 66 displayed in the first display area 62. When either the back button 66 in the first display area 62 or the back button 66 in the second display area 63 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the number-of-operators selection screen 51 on the display device 15.

[0057] In the guide information display area 68, a message such as "Would you like to purchase a plastic bag?" is displayed.

[0058] After the shopping bag purchase selection screen 61, a screen for confirming whether the shopping bag or the reusable bag has been placed in a predetermined position (hooks 36 and 37 in FIG. 1) may be provided.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed on a display device when operation by two customers is selected, and that prompts the customer to select whether or not to have a point card.

[0060] The control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the plastic bag purchase selection screen 61 and the subsequent plastic bag purchase screen (not shown) followed by a point card confirmation screen 71 on the display device 15. The point card confirmation screen 71 is a screen for confirming whether or not each of the two customers operating the self-service POS terminal 10 has a point card.

[0061] The point card confirmation screen 71 includes a first display area 72 that displays information for the first customer (customer 2 in Figure 2), a second display area 73 that displays information for the second customer (customer 3 in Figure 2), and a guide information display area 78.

[0062] In the first display area 72, a point card possession button 74, a point card non-possession button 75, a back button 76, and a store clerk call button 77 are displayed.

[0063] The point card possession button 74 is an operator for declaring that the user possesses a point card. When the point card possession button 74 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays information instructing the user to scan (read) the point card in the first display area 72. Details will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0064] The point card non-possession button 75 is an operator for declaring that the customer does not have a point card. When the point card non-possession button 75 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays information in the first display area 72 that guides the customer to register a product. Details will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0065] The return button 76 and the store clerk call button 77 are controls each having the same functions as those described above.

[0066] The second display area 73 displays a point card possession button 74, a point card non-possession button 75, a back button 76, and a store clerk call button 77. All of these buttons have the same functions as the buttons of the same names displayed in the first display area 72, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0067] In addition, when either the point card possession button 74 in the first display area 72 or the point card possession button 74 in the second display area 73 is pressed on the point card confirmation screen 71, the control unit 31 of the self-POS terminal 10 transitions the operation of the self-POS terminal 10 to the next step.

[0068] Specifically, when a first customer (customer 2 in FIG. 2) presses the point card possession button 74, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays information in the first display area 72 that guides the customer to scan (read) the point card. This will be explained in detail in FIG. 7. The control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 also displays information in the second display area 73 that guides the customer to register a product. This will be explained in detail in FIG. 7.

[0069] Furthermore, when a first customer (customer 2 in FIG. 2) presses the point card non-possession button 75, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays information instructing product registration in the first display area 72. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] Furthermore, when a second customer (customer 3 in FIG. 2) presses the point card possession button 74, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays information (not shown) in the second display area 73 that guides the customer to scan (read) the point card. Furthermore, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays information (not shown) in the first display area 72 that guides the customer to register a product.

[0071] Furthermore, when a second customer (customer 3 in FIG. 2) presses the point card non-possession button 75, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays information instructing product registration in the second display area 73. Details will be described in FIG. 8.

[0072] In the guide information display area 78, a message such as "Please select whether you have a point card" is displayed.

[0073] Fig. 7 is a first diagram showing an example of a product list displayed when a product is registered, and Fig. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of a product list displayed when a product is registered.

[0074] When a first customer (customer 2 in Figure 2) presses the point card possession button 74 and a second customer (customer 3 in Figure 2) presses the point card non-possession button 75 following the point card confirmation screen 71, the control unit 31 of the self-POS terminal 10 displays on the display device 15 information urging the first customer who declared that they possess a point card to scan their point card, and displays the product registration screen 81 shown in Figure 7 on which information urging the second customer who declared that they do not possess a point card to scan a product is displayed.

[0075] The product registration screen 81 includes a first display area 82 for displaying information for a first customer, a second display area 83 for displaying information for a second customer, and a guide information display area 89.

[0076] The first display area 82 displays a message urging the user to scan their point card, a back button 84, and a store clerk call button 85. The back button 84 and the store clerk call button 85 are controls that have the same functions as those described above.

[0077] In the second display area 83, a registered product list 86, a down scroll button 87, an up scroll button 88, a back button 84, and a store clerk call button 85 are displayed.

