Commodity sales data processing apparatus, commodity sales data processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of notifying that a commodity manufactured and sold in a store by using equipment requiring cleaning processing cannot be sold.SOLUTION: The commodity sales data processing apparatus includes a notification processing unit. The notification processing unit acquires information on a notification including information on a product manufactured and sold in a store using a device requiring a cleaning process and sales status information indicating whether or not the product can be sold, and performs a notification indicating that the product cannot be sold based on the information on the notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing device, a merchandise sales data processing system, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In commercial facilities such as supermarkets and convenience stores that manufacture and sell food on-site, the food cannot be sold if the equipment used to manufacture the food is being cleaned or if the food is out of stock.

[0003] However, there are limited means for notifying customers in advance that food products manufactured and sold in-store cannot be sold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-58544 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that notifies customers in advance when products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment that requires cleaning processing cannot be sold.

[0006] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a technology that can notify customers that products manufactured and sold in stores using equipment that requires cleaning processing cannot be sold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the product sales data processing device includes a notification processing unit that acquires information about a notification including information about products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment that requires cleaning and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale, and issues a notification indicating that the products are unavailable for sale based on the information about the notification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a store system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an in-store device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of notification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information processing procedure performed by the store system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information processing procedure before product registration by the store system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information processing procedure when a product is registered by the store system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information processing procedure for notifying the display device by the store system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0010] The following description will be given using an example of a store that sells products. The store is assumed to be a physical store. A product is a tangible product. A service is a service provided to a customer. The store may be a store that primarily sells tangible products, a store that primarily sells the provision of services, or a store that provides both products and services. For example, the store may be a convenience store, a supermarket, a home improvement store, a restaurant, or a sports gym, but is not limited to these.

[0011] A transaction for goods or services is the transfer of money from a customer to a store in connection with the provision of goods or services by the store. From the store's perspective, the transaction includes the sale of goods. From the customer's perspective, the transaction includes the purchase of goods.

[0012] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a store system S. Store system S is a system in store X. Store X is a store that sells products that are manufactured and sold in-store using equipment that requires cleaning. The equipment that requires cleaning is, for example, cooking equipment such as a fryer, roaster, or steamer. The products that are manufactured and sold in-store using equipment that requires cleaning are, for example, food products that are manufactured in the cooking equipment. The food products include, for example, prepared foods such as fried chicken, yakitori, and steamed buns.

[0013] The store system S includes a store device 1, a POS terminal 2, a display device 3, and manufacturing equipment 4. The store device 1 is connected to the POS terminal 2 and the display device 3 via a wired or wireless connection that allows direct communication. The store device 1, the POS terminal 2, and the display device 3 are connected to each other via a network NA so that they can communicate with each other. For example, the network NA is a LAN (Local Area Network). The network NA may include a wireless network or a wired network. The store device 1, the POS terminal 2, and the display device 3 may also be connected to the manufacturing equipment 4 via the network NA so that they can communicate with each other.

[0014] The store system S may also refer to a system including at least two devices among a store device 1, a POS terminal 2, a display device 3, and a manufacturing device 4. The device includes electronic devices.

[0015] While FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the store system S includes one store device 1, the store system S may include multiple store devices including the store device 1. The configuration of the multiple store devices may be similar to that of the store device 1. While FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the store system S includes one POS terminal 2, the store system S may include multiple POS terminals including the POS terminal 2. The configuration of the multiple POS terminals may be similar to that of the POS terminal 2. Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the store system S includes one display device 3, the store system S may include multiple display devices including the display device 3. The configuration of the multiple display devices 3 may be similar to that of the display device 3. Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the store system S includes one manufacturing device 4, the store system S may include multiple manufacturing devices including the manufacturing device 4. The configuration of the multiple manufacturing devices may be similar to that of the manufacturing device 4. The store system S is an example of a product sales data processing system.

[0016] The store device 1 is a device that manages information about products sold in store X. The store device 1 includes, for example, a product master that stores product data about the products. The product master data includes various information about each product, such as product code, price, and product name. The store device 1 responds to product-related inquiries from a POS terminal 2 in store X, acquires transaction data recorded in the POS terminal 2, and aggregates sales data. The store device 1 is also called a store controller or store computer. The store device 1 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet terminal, but may also be a dedicated device. The store device 1 is an example of an external device.

[0017] The POS terminal 2 is a device that processes transactions at store X. For example, the POS terminal 2 has a product registration function. The POS terminal 2 uses the product registration function to register one or more products that are the subject of a transaction. Product registration refers to processing the registration of products that are the subject of a transaction. Products that are the subject of a transaction are also called trading products. Product registration refers to registering a product as a trading product. For example, product registration includes adding data related to the trading products to a product registration list. Data related to the trading products is also called trading product data. The product registration list may include trading product data for each trading product for one transaction. The trading product data is data about the details of the trading product. The trading product data may include a product code of the trading product. The product code of the trading product is identification information that can uniquely identify the trading product. The trading product data may include the price of the trading product. The price of the trading product is the price per unit of the trading product. The trading product data may include the number of trading products. The number of trading products is the number of trading products included in one transaction.

[0018] For example, the product registration list is stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. The product registration list is also referred to as transaction data.

[0019] The POS terminal 2 has a payment function. The POS terminal 2 processes the payment of a transaction based on the product registration list using the payment function. The payment of a transaction is also called payment processing. Payment processing refers to processing the payment of a transaction. Payment is payment for a transaction. Payment includes the meaning of accounting. Completion of payment by the POS terminal 2 includes the meaning of the completion of the transaction. The POS terminal 2 performs payment processing based on information regarding the payment method.

[0020] The information on the payment method includes information such as the payment method and payment type. The payment method includes offline payment and online payment. Offline payment is payment that does not require the POS terminal 2 to cooperate with other devices via a network. The network is, for example, the Internet. For example, offline payment is payment using cash or gift certificates. Online payment is payment that the POS terminal 2 executes in cooperation with other devices via a network. For example, online payment includes credit card payment, prepaid card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, code payment, and point payment. The payment type indicates the type of credit card, the type of electronic money, the type of debit card, the type of code payment, etc. The type of credit card may be, for example, the name of the credit card. The type of electronic money may be, for example, the name of the electronic money. The type of debit card may be, for example, the name of the debit card. The type of code payment may be, for example, the name of the code payment.

