Merchandise management system, merchandise management method and program

Abstract

To provide a merchandise management system, merchandise management method and program which can easily perform merchandise registration processing using an identification code and smoothly proceed to settlement processing even when an identification code is not attached to the merchandise. [Solution] A product management system 100 includes a store terminal 1 used in a store that sells products and a customer terminal 2 used by customers who purchase products at the store. The store terminal 1 has an input processing unit 31 that accepts order details from customers specifying one or more products, an identification code generation unit 32 that generates an identification code to identify the accepted order details, and an output processing unit 33 that outputs the identification code. The customer terminal 2 has an identification code reading unit 41 that reads an image of the identification code, and a list management unit 42 that analyzes the read identification code and displays products corresponding to the acquired order details on a payment target list.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a merchandise management system, a merchandise management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a self-checkout system in which a customer uses a reader to read an identification code such as a barcode attached to a product, registers the product to be purchased, and performs payment processing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes this type of technology.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a checkout device having an ID acquisition unit that acquires a user's ID, an interface that acquires character data corresponding to the user's ID acquired by the ID acquisition unit, a display unit that displays information indicating the character based on the character data, a reading unit that reads identification information of a product presented by the user, and a processor that registers information about a product identified by the product identification information read by the reading unit and executes a process to update the character's status based on experience points that accumulate an increase value in response to the registration of the product information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-4930 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] At self-checkout registers, customers may use a payment application (hereinafter referred to as a "payment app") that can read identification codes using the image scanning function of the customer's device to register products and process payments. By using the customer's device, payment processing can be performed without having to wait at the register. In addition, payment apps offer points and coupons that are awarded for using the payment app, making it a payment method that is beneficial to customers.

[0006] Incidentally, some sales areas, such as bakeries, use a face-to-face sales method in which a customer places an order for a specific bread from the showcase, and an employee at the sales counter retrieves the specified bread from the showcase. In such face-to-face sales areas, even if identification codes are attached to the products displayed in the showcase, they may not be read properly, so it is possible to display the identification codes on pop-ups or other items placed in a location separate from the products.

[0007] In the case of payment apps that process payments by scanning the product's identification code, even if you tell the employee that you want to use the payment app when the bread is handed to you by the employee, you will have to go back from the bread counter to the location of the pop-up displaying the identification code. Returning to the location of the pop-up displaying the identification code even if you want to use the payment app is a hassle. Especially when located near a popular display case, there may be other customers waiting in line to choose products. The counter often doubles as a place to make other payments, such as cash or credit card, and there have been cases where customers have given up on using the payment app at the counter and instead opted for other payment methods, such as credit card or cash.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a product management system, a product management method, and a program that can easily perform product registration processing using an identification code and smoothly transition to payment processing, even if the product does not have an identification code affixed to it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention is a product management system that includes a store terminal used in a store that sells products and a customer terminal used by a customer who purchases the products at the store, wherein the store terminal has an input processing unit that receives order details from the customer that specify one or more of the products, an identification code generation unit that generates an identification code to identify the received order details, and an output processing unit that outputs the identification code, and the customer terminal has an identification code reading unit that reads an image of the identification code, and a list management unit that analyzes the read identification code and displays the products corresponding to the order details obtained on a payment target list.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a product management system that includes a store terminal used in a store that sells products and a customer terminal used by customers who purchase the products at the store, wherein the store terminal has a customer code reading unit that reads an image of a customer code displayed on the customer terminal to identify the customer, and an input processing unit that accepts order details from the customer that specify one or more products, and analyzes the customer code read together with the order details and transmits to a server specific information that identifies the customer, and the customer terminal has a customer code presentation unit that displays the customer code on a display unit, and a list management unit that, after displaying the customer code, obtains from the server the products that correspond to the order details that specify one or more products, and displays on the display unit a payment target list that reflects the products. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a product management system, a product management method, and a program that can easily perform product registration processing using an identification code and smoothly transition to payment processing, even if the product does not have an identification code affixed to it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a product management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a store terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a customer terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a product management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of registering a product in a payment target list in the product management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for registering a product in a payment target list in the product management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a store terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of registering a product in a payment target list in a product management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flow of registering a product in a payment target list of a product management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a store terminal according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of registering a product in a payment target list in a product management system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of registering a product in a payment target list in a product management system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a product management system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a flow of registering a product in a payment target list in a product management system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a product management system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a product registration process in a payment target list in a product management system according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] First Embodiment Overview Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following describes the overall configuration of the product management system 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the product management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] First, the layout of a store that sells products managed by product management system 100 will be described. A store to which product management system 100 is applied has display shelf sales area 101, face-to-face sales area 102, sales counter 103, employee area 104, and checkout zone 105. Display shelf sales area 101 is an area where products with identification codes, such as two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark), one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, or numeric codes such as JAN codes, are displayed on shelves. Customers personally pick up products from the display shelves and place them in their carts or shopping baskets.