[0078] The registered product list 86 includes the product names and prices of the products whose product codes have been read (scanned) by the second customer (customer 3 in FIG. 2) with the handheld scanner 18. The registered product list 86 displays the product names and prices from top to bottom in the order in which the product codes are read. When the list reaches the bottom of the display area, the information on the next scanned product is displayed at the bottom of the registered product list 86, and the information displayed at the top of the registered product list 86 disappears from the screen. In other words, the registered product list 86 scrolls upward each time a new product is registered. The registered product list 86 is an example of a second list in the present disclosure.

[0079] The down scroll button 87 is an operator that scrolls downward the information included in the registered product list 86. For example, when the down scroll button 87 is pressed briefly, the registered product list 86 scrolls downward by one line. When the down scroll button 87 is pressed and held, the registered product list 86 scrolls downward by a predetermined number of lines (for example, two lines).

[0080] The scroll up button 88 is an operator that scrolls upward the information contained in the registered product list 86. For example, when the scroll up button 88 is pressed briefly, the registered product list 86 scrolls up by one line. When the scroll up button 88 is pressed and held, the registered product list 86 scrolls up by a predetermined number of lines (for example, two lines).

[0081] Although not shown, a scroll bar may be displayed between the down scroll button 87 and the up scroll button 88. When the scroll bar is touched and slid up or down, the information displayed in the registered product list 86 may be scrolled up or down accordingly.

[0082] The return button 84 and the store clerk call button 85 are controls each having the same functions as those described above.

[0083] Furthermore, in the guide information display area 89, a message such as "Before scanning the point card, total amount 150 yen (tax included)" is displayed. This message is information indicating the respective operation states of the first customer and the second customer. The example in FIG. 7 indicates that the first customer's point card has not yet been scanned, and that the second customer has registered products worth 150 yen. Note that it is desirable to display the message for the first customer below the first display area 82, and the message for the second customer below the second display area 83.

[0084] Although not shown in the figure, if the second customer presses the point card possessing button 74 and the first customer presses the point card non-possessing button 75, a registered product list 86 is displayed in the first display area 82, and a product registration screen (not shown) is displayed in the second display area 83, displaying information prompting the customer to scan their point card.

[0085] Following the point card confirmation screen 71, if both the first customer (customer 2 in Figure 2) and the second customer (customer 3 in Figure 2) press the point card non-possession button 75, or after a customer who declares that they have a point card scans their point card, the control unit 31 of the self-POS terminal 10 displays the product registration screen 91 shown in Figure 8, in which information urging the customer to scan a product is displayed in both the left and right display areas.

[0086] The product registration screen 91 includes a first display area 92 for displaying information for a first customer, a second display area 93 for displaying information for a second customer, and a guide information display area 102.

[0087] In the first display area 92, a registered product list 94, a down scroll button 95, an up scroll button 96, a back button 97, and a store clerk call button 98 are displayed.

[0088] The registered product list 94 includes the product names and prices of products whose product codes have been read (scanned) by the fixed scanner 17 by the first customer (customer 2 in FIG. 2). The registered product list 94 displays the product names and prices from top to bottom in the order in which the product codes are read. When the list reaches the bottom of the display area, the information on the next scanned product is displayed at the bottom of the registered product list 94, and the information displayed at the top of the registered product list 94 disappears from the screen. In other words, the registered product list 94 scrolls upward each time a new product is registered. The registered product list 94 is an example of a first list in the present disclosure.

[0089] The down scroll button 95 is an operator that scrolls downward the information included in the registered product list 94. For example, when the down scroll button 95 is pressed briefly, the registered product list 94 scrolls downward by one line. When the down scroll button 95 is pressed and held, the registered product list 94 scrolls downward by a predetermined number of lines (for example, two lines).

[0090] The up scroll button 96 is an operator that scrolls upward the information contained in the registered product list 94. For example, when the up scroll button 96 is pressed briefly, the registered product list 96 scrolls upward by one line. When the up scroll button 96 is pressed and held, the registered product list 94 scrolls upward by a predetermined number of lines (for example, two lines).

[0091] Although not shown, a scroll bar may be displayed between the down scroll button 95 and the up scroll button 96. When the scroll bar is touched and slid up or down, the information displayed in the registered product list 94 may be scrolled up or down accordingly.

[0092] The return button 97 and the store clerk call button 98 are controls each having the same functions as those described above.