[0021] The POS terminal 2 can be operated by a user of the POS terminal 2. The user of the POS terminal 2 is mainly a store clerk. The store clerk may be interpreted as a user, a cashier, or a person. The POS terminal 2 is an example of a product sales data processing device.

[0022] The display device 3 is a device for implementing digital signage. The display device 3 includes, for example, a processing circuit, a communication device, a storage device, a display device, etc. The display device 3 may also include an audio output device. The display device 3 stores notification information received from the store device 1 via the communication device in the storage device, and displays a notification based on the stored notification information on the display device. The notification information will be described later. The display device 3 is installed inside the store X. The display device 3 is also called a signage terminal. The display device is a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display device is an example of a display unit of the display device 3.

[0023] The manufacturing equipment 4 is equipment that requires cleaning. The manufacturing equipment 4 is cooking equipment that cooks food. The manufacturing equipment 4 is cooking equipment such as a fryer, roaster, steamer, etc. The manufacturing equipment 4 may include different types of cooking equipment.

[0024] An example of the configuration of the in-store device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the in-store device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0025] The in-store device 1 is an electronic device including a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication interface 14, an input device 15, and a display device 16. The components constituting the in-store device 1 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In FIG. 2, the interface is indicated as "I / F."

[0026] The processing circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of the in-store device 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element constituting the computer of the in-store device 1. The processing circuit 11 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 11 loads a program pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 11 to execute processes by each means described below. The processing circuit 11 executes the program loaded in the main memory 12 to perform various processes.

[0027] The main memory 12 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the in-store device 1. The main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the in-store device 1. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the in-store device 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices may be, but are not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 11 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuit 11.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a notification information storage area 130. The notification information storage area 130 stores notification information. The data in the notification information storage area 130 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting notification information. The notification information is setting information related to notifications. The notification information includes information indicating the notification destination, information regarding the notification content, and information regarding the product to be notified. The notification destination indicates, for example, the device that will send the notification. The information indicating the notification destination is, for example, information that can identify the device that will send the notification. The device that will send the notification is, for example, at least one of the POS terminal 2 and the display device 3. The information that can identify the device that will send the notification may be identification information of the device that will send the notification. The device that will send the notification is also called the notification destination device.

[0030] The information regarding the notification content includes information indicating the reason for whether or not a product is available for sale. The information regarding whether or not a product is available for sale includes information indicating the status of the manufacturing equipment 4. Information indicating the status of the manufacturing equipment 4 is also referred to as equipment status information. The equipment status information is information indicating the state of the manufacturing equipment 4. The state of the manufacturing equipment 4 includes, for example, cleaning, operating, etc. Cleaning indicates that the manufacturing equipment 4 is undergoing a cleaning process. Cleaning may indicate that the manufacturing equipment 4 is unable to operate. Operating indicates that the manufacturing equipment 4 is operating or able to operate. Operating indicates that the product can be manufactured by the manufacturing equipment 4. The information regarding the reason for whether or not a product is available for sale may include information indicating the inventory status of the product that uses the manufacturing equipment 4. The inventory status may be out of stock, in stock, etc. The information regarding the notification content includes information indicating the sales status of the product. The information indicating the sales status is also referred to as sales status information. Sales status information is information indicating whether or not a product is available for sale. Availability includes whether or not a product is available for sale and whether or not a product is available for sale. The information regarding the notification content may include information indicating a notification message included in the notification. The notification may indicate, for example, at least one of the following: that the product cannot be sold because the manufacturing device 4 is being cleaned, and that the product is out of stock and therefore cannot be sold. The notification message may be, for example, "Not available for sale because the manufacturing device 4 is being cleaned," "Not available for sale because the product is out of stock," etc. The notification message may be a message based on text information input by the user of the in-store device 1.

[0031] The information about the product to be notified is information that can identify the product to be notified. The product to be notified is, for example, a product manufactured using the manufacturing equipment 4. The information that can identify the product to be notified may be, for example, the product name of the product. The information that can identify the product to be notified may be, for example, product identification information of the product. The product identification information is, for example, a product code, etc. The notification information storage area 130 is an example of a storage unit of the store device 1.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a device information storage area 131. The device information storage area 131 stores device information. The data in the device information storage area 131 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting device information. The device information is information linking the manufacturing device 4 with the product manufactured and sold using the manufacturing device 4. The device information includes information that can identify the manufacturing device 4, information that can identify the product manufactured using the manufacturing device 4, and information indicating the device status of the manufacturing device 4. The information that can identify the manufacturing device 4 is, for example, identification information of the manufacturing device 4. The identification information of the manufacturing device 4 is, for example, the name or device ID of the manufacturing device 4. The information that can identify the product manufactured using the manufacturing device 4 is, for example, the product name or product code of the product manufactured using the manufacturing device 4. For example, a case will be described where the manufacturing device 4 is "Fryer 1" and the product manufactured using the manufacturing device 4 is "XX Chicken, YY Fries, ZZ Potatoes." The identification information of the manufacturing device 4 is "fryer 1," and the product manufactured using the manufacturing device 4 is "XX Chicken, YY Fries, ZZ Potatoes." The device information is information linking "fryer 1" with "XX Chicken, YY Fries, ZZ Potatoes." If the device status of "fryer 1" is "cleaning," the device status of the manufacturing device 4 indicates "cleaning." The device information is information linking "fryer 1," "XX Chicken, YY Fries, ZZ Potatoes," and "cleaning." The device information storage area 131 is an example of a storage unit of the in-store device 1. According to this example, the in-store device 1 can identify the product manufactured and sold using the manufacturing device 4 based on information that can identify the manufacturing device 4. The device status may be information input by a user of the in-store device 1. The device status may be information received from the manufacturing device 4. In this case, the manufacturing device 4 may be communicably connected to the in-store device 1 via a network NA.

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 13 stores a product master. The product master may include information indicating whether a notification is set for a product. For example, if a product XX is set as a product to be notified, the product master may include information indicating that the product XX is a product to be notified.

