Sales data processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

To provide a sales data processor and a program capable of smoothly continuing processing even when a customer does not know which choice to select.SOLUTION: A sales data processor can be operated by a customer himself / herself, and includes display means, reception means, and control means. The display means displays a selection screen including a plurality of choices selected by a customer. The plurality of choices include one non-answer choice for indicating the intention of the customer who does not know or does not answer in addition to an answer choice to the item displayed on the selection screen. The reception means receives an operation of selecting one of the plurality of options by the customer. The control means allocates the answer of the customer to any one of the answer choices when the reception means receives the operation for selecting the non-answer choice and it is not essential to select any of the answer choices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the use of self-service point-of-sale (POS) devices operated by customers themselves has been increasing in stores. With such self-service POS devices, there are situations where customers must select one of the options displayed on the screen.

[0003] However, if a customer is unfamiliar with the operation or is not familiar with the display language, they may not know which option to select. In such cases, the customer may not be able to proceed smoothly with the operation or may be reluctant to use the self-service POS device in the future. 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 sales data processing device and a program that can smoothly continue processing even when a customer does not know which option to select. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A sales data processing device according to an embodiment can be operated by a customer and includes a display means, a reception means, and a control means. The display means displays a selection screen including multiple options to be selected by the customer. The multiple options include answer options for the items displayed on the selection screen as well as one no-answer option for indicating the customer's intention to not know or not answer. The reception means receives an operation by the customer to select one of the multiple options. When the reception means receives an operation to select the no-answer option and selecting one of the answer options is not required, the control means assigns the customer's answer to one of the answer options. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a self-checkout POS device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a selection screen setting table according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an optional selection screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a required selection screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the selection process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a self-service POS (Point of Sales) device 1 according to an embodiment. The self-service POS device 1 is installed in a store such as a convenience store or supermarket. The self-service POS device 1 is an example of a sales data processing device that can be operated by a customer themselves. The self-service POS device 1 performs product registration and transaction processing in response to operations by the customer who is the user.

[0009] 1, the self-checkout POS device 1 has, for example, a vertically elongated, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3. The first housing 2 is located on the lower side of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and houses a deposit / withdrawal unit 4 inside.

[0010] The deposit / withdrawal unit 4 deposits money received from customers and dispenses change to be paid to customers under the control of a control unit described later.

[0011] The second housing 3 is located on the upper side of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and houses a control unit (described later) inside. The second housing 3 also includes a code reading unit 5, a card reading unit 6, and a printing unit 7 as interfaces operated by the user.

[0012] The code reading unit 5 is a reading device that reads information stored in a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The code reading unit 5 reads the code symbol through a reading window 51 formed in the second housing 3. For example, the code reading unit 5 reads a code symbol attached to a product or a code symbol displayed on a user's mobile terminal, etc.

[0013] The card reading unit 6 is a reading device that reads information stored on a card-type medium. The card reading unit 6 reads information from a card medium inserted into the card insertion slot 61. For example, the card reading unit 6 reads information related to electronic payment from a credit card or an electronic money card.

[0014] The printing unit 7 is a printing device such as a thermal printer. The printing unit 7 prints receipts for the products purchased by the user and outputs (issues) the printed receipts from a receipt issuing port 71 formed in the second housing 3.

[0015] The self-checkout POS device 1 also includes a display operation unit 8. The display operation unit 8 is provided on the top surface of the second housing 3 or the like. The display operation unit 8 is, for example, a touch screen having a display unit 81 configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an operation unit 82 configured with a touch panel or the like. The display unit 81 is an example of a display means in this embodiment. The display unit 81 displays various information and images under the control of a control unit described later.

[0016] For example, the display unit 81 displays a selection screen including multiple options to be selected by the customer. The multiple options include answer options to the items displayed on the selection screen, as well as one no-answer option to indicate the customer's intention to not know or not to answer.