[0093] In the second display area 93, a registered product list 99, a down scroll button 100, an up scroll button 101, a back button 97, and a store clerk call button 98 are displayed.

[0094] The registered product list 99 includes the product names and prices of products whose product codes have been read (scanned) by the second customer (customer 3 in FIG. 2 ) using the handheld scanner 18. The registered product list 99 is an example of a second list in the present disclosure. Note that the contents of the registered product list 99 and the functions of the scroll down button 100 and scroll up button 101 are the same as the contents of the registered product list 94 described above and the functions of the scroll down button 95 and scroll up button 96, and therefore a repeated description will be omitted. Furthermore, the functions of the back button 97 and the call clerk button 98 are also the same as those described above, and therefore a repeated description will be omitted.

[0095] In the guide information display area 102, a message such as "Total amount 350 yen (tax included) Point card scan completed" is displayed. This message is information indicating the operation status of each of the first and second customers. The example in Fig. 8 indicates that a total of 350 yen worth of products for the first and second customers has been registered, and that the scanning of the point cards has been completed.

[0096] In addition, a checkout button 103 is displayed on the right edge of the guide information display area 102. The checkout button 103 is an operator that instructs completion of product registration when registration of all products has been completed. When the checkout button 103 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 starts the payment process for the registered products. The checkout button 103 is displayed in the guide information display area differently from other operators. Therefore, it may be made more noticeable by, for example, making the outer frame thicker to attract the customer's attention.

[0097] When the point card is scanned and the checkout button 103 is pressed on the product registration screen 91, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a point usage confirmation screen 111 shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that allows the user to select whether or not to use the points accumulated on the point card for payment.

[0098] The point use confirmation screen 111 includes a point use button 112, a point non-use button 113, a back button 114, a store clerk call button 115, and a guide information display area .

[0099] The point use button 112 is an operator that instructs the user to use all or part of the points accumulated on the point card for payment. When the point use button 112 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a use point number setting screen 121 (see FIG. 10), which will be described later.

[0100] The non-use-points button 113 is an operator that instructs not to use the points accumulated on the point card for payment. When the non-use-points button 113 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a payment method selection screen 131 (see FIG. 11) described later.

[0101] The back button 114 and the store clerk call button 115 have the same functions as the buttons with the same names described above, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0102] In the guide information display area 116, a guide regarding the payment details, such as "Total amount 350 yen (tax included)", is displayed.

[0103] If the checkout button 103 is pressed without the point card being scanned, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a payment method selection screen 131 (see FIG. 11) which will be described later.

[0104] When the point use button 112 is pressed on the point use confirmation screen 111, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a use point number setting screen 121 shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting the number of points to be used when using points is selected.

[0105] The use point number setting screen 121 includes a numeric keypad button 122, a use point number 123, a payment method selection button 124, a back button 125, a store clerk call button 126, and a guide information display area 127. Although not shown, the current number of points may be displayed on the use point number setting screen 121.

[0106] The 10-key button 122 is an operator that displays a 10-key pad for inputting the number of points to be used. When the 10-key button 122 is pressed, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a 10-key pad (not shown) in a part of the points-to-be-used setting screen 121. The customer inputs the number of points to be used by operating the 10-key pad. After inputting the number of points to be used, when the customer presses the confirm button included in the 10-key pad, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 confirms the input number of points and erases the 10-key pad.

[0107] The number of points used 123 indicates the number of points used by the customer, entered using the numeric keypad.

[0108] The payment method selection button 124 is an operator for transitioning to a payment method selection screen 131 (see FIG. 11) described later.

[0109] The back button 125 and the store clerk call button 126 have the same functions as the buttons with the same names described above, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0110] The guide information display area 127 displays information about the payment amount, such as "Payment amount: 300 yen (tax included)." The amount displayed in the guide information display area 127 is the total amount of the purchased items minus the amount corresponding to the number of points used.

[0111] When the number of points to be used is set on the use point number setting screen 121, the control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a payment method selection screen 131 shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a payment method.

[0112] The payment method selection screen 131 includes payment method options: a credit card payment button 132, a code payment button 133, and an electronic money payment button 134. The payment method selection screen 131 also includes a back button 135, a store clerk call button 136, and a guide information display area 137.

[0113] The credit card payment button 132 is an operator for selecting credit card payment, which is a payment method in which the purchase price of a product is paid from a bank account registered to a credit card held by the customer.