[0034] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the in-store device 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. For example, the in-store device 1 and an external device are communicably connected via a network. The network may include a wireless network or a wired network. The network may include, for example, a LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0035] The input device 15 is a device that can input data or instructions to the in-store apparatus 1. The input device 15 may include a keyboard or the like. The input device 15 may form a touch panel together with the display device 16.

[0036] The display device 16 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processing circuit 11. For example, the display device 16 is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, etc. The display device 16 is an example of a display unit.

[0037] The hardware configuration of the in-store device 1 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The in-store device 1 allows for the omission or modification of the above-described components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0038] Each unit realized in the processing circuit 11 will now be described. The processing circuit 11 realizes a setting unit 110 and an output unit 111. Each unit realized in the processing circuit 11 can also be referred to as a function. Each unit realized in the processing circuit 11 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 11 and the main memory 12.

[0039] The setting unit 110 performs settings related to notifications. The setting unit 110 sets notification information. The notification information includes information indicating the notification recipient, information regarding the notification content, and information regarding the product to be notified. The setting unit 110 saves the set notification information in the notification information storage area 130. The setting unit 110 may set the notification information based on an operation by the user of the in-store device 1. The setting unit 110 may set the notification information based on an input operation by the user of the in-store device 1 via the input device 15. The input operation includes, for example, a selection operation based on a touch input or a click operation. The input operation may include a text input operation. The setting unit 110 may acquire information indicating a message to be included in the notification based on an operation by the user of the in-store device 1.

[0040] The output unit 111 outputs the notification information to the notification destination via the communication interface 14. The notification destination indicates, for example, a device of the notification destination. The notification device includes, for example, at least one of the POS terminal 2 and the display device 3.

[0041] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

[0042] The POS terminal 2 includes a processing circuit 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a change machine interface 23, a communication interface 24, a scanner 25, an input device 26, a first display device 27-1, a second display device 27-2, a printing device 28, a reader 29, an audio output device 30, and an input / output interface 31. The main memory 21, the auxiliary storage device 22, the change machine interface 23, the communication interface 24, the scanner 25, the input device 26, the display device 27, the printing device 28, the reader 29, the audio output device 30, and the input / output interface 31 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In FIG. 3, the interface is indicated as "I / F."

[0043] The processing circuit 20 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned processing circuit 11. The processing circuit 20 performs various operations by executing programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0044] The main memory 21 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 21 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned main memory 12. The main memory 21 stores programs.

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores the above-mentioned programs.

[0046] The auxiliary storage device 22 includes a notification information storage area 221. The notification information storage area 221 stores notification information. The data in the notification information storage area 221 is updated by adding, updating, deleting, or the like the notification information. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores the notification information every time notification information is acquired from the in-store device 1. The notification information storage area 221 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0047] The auxiliary storage device 22 includes a device information storage area 222. The device information storage area 222 stores device information. The data in the device information storage area 222 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting device information. The auxiliary storage device 22 may store notification information every time device information is acquired from the in-store device 1. The device information storage area 222 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0048] The auxiliary memory device 22 stores a product registration list. The product registration list includes information about the trading product for each trading product. The information about the trading product includes all or part of the product code, name, price, number of items, amount, and type of the trading product. The information about the trading product may include information other than these. The product registration information may include the total amount of the transaction. The information about the trading product may include the payment amount. The payment amount is the amount paid for the transaction using the payment method selected by the customer. The auxiliary memory device 22 may store device information. The auxiliary memory device 22 may store a product master.

[0049] The change machine interface 23 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 23 receives inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 23 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0050] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 2 to other devices via the network NA in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol so that communication is possible.

[0051] The scanner 25 is a device that reads various code symbols and acquires information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbols are barcode symbols or two-dimensional code symbols. The code symbols may include the code symbols of products that record product codes. The code symbols of products are images attached to the products.

[0052] The input device 26 is a device that can input information to the POS terminal 2. For example, the input device 26 may include a keyboard. The input device 26 may form a touch panel together with the display device 27.

[0053] The first display device 27-1 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 20. The first display device 27-1 is a display device mainly for the store clerk to view. For example, the first display device 27-1 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The first display device 27-1 is an example of a display unit of the POS terminal 2. Note that if the POS terminal 2 is a self-checkout with a single screen configuration, the POS terminal 2 may not have the first display device 27-1.

[0054] The second display device 27-2 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 20. The second display device 27-2 is a display device primarily for customers to view. For example, the second display device 27-2 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The second display device 27-2 is an example of a display unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0055] The printing device 28 is a device for issuing transaction details by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 28 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer. The transaction details are a medium that shows the details of the transaction. Although the transaction details are described as being a receipt, they may also be a receipt with a space for entering the recipient's name.

[0056] For example, the transaction details include all or part of information about the store where the transaction took place, information about the transaction date and time, and product registration information. The transaction details may also include information other than these. For example, the information about the store where the transaction took place includes the name of the store. The information about the store where the transaction took place may also include information other than this information. For example, the information about the transaction date and time includes the transaction date and time. The information about the transaction date and time may also include information other than this information.

[0057] The reader 29 is a device that reads card data recorded on a card medium. The reader 29 may include a contact reader that reads card data recorded on a magnetic stripe of the card medium. The reader 29 may include a contactless reader that reads card data recorded on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna. The reader 29 may include a writer function that records card data on the card medium.

[0058] The audio output device 30 is a device that can output audio under the control of the processing circuit 20. For example, the audio output device 30 is a speaker.

[0059] The input / output interface 31 is an interface for connecting the POS terminal 2 to an external device. The input / output interface 31 includes a connector for a wired cable.

[0060] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2 is not limited to the above configuration, and the POS terminal 2 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0061] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 20 will be described. The processing circuitry 20 realizes a product registration processing unit 201, a notification processing unit 202, and a payment processing unit 203. Each means realized by the processing circuitry 20 can also be referred to as each unit or each function. Each means realized by the processing circuitry 20 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuitry 20 and the main memory 21.

[0062] The product registration processing unit 201 processes the registration of one or more trading products.