[0017] The items displayed on the selection screen are, for example, questions or requests to the customer. Examples of questions to the customer include "Do you have a point card?" and "Do you have a coupon?". An example of a request to the customer is "Please select a payment method." All of the questions and requests to the customer displayed on the selection screen require the customer to respond by selecting an option.

[0018] The answer options are, for example, options indicating answers such as "yes" or "no" to a question, or options that answer a request. If the request is, for example, "Please select a payment method," the answer options to a request are options for selecting a payment method. For example, the display unit 81 may display multiple answer options (such as a "credit card" option and a "cash" option) corresponding to each of multiple payment methods on the selection screen. Unlike the answer options, the no-answer options are options that do not answer the displayed question or request, but rather indicate the customer's intention of not knowing or not answering. Specific examples of selection screens will be described later.

[0019] The operation unit 82 is, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 81. The operation unit 82 outputs information based on the position touched by the user on the display operation unit 81 to the control unit. The operation unit 82 is an example of a receiving means in this embodiment.

[0020] A basket stand 9 is provided on one side or beside the self-service POS device 1. The basket stand 9 is a stand for placing a basket, and is used, for example, when placing a basket containing products thereon.

[0021] The configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. For example, the self-checkout POS device 1 may include a bagging table or the like for bagging the products after the code symbols have been read by the code reading unit 5. In this case, it is preferable that the bagging table be provided, for example, on the other side of the self-checkout POS device 1 (opposite the basket placement table 9).

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the self-checkout POS device 1 includes the above-mentioned deposit / withdrawal unit 4, code reading unit 5, card reading unit 6, printing unit 7, display unit 81, operation unit 82, etc.

[0023] The self-checkout POS device 1 also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, an audio output unit 15, and a communication unit 16. The CPU 11 is connected to each of the hardware components shown in FIG. 2 via a bus or the like.

[0024] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor and controls all the components of the self-checkout POS device 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for storing programs and various data. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 together constitute a control unit 100, which is an example of a computer.

[0025] The storage unit 14 has a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 14 stores various programs and various setting information that can be executed by the CPU 11. The storage unit 14 also stores a selection screen setting table 141.

[0026] The selection screen setting table 141 is a table that can set the behavior of the self-checkout POS device 1 when a customer selects the option "I don't know" on the selection screen displayed on the display unit 81. The selection screen setting table 141 is set, for example, by a store clerk or manager who manages the self-checkout POS device 1. The store clerk or manager sets the value of the mandatory flag according to the content of the question displayed on the selection screen.

[0027] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the selection screen setting table 141 according to the embodiment. The selection screen setting table 141 is a table in which, for example, identification information of the selection screen, a required flag, and allocation destination options when "I don't know" is selected are associated with each other.

[0028] The option "I don't know" may indicate either that the customer does not understand the meaning of the question or request or other options (answer options) displayed on the selection screen, or that the customer intends to refuse (or withhold) an answer. The option "I don't know" is an example of a no-answer option in this embodiment.

[0029] The selection screen of the self-checkout POS device 1 is a screen that includes multiple options that the customer can select from among operation screens related to product registration or transaction processing. The multiple options are displayed on the display unit 81 as, for example, image buttons that the customer can press.

[0030] The identification information of the selection screen is an ID or number that can identify each selection screen.

[0031] The mandatory flag is information that defines whether or not the customer is required to select one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen. In the example shown in Figure 3, the mandatory flag is set to "1" if selecting one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen is required, and "0" if not required.

[0032] A case where it is not necessary to select one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen is, for example, a case where the customer will not suffer any direct financial disadvantage no matter which answer option is selected. In other words, on a selection screen that does not involve information required for the self-checkout POS device 1 to register products and process transactions, but instead requests the customer to provide optional information, it is not necessary to select one of the multiple answer options.

[0033] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a selection screen in which it is mandatory to select one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen will be referred to as a "mandatory selection screen," and a selection screen in which it is not mandatory to select one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen will be referred to as an "optional selection screen."