[0114] The code payment button 133 is an operator for selecting code payment. Code payment is a payment method in which the purchase price of a product is paid using a payment app installed on a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by the customer.

[0115] The electronic money payment button 134 is an operator for selecting electronic money payment. Electronic money payment is a payment method in which the purchase price of a product is paid using electronic money charged to a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) or electronic money card owned by the customer.

[0116] The payment method options are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11, and other options may be displayed. For example, a cash payment button may be displayed to select cash payment. When cash payment is performed, the self-service POS terminal 10 needs to be equipped with a change dispenser (not shown).

[0117] The back button 135 and the store clerk call button 136 have the same functions as the buttons with the same names described above, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0118] In the guide information display area 137, a guide regarding the payment amount, such as "Payment amount: 300 yen (including tax)", is displayed.

[0119] The control unit 31 of the self-service POS terminal 10 performs payment processing using the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen 131. After that, information corresponding to each payment method, specifically information to assist in operating the payment terminal 19 according to the payment details, is displayed on the display device 15. The information displayed at this time is the same as the information displayed when making a payment at a known self-service POS terminal, so a description of specific examples of the screen will be omitted.

[0120] Here, an example of a typical screen displayed on the display device 15 has been described for the case where two customers simultaneously operate the self-service POS terminal 10. When one customer operates the self-service POS terminal 10, information in the same format as that displayed in the first display areas 62, 72, 82, and 92 is displayed across the entire screen of the display device 15.

[0121] (Functional configuration of self-service POS terminal) The functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal of the embodiment.

[0122] The control unit 31 of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 deploys the control program 321 in the RAM 313 and runs it to realize, as functional units, a first reading unit 41, a second reading unit 42, a product registration unit 43, a payment processing unit 44, a display control unit 45, an operation control unit 46, and an operation control unit 47 shown in Fig. 12. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0123] The first reading unit 41 uses the fixed scanner 17 to read a code symbol, including a product code, attached to a product presented by a customer 2 (first customer) involved in one transaction.

[0124] The second reading unit 42 reads the code symbol, including the product code, attached to the product presented by Customer 3 (second customer) pertaining to one transaction using the handheld scanner 18. When Customers 2 and 3 are registering products together, they can register products in parallel by selectively using the fixed scanner 17 and the handheld scanner 18 in this way.

[0125] The product registration unit 43 registers the product to which the product code read by the first reading unit 41 is assigned and the product to which the product code read by the second reading unit 42 is assigned, respectively, to create a product registration file 323. The product registration unit 43 also determines whether the customer has instructed to end the product registration.

[0126] The payment processing unit 44 receives instructions on the payment method from the customer. The payment processing unit 44 then performs payment processing for the product registered in the product registration file 323 using the specified payment method. The payment processing unit 44 then generates a payment file 324 that stores the results of the payment processing.

[0127] The display control unit 45 controls the screen information displayed on the display device 15 according to the customer's usage status. In particular, the display control unit 45 displays a registered product list 94 (first list) of products related to the product codes read by the first reading unit 41 and a registered product list 99 (second list) of products related to the product codes read by the second reading unit 42 side by side.

[0128] The operation control unit 46 acquires the customer's operation information for the various controls displayed on the display device 15 and the reading results of the first reading unit 41 and the second reading unit 42, and outputs them to the control unit 31.

[0129] The operation control unit 47 controls the operation state of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 based on the information acquired from the operation control unit 46.

[0130] (Processing flow of self-service POS terminal) The flow of processing performed by the self-service POS terminal 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the self-service POS terminal of the embodiment.

[0131] The operation control unit 46 determines whether two-person operation has been selected (step S11). If it is determined that two-person operation has been selected (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that two-person operation has been selected (step S11: No), the process proceeds to step S13. Note that the operation control unit 46 determines that two-person operation has been selected when it detects that the two-person operation selection button 53 has been pressed on the number-of-operators selection screen 51 (see FIG. 4).

[0132] If it is determined in step S11 that two-person operation is selected, the operation control unit 47 sets screen transitions and the like to be displayed on the display device 15 so that the self-checkout POS terminal 10 is used in two-person operation (step S12). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that two-person operation has not been selected, the operation control unit 46 determines whether single-person operation has been selected (step S13). If it is determined that single-person operation has been selected (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that single-person operation has been selected (step S13: No), the process returns to step S11. Note that the operation control unit 46 determines that single-person operation has been selected when it detects that the single-person operation selection button 52 has been pressed on the number-of-operators selection screen 51 (see FIG. 4).