[0063] The notification processing unit 202 acquires notification information. The notification information includes information about the product to be notified and information about the notification content. The information about the product to be notified is an example of information about the product manufactured and sold in store X using the manufacturing equipment 4. The notification information is an example of information about the notification. The notification processing unit 202 acquires the notification information from the in-store device 1 via the communication interface 24. The notification processing unit 202 may acquire the notification information based on information input by the user of the POS terminal 2 via the input device 26. The user of the POS terminal 2 may set the notification information via the input device 26. The notification processing unit 202 may set the notification information based on a user operation. The notification processing unit 202 may also acquire notification information pre-stored in the notification information storage area 221 of the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0064] The notification processing unit 202 issues a notification indicating that the product to be notified is unavailable for sale based on the notification information. The notification includes a notification based on information indicating the reason for the availability of the product for sale. The notification includes a notification based on sales status information of the product to be notified. The notification may include a notification based on equipment status information of the manufacturing equipment 4. For example, the notification may include a notification indicating that the product is unavailable for sale because the manufacturing equipment 4 is being cleaned, and a notification indicating that the product is unavailable for sale because it is out of stock. The notification may include information that can identify the product to be notified.

[0065] The notification processing unit 202 may display a notification on the first display device 27-1 before starting the product registration operation. The notification processing unit 202 may display a notification on the second display device 27-2 before starting the product registration operation. The notification processing unit 202 may display a notification on the first display device 27-1 when a product to be notified has been registered. The notification processing unit 202 may display a notification on the second display device 27-2 when a product to be notified has been registered. The notification processing unit 202 may display notifications indicating the same content on the first display device 27-1 and the second display device 27-2. The notification processing unit 202 may display notifications indicating different content on the first display device 27-1 and the second display device 27-2. For example, the notification processing unit 202 may display a notification on the first display device 27-1 indicating that the product to be notified is unavailable for sale. The notification indicating that the product to be notified is unavailable for sale includes, for example, a message such as "XX Chicken is currently unavailable for sale because fryer 1 is being cleaned." The notification processing unit 202 may display a notification on the first display device 27-1 indicating that the notified product is unavailable for purchase. The notification indicating that the notified product is unavailable for purchase includes, for example, a message such as "XX Chicken is currently unavailable for purchase because fryer 1 is being cleaned."

[0066] The notification processing unit 202 may output the notification as audio based on the notification information. The notification processing unit 202 may output the notification as audio via the audio output device 30.

[0067] The notification processing unit 202 may output the notification information set by the user of the POS terminal 2 to the in-store device 1. The notification processing unit 202 may also output the notification information set by the user of the POS terminal 2 to another POS terminal 2.

[0068] The settlement processing unit 203 performs settlement processing for the transaction based on information about the transaction product.

[0069] The notification information will be explained. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of notification information according to the embodiment.

[0070] The notification information includes information indicating the notification destination, information indicating the product that is the subject of the notification, information indicating the target manufacturing equipment, information indicating the reason for the availability of the product that is the subject of the notification, and sales status information. The information indicating the notification destination is, for example, the name of the device that is the destination of the notification. The information indicating the product that is the subject of the notification is, for example, the product name of the product that is the subject of the notification. The target manufacturing equipment is, for example, the manufacturing equipment that manufactures the product that is the subject of the notification. The information indicating the target manufacturing equipment is, for example, the name of the manufacturing equipment. The information indicating the reason for the availability of the product is equipment status information of the target manufacturing equipment or information indicating the inventory status of the product that is the subject of the notification. The sales status information is sales status information of the product that is the subject of the notification.

[0071] The example in Figure 4 shows notification information when fryer 1 is being cleaned. The products manufactured using fryer 1 are "XX Chicken" and "YY Fries." In this example, notification is sent to POS terminal A and display device B. The notification information is linked to, for example, the notification destination "POS terminal A, display device B," the product name "XX Chicken," the manufacturing equipment "fryer 1," the reason for the product's availability "being cleaned," and the sales status "unavailable."

[0072] In addition, if the ZZ coffee produced by coffee maker 2 is out of stock, the notification information is linked to the notification destination "POS terminal A, display device B," the product name "ZZ coffee," the manufacturing equipment "coffee maker 2," the reason for the product's availability "out of stock," and the sales status "unavailable for sale."

[0073] (Example of operation) The processing of the store system S will be described. In the following description mainly focusing on the in-store device 1, the in-store device 1 may be read as the processing circuit 11. Similarly, in the following description mainly focusing on the POS terminal 2, the POS terminal 2 may be read as the processing circuit 20. In the following description mainly focusing on the display device 3, the display device 3 may be read as the processing circuit of the display device 3. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing by the store system S according to the embodiment. In the following process, it is assumed that Store X uses fryer 1 and coffee maker 2 as manufacturing equipment 4. Store X uses fryer 1 to manufacture "XX Chicken" and "YY Fries." It is also assumed that coffee maker 2 is used to manufacture "ZZ Coffee." Note that the manufacturing equipment 4 used in Store X is not limited to the above-mentioned equipment. The products manufactured using fryer 1 and coffee maker 2 are not limited to the above-mentioned products. The following process will be described assuming that the fryer 1 is being cleaned.

[0075] The user of the in-store device 1 sets a notification indicating that "XX Chicken" and "YY Fries" manufactured using the fryer 1 cannot be sold because the fryer 1 is being cleaned. For example, the user of the in-store device 1 specifies the device to which the notification should be sent via the input device 15. The user of the in-store device 1 specifies the content of the notification via the input device 15. The content of the notification includes, for example, the device status of the manufacturing device 4. The user of the in-store device 1 specifies the product to be notified via the input device 15.

[0076] The processing circuit 11 of the in-store device 1 sets notification information based on an instruction from a user of the in-store device 1 (ACT1). The processing of ACT1 may be processing by the setting unit 110 realized by the processing circuit 11. In ACT1, the processing circuit 11 may, for example, display a notification setting image for setting a notification on the display device 16. The notification setting image may include a notification destination selection button for selecting a notification destination device. The notification destination selection button is an operator that can input an instruction to select a notification destination device. The user of the in-store device 1 operates the notification destination selection button in accordance with the notification setting image displayed on the display device 16 of the in-store device 1 to select a notification destination device. The processing circuit 11 acquires information indicating the notification destination device based on the user's operation.