[0034] A specific example of an optional selection screen is a selection screen that allows the user to select an answer to a simple yes / no question, such as "Do you have a point card?" or "Do you have a coupon?" On these optional selection screens, the self-service POS device 1 can register products and process transactions even if the information collected on the selection screen, "whether the customer has a point card or coupon," is unknown. Even if the customer actually has a point card or coupon (i.e., if the situation actually corresponds to "yes") and selects "no," the customer simply misses out on the opportunity to receive optional points or a discount, and the transaction is executed based on the product's standard price. Therefore, even if the customer selects "no" in this case, they will not suffer any unfair financial disadvantage.

[0035] In contrast, cases where it is necessary to select one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen include, for example, cases where the self-service POS device 1 is unable to register products or process payments if an answer option that differs from the customer's actual situation or intention is selected, or cases where the customer suffers a direct financial disadvantage.

[0036] Specific examples of required selection screens include a selection screen for selecting an answer to a question about receiving money, such as "This gift certificate does not provide change, is that okay?", and a selection screen for selecting a payment method to be used by a customer from multiple payment methods (cash, electronic money, etc.). On a selection screen for selecting an answer to the question, "This gift certificate does not provide change, is that okay?", if a customer selects "Yes" without understanding the meaning of the question when they actually want to receive change (i.e., when the situation actually corresponds to "No"), the change they should receive will not be returned to them, resulting in a financial disadvantage. Furthermore, on a selection screen for selecting a payment method to be used by a customer from multiple payment methods, the self-service POS device 1 cannot process the transaction unless the customer selects a payment method that they can actually use.

[0037] When "I don't know" is selected, the assigned option is one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen, and is the answer option assigned by the control unit 100 when the customer selects the option "I don't know" on the optional selection screen (i.e., when the mandatory flag is "0"). On the mandatory selection screen (i.e., when the mandatory flag is "1"), no value is set for the item.

[0038] 2, the audio output unit 15 is an audio output device such as a speaker, etc. The audio output unit 15 outputs audio messages and the like under the control of the control unit 100.

[0039] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that can be connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown). The communication unit 16 communicates, for example, via the network with external devices such as terminals carried by store clerks in the store, a store server installed in the store, and an electronic payment server that provides electronic payment services.

[0040] Next, the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the self-checkout POS device 1 includes a display control unit 101, a reception unit 102, a setting unit 103, an allocation unit 104, a transmission unit 105, and an audio output control unit 106 as its functional configuration.

[0041] Some or all of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU 11) of the self-checkout POS device 1 and a program stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 12, storage unit 14). Also, some or all of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the self-checkout POS device 1.

[0042] The display control unit 101 controls the display unit 81 to display various screens. For example, the display control unit 101 causes the display unit 81 to display a selection screen including multiple options to be selected by the customer. The multiple options displayed on the selection screen include multiple answer options and one no-answer option.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an optional selection screen according to an embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the display control unit 101 displays a selection screen on the display unit 81 to allow the customer to select whether or not they have a coupon. The selection screen displays the question, "Do you have a coupon?" and multiple options that the customer can select as answers to the question. The multiple options include answer options "Yes" and "No" and a no-answer option "I don't know." In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the selection screen includes a "Yes" selection button 921, a "No" selection button 922, and a "I don't know" selection button 923, which are graphic buttons corresponding to the options "Yes," "No," and "I don't know." As illustrated in FIG. 5, all options other than the no-answer option among the multiple options are answer options. The no-answer options are displayed in parallel with the answer options (the "Yes" and "No" options), such as the "I don't know" option illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0044] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a required selection screen according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the display control unit 101 displays a selection screen on the display unit 81 to allow the customer to select whether or not change cannot be given for the gift certificate used by the customer. The selection screen includes a question such as "No change can be given for this gift certificate. Is this OK?", a "Yes" selection button 921, a "No" selection button 922, and an "I don't know" selection button 923.