[0134] If it is determined in step S13 that single-person operation is selected, the operation control unit 47 sets screen transitions and the like to be displayed on the display device 15 so that the self-checkout POS terminal 10 is used in single-person operation (step S14). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0135] Following step S12 or step S14, the operation control unit 46 receives information from the customer indicating whether or not to purchase plastic bags (step S15). Specifically, when the self-service POS terminal 10 is used by two people, a plastic bag purchase selection screen 61 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the display device 15, and when the purchase plastic bag button 64 is pressed, it is determined that the customer wishes to purchase plastic bags. Then, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a plastic bag purchase screen (not shown) to allow the customer to select the size and number of plastic bags.

[0136] Next, the operation control unit 47 receives information indicating the presence or absence of a point card from the customer (step S16). Specifically, when the self-service POS terminal 10 is used by two people, a point card confirmation screen 71 (see FIG. 6) is displayed on the display device 15, and the customer is prompted to select whether or not they have a point card.

[0137] In step S16, if it is selected that the user has a point card, the operation control unit 47 reads the information on the point card (step S17).

[0138] Next, the product registration unit 43 performs a product registration process to register the product code of the product that the customer wishes to purchase (step S18).

[0139] Specifically, when two-person operation is selected, the first reading unit 41 reads the code symbol attached to a product that customer 2 holds over the fixed scanner 17. The second reading unit 42 reads the code symbol attached to a product that customer 3 holds over the handheld scanner 18. The product registration unit 43 registers the product corresponding to the product code read by the first reading unit 41 in the product registration file 323 (see FIG. 3). The display control unit 45 then displays information related to the registered product in the registered product list 94 (see FIG. 8). The product registration unit 43 also registers the product corresponding to the product code read by the second reading unit 42 in the product registration file 323 (see FIG. 3). The display control unit 45 then displays information related to the registered product in the registered product list 99 (see FIG. 8).

[0140] On the other hand, when single-person operation is selected, the product registration unit 43 registers the product corresponding to the product code read by the fixed scanner 17 or the handheld scanner 18 in the product registration file 323 (see FIG. 3). Then, the display control unit 45 displays information related to the registered product in a product registration list (not shown). The product registration list displayed during single-person operation has the same format as the registered product lists 94 and 99. When single-person operation is selected, the display control unit 45 displays one product registration list on the display device 15.

[0141] The operation control unit 46 determines whether the checkout button 103 (see FIG. 8) has been pressed (step S19). If it is determined that the checkout button 103 has been pressed (step S19: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the checkout button 103 has been pressed (step S19: No), the process returns to step S18, and product registration continues.

[0142] If it is determined in step S19 that the checkout button 103 has been pressed, the operation control unit 47 displays the payment method selection screen 131 (see FIG. 11) on the display device 15. Then, the operation control unit 46 acquires the payment method selected by the customer on the payment method selection screen 131 (step S20).

[0143] Next, the payment processing unit 44 performs payment processing related to the registered contents of the product registration file 323 using the payment method selected in step S20, and generates a payment file 324 that stores the results of the payment processing (step S21).The self-service POS terminal 10 then causes the receipt printer 20 to print and issue a receipt on which the results of the payment processing are printed, and the process ends.

[0144] As described above, the self-service POS terminal 10 (product sales data processing device) of this embodiment comprises a first reading unit 41 that reads a code symbol including a product code attached to a product presented by customer 2 (first customer) for one transaction; a second reading unit 42 that reads a code symbol including a product code attached to a product presented by customer 3 (second customer) for one transaction; a product registration unit 43 that registers the product with the product code read by the first reading unit 41 and the product with the product code read by the second reading unit 42; a display control unit 45 that displays a registered product list 94 (first list) of products related to the product codes read by the first reading unit 41 and a registered product list 99 (second list) of products related to the product codes read by the second reading unit 42 side by side; and a payment processing unit 44 that performs payment for all of the products registered by the product registration unit 43 all at once. Therefore, two people can simultaneously register the products they wish to purchase for one transaction. This shortens the time required for one transaction, thereby reducing congestion at self-checkout registers. In addition, two-person operation can be achieved with almost the same hardware configuration as conventional self-checkout POS terminals, which saves space.