[0077] The notification setting image may include a notification content selection button for selecting notification content. The notification content selection button is, for example, an operator that can input an instruction to select an equipment status. The equipment status is an example of information indicating notification content. A user of the store device 1 operates the notification content selection button to select an equipment status in accordance with the notification setting image displayed on the display device 16 of the store device 1. The processing circuit 11 acquires information indicating the equipment status of the target manufacturing equipment based on the user's operation.

[0078] The notification setting image may include a target product selection button for selecting a product to be notified. The target product selection button is, for example, an operator that can input an instruction to select a product to be notified. A user of the in-store device 1 operates the target product selection button in accordance with the notification setting image displayed on the display device 16 of the in-store device 1 to select a product to be notified. The processing circuit 11 acquires information indicating the product to be notified based on the user's operation.

[0079] The processing circuitry 11 sets notification information based on information indicating the device to be notified, information indicating the notification content, and information indicating the product to be notified. The processing circuitry 11 may store information indicating that a notification will be made for the product to be notified in the auxiliary storage device 13. The processing circuitry 11 may store the information indicating that a notification will be made in the product master. For example, the processing circuitry 11 may set a notification target flag for the product to be notified in the product master. The notification target flag may be set to "1" if the product is a product to be notified, and may be set to "0" if the product is not a product to be notified.

[0080] The processing circuitry 11 may acquire information indicating the target manufacturing equipment based on a user's operation. The processing circuitry 11 may refer to the equipment information and identify the product to be notified based on the information indicating the target manufacturing equipment. For example, the user may select the target manufacturing equipment and select the product to be notified from a list of products linked to the target manufacturing equipment. For example, a case will be described in which the processing circuitry 11 acquires "Fryer 1" as information indicating the target manufacturing equipment based on a user's operation. The processing circuitry 11 may refer to the equipment information and identify the products "XX Chicken" and "YY Fries" manufactured using "Fryer 1" as the products to be notified. The processing circuitry 11 may display a product list image showing a list of products linked to Flyer 1 on the display device 16 based on the user's selection of Flyer 1. The user may select a product to be notified by selecting a target product selection button included in the product selection image.

[0081] The processing circuitry 11 may refer to the equipment information and acquire the equipment status of the target manufacturing equipment based on the information indicating the target manufacturing equipment. For example, the processing circuitry 11 may refer to the equipment information and acquire information indicating "cleaning" as the equipment status of "fryer 1."

[0082] The processing circuitry 11 stores the set notification information in the notification information storage area 130 (ACT2). The processing of ACT2 may be processing by the setting unit 110 realized by the processing circuitry 11. In ACT2, the processing circuitry 11 may store the notification information in the notification information storage area 130, for example, every time it acquires an instruction from a user of the in-store device 1.

[0083] The processing circuitry 11 outputs the notification information to the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. This processing may be performed by an output unit 111 realized by the processing circuitry 11. For example, the processing circuitry 11 outputs the notification information to the POS terminal 2 based on information indicating the notification destination.

[0084] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 acquires the notification information from the in-store device 1 via the communication interface 24. This processing may be performed by a notification processing unit 202 implemented by the processing circuit 20.

[0085] The processing circuitry 20 issues a notification based on the notification information (ACT3). ACT3 may be processing by the notification processing unit 202 implemented by the processing circuitry 20. In ACT2, the processing circuitry 20 displays a notification on, for example, the first display device 27-1. The processing circuitry 20 may also display a notification on the second display device 27-2. The processing circuitry 20 may output the notification as audio via an audio output device. The processing circuitry 20 may store the notification information in the auxiliary storage device 22. The processing circuitry 20 may store information indicating that a notification will be issued based on the notification information in the product master stored in the auxiliary storage device 22. For example, the processing circuitry 20 may set a notification target flag for the product that is the target of notification in the product master.

[0086] The processing circuitry 11 outputs the notification information to the display device 3 via the communication interface 14. This processing may be performed by an output unit 111 realized by the processing circuitry 11. For example, the processing circuitry 11 outputs the notification information to the display device 3 based on information indicating the notification destination.

[0087] The display device 3 acquires the notification information from the in-store device 1. The display device 3 issues a notification based on the notification information (ACT4). In ACT4, the display device 3 displays the notification on, for example, a display device of the display device 3. The display device 3 may output the notification as audio via an audio output device. The display device 3 may store the notification information in a storage device.

[0088] According to this example, the store system S includes at least a store device 1 and a POS terminal 2, and the store device 1 can set notification information including a notification destination to which a notification indicating that a product cannot be sold, product information, and sales status information, and output the notification information to the notification destination including the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 can acquire information regarding the notification including information about products manufactured and sold in the store using equipment that requires cleaning processing and sales status information indicating whether the product is available for sale, and can issue a notification indicating that the product is not available for sale based on the information regarding the notification. Therefore, when a product cannot be manufactured or sold because the manufacturing equipment 4 is being cleaned, the store system S can announce to the customer that the product is unavailable. For example, if a customer is trying to purchase a product that cannot be manufactured or sold, the customer can recognize from the notification that the product is unavailable. This allows the store system S to notify the customer that a product manufactured or sold in the store using equipment that requires cleaning is unavailable for sale. For example, the store system S can issue a notification indicating at least one of the following: that the product is unavailable because the manufacturing equipment 4 is being cleaned, or that the product is unavailable because it is out of stock. Therefore, the store system S can issue different notifications depending on the reason why the product is unavailable for sale. Furthermore, by announcing that a product is unavailable, the store system S can reduce the time customers have to wait unnecessarily to order, for example, when they are trying to order a product that cannot be purchased. By announcing that a product is unavailable, the store system S can reduce the number of questions that store staff have to ask customers. By announcing that a product is unavailable, the store system S can provide additional answers to customers who have ordered a product that cannot be purchased. In this way, the store system S can improve service by announcing that the product cannot be purchased.

[0089] A case where notification is sent to the POS terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information processing procedure before product registration by the store system S according to the embodiment.

[0090] The example in Figure 6 shows information processing before the user of the POS terminal 2 registers a product, or after starting product registration and before starting the transaction. Before product registration includes a state in which the user of the POS terminal 2 has not yet performed any product registration operations. After starting product registration and before starting the transaction includes the period in which product registration is being performed. After starting product registration and before starting the transaction includes the period before the user of the POS terminal 2 issues a transaction instruction.