[0045] The display control unit 101 does not display non-selectable options on screens other than the selection screen. For example, on a product registration screen where a customer registers a product to be purchased, questions and options for the customer are not displayed, so even if the "I don't know" selection button 923 is pressed, it is difficult for the customer to identify what the customer "doesn't know." In contrast, on the selection screens shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the "I don't know" selection button 923 is displayed together with the question and answer options, making it easy for the customer to identify what the customer "doesn't know." On product registration screens and the like, the display control unit 101 may display a help button or a button to call a store clerk as buttons to be used when the customer does not know something.

[0046] Furthermore, the display control unit 101 may cause the display unit 81 to display a setting screen that allows the store clerk or manager to input values ​​for the selection screen setting table 141 .

[0047] Returning to Fig. 4, the reception unit 102 receives a user's operation via the operation unit 82. For example, the reception unit 102 receives an operation in which the customer selects one of a plurality of options. In the selection screens shown in Figs. 5 and 6, when the customer selects and presses any of the "Yes" selection button 921, the "No" selection button 922, and the "I don't know" selection button 923, the reception unit 102 receives the operation.

[0048] The reception unit 102 also receives an operation by a store clerk or manager to set values ​​in the selection screen setting table 141 .

[0049] The setting unit 103 sets whether the selection screen is a required selection screen or an optional selection screen based on an operation by the store clerk or manager accepted by the accepting unit 102. The setting unit 103 is an example of a setting means in this embodiment.

[0050] When the accepting unit 102 accepts an operation by the customer to select a non-answer option and selecting one of the answer options is not mandatory, the allocating unit 104 allocates the customer's answer to one of the answer options. The allocating unit 104 is an example of a control means in this embodiment.

[0051] More specifically, the allocation unit 104 refers to the selection screen setting table 141 stored in the storage unit 14 and obtains the value of the mandatory flag corresponding to the identification information of the selection screen currently being displayed on the display unit 81. If the mandatory flag is "0," in other words, if it is not mandatory to select one of the multiple options, the allocation unit 104 allocates the customer's operation to an option registered in the selection screen setting table 141 that is to be allocated when "I don't know" is selected. For example, in FIG. 3, of the answer options displayed on the selection screen, the option "No" is registered as an option to be allocated when "I don't know" is selected. In this case, even if the option actually selected by the customer is "I don't know," the allocation unit 104 allocates the option "No," and the same subsequent processing as when the customer selects "No" is initiated.

[0052] Furthermore, when the reception unit 102 receives an operation by the customer to select the option "I don't know" on the required selection screen, the allocation unit 104 activates a help function to assist the customer. The help function in this embodiment is a function to call a store clerk. In this case, the allocation unit 104 does not allocate the answer to other options. In other words, when the reception unit 102 receives an operation by the customer to select the option "I don't know" on the required selection screen, the allocation unit 104 allocates the customer's answer to the help request rather than to the answer options displayed on the selection screen.

[0053] The transmitting unit 105 transmits information to other devices via the communication unit 16 and the network. For example, when the help function is activated by the allocating unit 104, the transmitting unit 105 transmits a call notification to the self-service POS device 1 to a terminal carried by a store clerk in the store. In this case, the terminal carried by the store clerk is notified that a customer needs assistance from a store clerk at the self-service POS device 1.

[0054] The audio output control unit 106 controls the audio output unit 15 to output various sounds.

[0055] Next, the flow of the selection process executed by the self-checkout POS device 1 configured as above will be described.

[0056] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the selection process according to the embodiment. This process starts, for example, at a point during product registration or checkout processing where a selection by the customer is required.

[0057] First, the display control unit 101 displays a selection screen on the display unit 81 (S1). The selection screen includes a question or request for the customer, image buttons corresponding to answer options for the question or request (e.g., a "Yes" selection button 921, a "No" selection button 922), and image buttons corresponding to no-answer options (e.g., a "I don't know" selection button 923).