[0145] In the self-service POS terminal 10 (product sales data processing device) of the embodiment, the first reading unit 41 reads the code symbol with the fixed scanner 17, and the second reading unit 42 reads the code symbol with the handy scanner 18. Therefore, when two customers operate the self-service POS terminal 10, they can perform the product code reading operation in parallel.

[0146] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 (product sales data processing device) of the embodiment includes a product stand 12 (first product stand) on which products related to one transaction are placed, a product stand 13 (second product stand) on which products whose product codes have been read by the first reading unit 41 are placed, and a product stand 14 (third product stand) on which products whose product codes have been read by the second reading unit 42 are placed, with product stand 13 being installed near customer 2 (first customer) and product stand 14 being installed near customer 3 (second customer). Therefore, when customers 2 and 3 place the products whose product codes have been read into plastic bags or their own bags, their product flow paths do not intersect and they can work smoothly.

[0147] Furthermore, in the self-checkout POS terminal 10 (product sales data processing device) of the embodiment, the display control unit 45 further displays selection information for allowing the user to select whether two customers or one customer will operate the first reading unit 41 and the second reading unit 42. Therefore, the self-checkout POS terminal 10 can display information on the display device 15 according to the number of selected operators.

[0148] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment 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 inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 2nd customer (first customer) 3rd Customer (Second Customer) 10 Self-service POS terminal (product sales data processing device) 12 Product stand (first product stand) 13 Product stand (second product stand) 14 Product stand (third product stand) 15 Display Devices 16 Control Devices 17 Fixed Scanner 18 Handy Scanner 36,37 Hook 38 Shopping Cart 39,40 Plastic bags 41 First reading unit 42 Second reading unit 43 Product Registration Department 44 Payment processing section 45 Display control unit 46 Operation control section 47 Motion control unit 51 Number of Operators Selection Screen 52 Single-person operation selection button 53 Two-person operation selection button 54 Single-person operation guide information 55 Two-person operation guide information 57,68,78,89,102,116,127,137 Guide information display area 61 Plastic bag purchase selection screen 62,72,82,92 1st display area 63,73,83,93 2nd display area 64 Plastic Bag Purchase Button 71 Point card confirmation screen 74 Point card possession button 75 Point Card Not Owned Button 81,91 Product registration screen 86,99 Registered Product List (Second List) 87,95,100 Down scroll button 88,96,101 Up scroll button 94 Registered Product List (First List) 103 Checkout button 111 Points usage confirmation screen 112 Point use button 113 Points Unused Button 121 Usage point setting screen 131 Payment method selection screen [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0150] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-152765

Claims

1. a first reader that reads a code symbol, including a product code, attached to a product presented by a first customer in one transaction; a second reading unit that reads a code symbol including a product code attached to a product presented by a second customer in the same transaction; a product registration unit that registers the product to which the product code read by the first reading unit is assigned and the product to which the product code read by the second reading unit is assigned; a display control unit that displays a first list of products corresponding to the product codes read by the first reading unit and a second list of products corresponding to the product codes read by the second reading unit side by side; a payment processing unit that collectively settles the prices of all the products registered by the product registration unit, Product sales data processing device.

2. the first reading unit reads the code symbol with a fixed scanner; the second reading unit reads the code symbol with a handy scanner; The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. a first product table on which the products related to the one transaction are placed; a second product stand on which the product whose product code has been read by the first reading unit is placed; a third product stand on which the product whose product code has been read by the second reading unit is placed, The second product stand is installed near the first customer, The third product stand is installed near the second customer. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The display control unit further displays selection information for allowing the customer to select whether the first reading unit and the second reading unit are to be operated by two customers or by one customer. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

5. A computer that controls a product sales data processing device, a first reader that reads a code symbol, including a product code, attached to a product presented by a first customer in one transaction; a second reading unit that reads a code symbol including a product code attached to a product presented by a second customer in the same transaction; a product registration unit that registers the product to which the product code read by the first reading unit is assigned and the product to which the product code read by the second reading unit is assigned; a display control unit that displays a first list of products corresponding to the product codes read by the first reading unit and a second list of products corresponding to the product codes read by the second reading unit side by side; a payment processing unit that collectively settles the prices of all the products registered by the product registration unit; program.

Images