[0091] In the following process, it is assumed that the user of the in-store device 1 has issued an instruction to send a notification to the POS terminal 2. For example, the user of the in-store device 1 selects the POS terminal 2 as the notification destination. The in-store device 1 acquires information that can identify the POS terminal 2 as information indicating the notification destination. The processing circuit 11 of the in-store device 1 outputs the notification information to the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0092] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 acquires notification information (ACT11). The processing of ACT11 may be processing by the notification processing unit 202 realized by the processing circuit 20. The processing circuit 20 may store the notification information in the auxiliary storage device 22. The processing circuit 20 may save information indicating that a notification will be sent in the product master stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 based on the notification information. In ACT11, the processing circuit 20, for example, creates notification image data for displaying a notification on a display device based on the notification information. The notification image includes, for example, a notification message based on information indicating the content of the notification. The notification image data may include icons, symbols, images, etc. in addition to or instead of the notification message. The processing circuit 20 may acquire the notification image data from the in-store device 1. The processing circuit 20 may create clerk notification image data indicating a clerk notification and customer notification image data indicating a customer notification. The clerk notification and the customer notification may include the same notification message. The clerk notification and the customer notification may include different notification messages. The notification for the store clerk includes, for example, a message such as "XX Chicken is currently unavailable for sale because fryer 1 is being cleaned." The notification for the customer includes, for example, a message such as "XX Chicken is currently unavailable for purchase because fryer 1 is being cleaned." Note that the processing circuit 20 may store the notification image data in the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0093] The processing circuitry 20 displays a notification image on the first display device 27-1 and the second display device 27-2 based on the notification image data (ACT12). The processing of ACT12 may be processing by the notification processing unit 202 realized by the processing circuitry 20. In ACT12, the processing circuitry 20 displays a notification image on, for example, the first display device 27-1. The processing circuitry 20 displays a notification image on, for example, the second display device 27-2. Note that the processing circuitry 20 may display a notification image on the first display device 27-1 based on the notification image data for the store clerk. The processing circuitry 20 may display a notification image on the second display device 27-2 based on the notification image data for the customer.

[0094] The processing circuitry 20 may display a video showing the notification on the first display device 27-1 or the second display device 27-2 based on the notification information. The processing circuitry 20 may output the notification as audio via the audio output device 30 based on the notification information.

[0095] (Variation) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an information processing procedure when a product is registered by the store system S according to the embodiment. The example of Fig. 7 shows information processing while a user of the POS terminal 2 is registering a product. In the example of Fig. 7, notification is performed when a product to be notified is registered.

[0096] In the following process, it is assumed that the user of the in-store device 1 has issued an instruction to send a notification to the POS terminal 2. For example, the user of the in-store device 1 selects the POS terminal 2 as the notification destination. The in-store device 1 acquires information that can identify the POS terminal 2 as information indicating the notification destination. The processing circuit 11 of the in-store device 1 outputs the notification information to the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0097] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 acquires the notification information (ACT21), similarly to ACT11. The processing of ACT21 may be processing by the notification processing unit 202 realized by the processing circuit 20. The processing circuit 20 may store the notification information in the auxiliary storage device 22. The processing circuit 20 may store information indicating that a notification will be issued in the product master stored in the auxiliary storage device 22, based on the notification information.

[0098] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 performs a product registration process (ACT22). The process of ACT22 may be a process performed by a product registration processing unit 201 realized by the processing circuit 20. In ACT22, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires a product code recorded in a code symbol. The processing circuit 20 references the product master stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 and acquires transaction product data for the transaction product corresponding to the product code. The transaction product data includes data such as the product code, product name, and product price. The processing circuit 20 may also reference the product master stored in the in-store device 1 and acquire the transaction product data for the product corresponding to the product code. The processing circuit 20 saves the transaction product data in the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0099] The processing circuit 20 determines whether the registered product is a product to be notified (ACT23). The processing of ACT23 may be processing by the notification processing unit 202 realized by the processing circuit 20. In ACT23, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires notification information from the notification information storage area 221. The processing circuit 20 refers to the notification information and determines whether the registered product is a product to be notified. If the registered product is a product to be notified (ACT23: YES), the processing transitions from ACT23 to ACT24. If the registered product is not a product to be notified (ACT23: NO), the processing ends. Note that the processing circuit 20 may refer to the product master to determine whether the registered product is a product to be notified.

[0100] When the registered product is a product to be notified, the processing circuitry 20 creates notification image data for displaying the notification on the display device based on the notification information. The processing circuitry 20 may acquire the notification image data from the store apparatus 1. The processing circuitry 20 may create clerk notification image data indicating a clerk notification and customer notification image data indicating a customer notification.

[0101] The processing circuitry 20 displays a notification image on the first display device 27-1 and the second display device 27-2 based on the notification image data (ACT24). The processing of ACT24 may be processing by the notification processing unit 202 realized by the processing circuitry 20. In ACT24, the processing circuitry 20 displays the notification image on, for example, the first display device 27-1. The processing circuitry 20 may display the notification image on the first display device 27-1 as a pop-up image. The processing circuitry 20 displays the notification image on, for example, the second display device 27-2. The processing circuitry 20 may display the notification image on the second display device 27-2 as a pop-up image. The processing circuitry 20 may display the notification image on the first display device 27-1 based on the notification image data for the store clerk. The processing circuitry 20 may display the notification image on the second display device 27-2 based on the notification image data for the customer.

[0102] The processing circuitry 20 may display a video showing the notification on the first display device 27-1 or the second display device 27-2 based on the notification information. The processing circuitry 20 may output the notification as audio via the audio output device 30 based on the notification information.

[0103] Note that when the user of the POS terminal 2 starts a product registration operation but has not yet registered the product that is the target of notification, the process shown in Fig. 6 may be performed. For example, when the user of the POS terminal 2 starts a product registration operation but has not yet registered the product that is the target of notification, a customer notification image may be displayed on the second display device 27-2. According to this example, while the store clerk is registering the product, the customer can confirm that there is a product that cannot be sold based on the notification displayed on the second display device 27-2.