[0058] Then, if the reception unit 102 receives that the customer has selected a non-answer option such as the "I don't know" selection button 923 (S2 "Yes"), and the selection screen is not a required selection screen (S3 "No"), the allocation unit 104 assigns the customer's answer to one of the answer options displayed on the selection screen (S4).

[0059] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5 , if the customer presses the “I don't know” selection button 923, the allocation unit 104 assigns the customer's answer to either “Yes” or “No” depending on the content of the question. More specifically, the allocation unit 104 obtains the value of the mandatory flag corresponding to the identification information of the selection screen from the selection screen setting table 141 stored in the storage unit 14. Since the selection screen of FIG. 5 is an optional selection screen, the mandatory flag is set to “0.” In this case, the allocation unit 104 obtains from the selection screen setting table 141 the allocation option for when “I don't know” is selected, corresponding to the identification information of the selection screen. If “No” is registered as the allocation option for when “I don't know” is selected, the allocation unit 104 assigns the customer's answer to the “No” selection button 922. This starts the same processing as when the customer presses the “No” selection button 922 on the selection screen of FIG. 5 .

[0060] Furthermore, if the reception unit 102 receives that the customer has selected the "I don't know" selection button 923 (S2 "Yes") and the selection screen is a required selection screen (S3 "Yes"), the allocation unit 104 activates the help function (S5).

[0061] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, if the customer presses the "Don't Know" selection button 923, the allocation unit 104 obtains the value of the mandatory flag corresponding to the identification information of the selection screen from the selection screen setting table 141 stored in the storage unit 14. Since the selection screen in FIG. 6 is a mandatory selection screen, the mandatory flag is set to "1." In this case, the allocation unit 104 activates the help function. Since the help function in this embodiment is a function for calling a store clerk, the transmission unit 105 transmits a call notification to the self-checkout POS device 1 to a terminal carried by the store clerk in the store.

[0062] Furthermore, if the reception unit 102 does not accept that the customer has selected the "I don't know" selection button 923 (S2 "No"), and an image button of an option other than the "I don't know" selection button 923 (i.e., an answer option) is selected (S6 "Yes"), the control unit 100 starts processing according to the selected answer option. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, if the customer presses the "Yes" selection button 921, the coupon registration process starts. If the customer presses the "No" selection button 922, the coupon registration process does not start, and other subsequent processing starts.

[0063] Furthermore, the display control unit 101 waits while displaying the selection screen until the reception unit 102 receives an operation by the customer to select one of the options (S6 "No"). At this point, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0064] As described above, the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment displays a selection screen containing multiple options to be selected by the customer. The multiple options include answer options for responding to the questions displayed on the selection screen, as well as one no-answer option for indicating the customer's intention to not answer or not to answer. Furthermore, when the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment receives an operation by the customer to select the no-answer option and the selection screen is an optional selection screen, the self-checkout POS device 1 assigns the customer's answer to one of the multiple answer options. Therefore, the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment allows the process to continue smoothly even when the customer does not know which option to select.

[0065] For example, elderly or foreign customers may not understand the answer required on the selection screen due to their inexperience with the self-service POS device 1 or their lack of familiarity with the display language. In such cases, if the selection screen does not include a "I don't know" option, the customer cannot proceed to the next step until they select one of the options, which could result in a longer transaction time. Alternatively, if a customer selects an option randomly to proceed despite not knowing which option to select, the transaction may be executed differently than intended. Even if a conventional help button or a button to call a store clerk were displayed, customers may be psychologically hesitant to press these buttons. In contrast, the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment includes a no-answer option on the selection screen to indicate the customer's intention to not answer or not respond, allowing the customer to select an option that directly reflects their "I don't know" mentality. Furthermore, if the selection screen is a "optional" selection screen, the selection operation for the no-answer option is automatically assigned to one of the answer options, allowing the customer to complete the selection screen and proceed to the next step without any hassle.

[0066] Furthermore, when the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment receives an operation by a customer to select a no-answer option and the selection screen is a required selection screen, the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment activates a help function to assist the customer. Therefore, when the selection screen is a required selection screen, the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment can quickly start assisting the customer, allowing the entire transaction to proceed more quickly than if the customer were to worry about it alone.

[0067] The help function in the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment is a function for calling a store clerk. Even if there is a store clerk call button on the screen, the customer may be unsure whether or not they are in a situation where they should call a store clerk, and it may take some time before they press the store clerk call button. In contrast, in the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment, the customer can simply report their situation by saying "I don't know," and the self-service POS device 1 will automatically call a store clerk. This reduces the psychological burden on the customer and allows the entire transaction to proceed quickly.

[0068] Furthermore, the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment displays, on a selection screen, a question and multiple options that the customer can select as an answer to the question. The multiple options include the answer options "Yes" and "No" and the non-answer option "I don't know." When the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment receives an operation by the customer to select the option "I don't know" and selecting one of the multiple options is not required, the self-checkout POS device 1 assigns the customer's answer to either "Yes" or "No" depending on the content of the question. Therefore, with the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment, when a simple yes / no question that can be answered with "Yes" or "No" is asked, the answer can be automatically assigned to "Yes" or "No" and the process can proceed without the customer having to think unnecessarily if they don't know the answer.

[0069] Furthermore, in the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment, whether or not selecting one of the multiple options is mandatory can be set by a store clerk or a manager. Therefore, the self-checkout POS device 1 of this embodiment can set whether or not an option is mandatory, reflecting the intention of the store.

[0070] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the help function of the self-checkout POS device 1 is a function to call a store clerk, but the content of the help function is not limited to this. For example, the help function may be a function to request assistance from other customers in the vicinity for the customer operating the self-checkout POS device 1. The other customers in the vicinity of the self-checkout POS device 1 may be, for example, other customers operating other self-checkout POS devices installed around the self-checkout POS device 1. In this case, the help function of the self-checkout POS device 1 includes a function to call other customers operating other self-checkout POS devices. For example, when the help function is activated, the audio output control unit 106 may control the audio output unit 15 to output an audio message to other customers in the vicinity of the self-checkout POS device 1, requesting assistance for the customer operating the self-checkout POS device 1.

[0071] The help function may also be a function that provides a detailed explanation of the selection screen. In this case, the display control unit 101 may cause the display unit 81 to display the questions being asked to the customer on the selection screen and an explanation of the meaning of each option.

[0072] The function of providing detailed explanations of the selection screen may be implemented by an operator outside the store. For example, the help function may be implemented by an operator outside the store remotely operating the operation screen. In this case, for example, the operator may remotely operate the self-checkout POS device 1 via the communication unit 16 and a network and select one of the options on the operation screen on behalf of the customer.

[0073] The help function may also provide audio or video assistance from an operator outside the store or from AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, for example, the display control unit 101 may display a camera image or an avatar of the operator on the display unit 81. The operator providing assistance is not limited to a real person, but may also be a virtual operator / virtual store clerk functioning using technology such as AI.

[0074] The self-service POS device 1 may also have a function to project a three-dimensional image representing the appearance of an avatar or person, such as a three-dimensional hologram image, onto the outside of the self-service POS device 1. In this case, the avatar or person displayed as a three-dimensional image provides support to the customer, rather than a store clerk actually present in the store. In this case, the audio output control unit 106 controls the audio output unit 15 to output the audio of the avatar or person displayed as a three-dimensional image. The avatar or person displayed as a three-dimensional image may be controlled by an operator outside the store or by AI.

[0075] These help functions may be used alone or in combination.

[0076] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which setting information for the behavior of the self-checkout POS device 1 when a customer selects the option "I don't know" on the selection screen is registered in the selection screen setting table 141. However, the selection screen setting table 141 is an example of a method for managing setting information for the behavior of the self-checkout POS device 1 when a customer selects the option "I don't know" on the selection screen, and the management method is not limited to this. Furthermore, setting information for the behavior of the self-checkout POS device 1 when a customer selects the option "I don't know" on the selection screen may be stored in the storage unit 14 in multiple tables rather than in one table.