[0104] According to this example, the POS terminal 2 acquires information about a product manufactured and sold in a store using manufacturing equipment 4 that requires cleaning and information about a notification including sales status information indicating whether the product is available for sale. Based on the information about the notification, the POS terminal 2 can issue a notification indicating that the product is unavailable for sale. Therefore, when a product cannot be manufactured or sold because the manufacturing equipment 4 is currently being cleaned, the POS terminal 2 can announce to a customer that the product is unavailable for sale. For example, if a customer attempts to purchase a product that cannot be manufactured or sold, the customer can recognize from the notification that the product is unavailable. This allows the POS terminal 2 to notify customers that a product manufactured and sold in a store using equipment that requires cleaning is unavailable for sale. Furthermore, by announcing that a product is unavailable, the POS terminal 2 can reduce unnecessary waiting times for customers, such as when ordering a product that cannot be purchased. By announcing that a product is unavailable, the POS terminal 2 can reduce the number of questions a store clerk has to ask a customer. By announcing that a product is unavailable, the POS terminal 2 can provide additional information to customers who have ordered an unavailable product. In this way, the POS terminal 2 can improve service by announcing that the product cannot be purchased.

[0105] Furthermore, the sales status information includes information indicating at least one of whether the manufacturing equipment 4 is being cleaned and whether the product is out of stock, and the notification indicates at least one of whether the product cannot be sold because the manufacturing equipment 4 is being cleaned and whether the product is out of stock. Therefore, the POS terminal 2 can issue different notifications depending on the reason why the product cannot be sold. The customer can recognize the reason why the product cannot be sold. This allows the POS terminal 2 to further improve service by announcing that the product cannot be purchased depending on the reason.

[0106] The POS terminal 2 can provide a notification before starting the product registration operation or when a product is registered. For example, if a product cannot be manufactured or sold, the POS terminal 2 can notify a customer in advance that the product is unavailable for sale. A customer can know in advance that a product that cannot be manufactured or sold is unavailable, for example, when the customer is trying to purchase a product that cannot be manufactured or sold. Since customers can know in advance that the product is unavailable for purchase, they do not need to wait unnecessarily to order the product. This allows the POS terminal 2 to further improve service by notifying customers in advance that products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment that requires cleaning cannot be sold. For example, if a product that cannot be manufactured or sold is registered, the POS terminal 2 can announce that the product is unavailable for sale. The notification allows a store clerk using the POS terminal 2 to know that the registered product is unavailable for sale. The notification allows customers to know that the registered product is unavailable for purchase. This reduces the number of questions the store clerk has to ask customers. Furthermore, the store clerk can provide additional answers to customers who have ordered an unavailable product. In this way, the POS terminal 2 can improve service by announcing that the product cannot be purchased.

[0107] The POS terminal 2 can store information linking the manufacturing device 4 with the product manufactured and sold using the manufacturing device 4. Therefore, the POS terminal 2 can identify the product manufactured and sold using the manufacturing device 4 based on the information identifying the manufacturing device 4.

[0108] The POS terminal 2 can set notification information. For example, the POS terminal 2 can set information about products manufactured and sold in the store using the manufacturing equipment 4 and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale, based on the operation of a store clerk, and can issue a notification that the products are unavailable for sale. The POS terminal 2 can set a notification indicating that the products are unavailable for sale when the manufacturing equipment 4 is currently being cleaned and cannot manufacture or sell the products, and can announce this to customers via the POS terminal 2 or another POS terminal 2. This allows the POS terminal 2 to notify customers that products manufactured and sold in the store using equipment that requires cleaning cannot be sold. Furthermore, by announcing that the products are unavailable for purchase, the POS terminal 2 can improve service.

[0109] Furthermore, for example, the POS terminal 2 can set notification information based on information linking the manufacturing device 4 with the products manufactured and sold using the manufacturing device 4. By identifying the manufacturing device 4, the user of the POS terminal 2 can select the products to be notified from the products manufactured and sold using the manufacturing device 4. Therefore, the user of the POS terminal 2 can easily set notifications.

[0110] The case where notification is given to the display device 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an information processing procedure for sending a notification to the display device 3 by the store system S according to the embodiment.

[0111] In the following process, it is assumed that the user of the in-store device 1 has issued an instruction to send a notification to the display device 3. For example, the user of the in-store device 1 selects the display device 3 as the notification destination. The in-store device 1 acquires information that can identify the display device 3 as information indicating the notification destination. The processing circuit 11 of the in-store device 1 outputs the notification information to the display device 3 via the communication interface 14.

[0112] The processing circuit of the display device 3 acquires notification information (ACT31). The processing circuit of the display device 3 may store the notification information in a storage device. In ACT31, the processing circuit of the display device 3 creates notification image data for displaying a notification on a display device, for example, based on the notification information. The processing circuit of the display device 3 may acquire the notification image data from the store device 1. The processing circuit of the display device 3 may save the notification image data in a storage device.

[0113] The processing circuit of the display device 3 displays a notification image on the display device based on the notification image data (ACT32). In ACT32, the processing circuit of the display device 3 displays, for example, the notification image on the display device. The processing circuit of the display device 3 may display the notification image on the display device based on the acquisition of notification information. The processing circuit of the display device 3 may display the notification image on the display device based on the completion of display of another image currently being displayed. The timing for displaying the notification image on the display device of the display device 3 may be set as appropriate by the manager of Store X, etc.

[0114] The processing circuit of the display device 3 may display a video showing the notification on the display device based on the notification information.The processing circuit of the display device 3 may output the notification as audio via the audio output device based on the notification information.

[0115] According to this example, the display device 3 acquires information about a product manufactured and sold in a store using manufacturing equipment 4 that requires cleaning and information about a notification including sales status information indicating whether the product is available for sale. Based on the information about the notification, the display device 3 can notify customers that the product is unavailable for sale when the manufacturing equipment 4 is currently being cleaned and cannot manufacture or sell the product. For example, if a customer is attempting to purchase a product that cannot be manufactured or sold, the customer can recognize from the notification that the product is unavailable. This allows the display device 3 to notify customers that a product manufactured and sold in a store using equipment that requires cleaning is unavailable for sale. Furthermore, by announcing that a product is unavailable for purchase, the display device 3 can reduce the time customers spend unnecessarily waiting to place an order, such as when they are trying to order a product that cannot be purchased. In this way, the display device 3 can improve service by announcing that a product is unavailable for purchase.