[0077] Furthermore, management of setting information for the behavior of the self-checkout POS device 1 when the option "I don't know" is selected may be performed, for example, from a PC (Personal Computer) connected to the self-checkout POS device 1 via a network. Whether or not a selection screen is mandatory may be automatically determined by the control unit 100 depending on the type of subsequent processing of the selection screen, rather than by a mandatory flag.

[0078] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the "I don't know" selection button 923 is displayed as an example of a no-answer option displayed on the selection screen, but the expression of the no-answer option is not limited to this. Furthermore, the wording displayed on the image button does not necessarily have to be "I don't know," as long as it is in line with the customer's psychological state of "I don't know" or refusing (or withholding) an answer. For example, the image button corresponding to the no-answer option may display words such as "unknown," "leave it to me," "skip," or "refuse to answer."

[0079] (Variation 4) In the above-described embodiment, the display unit 81 and the operation unit 82, which are hardware components of the self-checkout POS device 1, are examples of a display means and a reception means, respectively, but examples of each means are not limited to these. For example, the display control unit 101 and the reception unit 102, which are functions realized by the control unit 100, may each be an example of a display means. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the allocation unit 104 is an example of a control means, but the entire control unit 100 may be an example of a control means. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the setting unit 103 is an example of a setting means, but the selection screen setting table 141 may be an example of a setting means.

[0080] 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, modifications, and combinations 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Self-service POS device 2. First enclosure 3 Second enclosure 4. Deposit and Withdrawal Section 5 Code reader 6 Card reader 7 Printing section 8 Display operation section 9 Basket stand 14 Storage section 15 Audio output section 16 Communications Department 51 Reading window 61 Card slot 71 Receipt issuing port 81 Display section 82 Control section 100 control section 101 Display control unit 102 Reception 103 Settings 104 Allocation Section 105 Transmitter 106 Audio output control unit 141 Selection Screen Setting Table 921 "Yes" selection button 922 "No" selection button 923 "I don't know" selection button [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0082] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-003405

Claims

1. A sales data processing device that can be operated by a customer, a display means for displaying a selection screen including a plurality of options to be selected by the customer, the plurality of options including answer options to the items displayed on the selection screen as well as one no-answer option for indicating the customer's intention of not knowing or not answering; a reception means for receiving an operation by the customer to select one of the plurality of options; a control means for assigning the customer's answer to one of the answer options when the accepting means accepts an operation to select the no-answer option and when selecting one of the answer options is not mandatory; and A sales data processing device comprising:

2. the control means, when the reception means receives an operation by the customer to select the non-answer option and when it is necessary to select one of the answer options, activates a help function to assist the customer; The sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the help function is a function to call a store clerk, a function to call another customer who operates another sales data processing device, or a function to provide a detailed explanation of the selection screen; The sales data processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The no-answer option indicates either that the customer does not understand the meaning of the matter or the answer option displayed on the selection screen, or that the customer refuses to answer. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The items displayed on the selection screen are questions for the customer, The plurality of options include "yes" and "no" as the answer options and "I don't know" as the non-answer option, When the reception means receives an operation by the customer to select the option "I don't know" and when selecting one of the plurality of options is not required, the control means assigns the answer of the customer to either "Yes" or "No" depending on the content of the question. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The system further includes a setting means for allowing a store clerk or a manager to set whether or not selecting one of the answer options is mandatory. The sales data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a display step of displaying a selection screen including a plurality of options to be selected by the customer, including answer options to the items displayed on the selection screen as well as one no-answer option for indicating the customer's intention of not knowing or not answering; a receiving step of receiving an operation by the customer to select one of the plurality of options; a control step of assigning the customer's answer to one of the answer options when an operation to select the non-answer option is accepted in the accepting step and when selecting one of the answer options is not essential; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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