[0116] (Other embodiments) In the above description, the case where the notification information is set in the in-store device 1 has been described as an example, but this is not limiting. In one example, the notification information may be set in the POS terminal 2, and a process for issuing a notification may be performed in at least one of the other POS terminal 2 and the display device 3. In this case, the POS terminal 2 may perform the processes of ACT1 and ACT2 shown in FIG. 5 and output the notification information to at least one of the other POS terminal 2 and the display device 3. At least one of the other POS terminal 2 and the display device 3 may issue a notification based on the acquired notification information. In another example, the notification information may be set using a store clerk terminal, such as a tablet terminal used by a store clerk, and a process for issuing a notification may be performed in at least one of the POS terminal 2 and the display device 3. In this case, the store clerk terminal may perform the processes of ACT1 and ACT2 shown in FIG. 5 and output the notification information to at least one of the POS terminal 2 and the display device 3. At least one of the POS terminal 2 and the display device 3 may issue a notification based on the acquired notification information.

[0117] In the above description, a POS terminal 2 having a product registration function and a payment function and in which a store clerk intervenes in product registration and payment has been described as an example of a product sales data processing device, but this is not limiting. The product sales data processing device may also be a POS terminal having a product registration function and a payment function that allows a customer to complete the process from product registration to payment without the intervention of a store clerk. The product sales data processing device may also be a POS terminal having a payment function that allows a customer to make payment without the intervention of a store clerk. In this example, product registration may be performed by a store clerk using a registration device. Product registration may also be performed by a customer using a shopping cart system or the like that has a product registration function. Product registration may also be performed by a customer using a mobile terminal that the customer owns. Product registration may also be performed by a customer using a mobile terminal that the store or the like has prepared in advance.

[0118] The product sales data processing device may be realized by a single device as described above using the POS terminal 2 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions. The external device may be realized by a single device as described above using the in-store device 1 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0119] In the above description, the in-store device 1 and the POS terminal 2 are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. The POS terminal 2 may be capable of realizing at least a part of the functions of the in-store device 1 of this embodiment.

[0120] When the functions of the POS terminal 2 are provided to a cloud server, the functions of the POS terminal 2 may be realized by a system including a tablet terminal communicably connected to the cloud server.

[0121] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by an apparatus, a program that can cause a computer of the apparatus to execute each function, or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0122] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0123] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0124] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0125] The above embodiment may be expressed as follows. (1) acquiring information about a notification including information about products manufactured and sold at a store using equipment requiring cleaning treatment and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale; a product sales data processing device including a notification processing unit that issues a notification indicating that the product cannot be sold based on information related to the notification. (2) the notice indicates at least one of the following: that the product is unavailable for sale because the equipment is being cleaned; and that the product is unavailable for sale because the product is out of stock; (1) A product sales data processing device. (3) The notification processing unit issues the notification before starting a product registration operation or when the product is registered. (1) A product sales data processing device. (4) The cleaning system further includes a storage unit that stores information linking the device requiring the cleaning process with a product manufactured and sold using the device requiring the cleaning process. (1) A product sales data processing device. (5) A merchandise sales data processing system including a merchandise sales data processing device and an external device communicably connected to the merchandise sales data processing device, The product sales data processing device includes: Acquire information about a notification including information about products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment requiring cleaning treatment and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale; a notification processing unit that issues a notification indicating that the product cannot be sold based on information related to the notification; The external device is a setting unit that sets notification information including a notification destination to which the notification is to be output, information about the product, and information about the sales status; an output unit that outputs the notification information to the notification destination including the product sales data processing device; A product sales data processing system comprising: (6) To the computer: Acquire information about a notification including information about products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment requiring cleaning treatment and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale; a function of issuing a notification indicating that the product cannot be sold based on information about the notification; a function of setting notification information including a notification destination to which the notification is to be output, information about the product, and information about the sales status; a function of outputting the notification information to the notification destination including the product sales data processing device; An information processing program capable of executing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1...store device, 2...POS terminal, 3...display device, 4...manufacturing equipment, 11...processing circuit, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication interface, 15...input device, 16...display device, 20...processing circuit, 21...main memory, 22...auxiliary storage device, 23...change machine interface, 24...communication interface, 25...scanner, 26...input device, 27-1...first display device, 27-2...second display device, 28...printing device, 29...reader, 30...audio output device, 31...input / output interface, 110...setting unit, 111...output unit, 130...notification information storage area, 131...device information storage area, 201...product registration processing unit, 202...notification processing unit, 203...payment processing unit, 221...notification information storage area, 222...device information storage area, NA...network, S...store system, X...store.

Claims

1. Acquire information about a notification including information about products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment requiring cleaning treatment and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale; a product sales data processing device including a notification processing unit that issues a notification indicating that the product cannot be sold based on information related to the notification.

2. the notification indicates at least one of that the product is unavailable for sale because the equipment is being cleaned and that the product is unavailable for sale because the product is out of stock; The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification processing unit performs the notification before starting a product registration operation or when the product is registered. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The cleaning system further includes a storage unit that stores information linking the device requiring cleaning processing with a product manufactured and sold using the device requiring cleaning processing. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

5. A merchandise sales data processing system including a merchandise sales data processing device and an external device communicably connected to the merchandise sales data processing device, The product sales data processing device includes: Acquire information about a notification including information about products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment requiring cleaning treatment and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale; a notification processing unit that issues a notification indicating that the product cannot be sold based on information related to the notification; The external device is a setting unit that sets notification information including a notification destination to which the notification is to be output, information about the product, and information about the sales status; an output unit that outputs the notification information to the notification destination including the product sales data processing device; A product sales data processing system comprising:

6. On the computer, Acquire information about a notification including information about products manufactured and sold in a store using equipment requiring cleaning treatment and sales status information indicating whether the products are available for sale; a function of issuing a notification indicating that the product cannot be sold based on information about the notification; a function of setting notification information including a notification destination to which the notification is to be output, information about the product, and information about the sales status; a function of outputting the notification information to the notification destination; An information processing program capable of executing the above.

Images