[0015] The face-to-face sales counter 102 is an area where products displayed in showcases arranged at the sales counter 103 are sold to customers. In addition to the showcases, a store terminal 1 is arranged at the sales counter 103. The employee area 104 is an area where employees who make sales at the face-to-face sales counter 102, such as the kitchen, are located. The checkout zone 105 is an area where customers use the customer terminal 2 to process purchases.

[0016] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the merchandise management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The merchandise management system 100 comprises a store terminal 1, a customer terminal 2, and a security gate 3.

[0017] The store terminal 1 is an information processing device used by store employees and the like in the employee area 104. The store terminal 1 is configured by, for example, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

[0018] The customer terminal 2 is an information processing device used by a customer who purchases products at a store. The customer terminal 2 is configured as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc. An application for purchasing products is pre-installed on the customer terminal 2.

[0019] The security gate 3 is located in the checkout zone 105 and issues a warning when it detects an item for which payment has not been completed. The warning may be, for example, lighting up a warning light or making an alert announcement. To pass through the security gate 3 in the checkout zone 105, a customer must purchase an item that is registered in a payment target list that is displayed by launching an application on the customer terminal 2. The payment target list is a list in which items are registered before payment is made.

[0020] <Hardware configuration> Next, an example of the hardware of the store terminal 1 and the customer terminal 2 that constitute the merchandise management system 100 will be described. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. The store terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0021] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs recorded in the ROM 12 or programs loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data and the like required for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0022] The input / output interface 15 is connected to an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20. The output unit 16 is composed of a display, a speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The output unit 16 in the first embodiment has an employee screen 161 arranged on the employee area 104 side, and a customer-facing screen 162 arranged on the face-to-face sales counter 102 side. The employee screen 161 is used to confirm the contents entered by the employee, etc. The customer-facing screen 162 is used to confirm the contents of the customer's order and to display an identification code, which will be described later, to the customer.

[0023] The input unit 17 is configured with a touch panel display, buttons, a keyboard, a reader capable of reading identification codes, etc., and accepts input of various information. The storage unit 18 is configured with a hard disk, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices via a network including the Internet.

[0024] Removable media 21, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same way as the storage unit 18.

[0025] Next, the customer terminal 2 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a customer terminal 2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the customer terminal 2 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a bus 114, an input / output interface 115, a display unit 116, an input unit 117, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 119, a drive 120, and an imaging unit 122.

[0026] The CPU 111 executes various processes in accordance with programs recorded in the ROM 112 or programs loaded from the storage unit 118 into the RAM 113. The RAM 113 also stores data and the like required for the CPU 111 to execute various processes. The CPU 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 are interconnected via a bus 114. An input / output interface 115 is also connected to this bus 114.

[0027] The input / output interface 115 is connected to a display unit 116, an input unit 117, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 119, and a drive 120. The display unit 116 is composed of a display, a speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 117 is composed of a touch panel display, buttons, a keyboard, etc., and accepts input of various information. The storage unit 118 is composed of a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 119 communicates with other devices via a network including the Internet.

[0028] Removable media 121, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 120. Programs read from the removable media 121 by the drive 120 are installed in the storage unit 118 as needed. The removable media 121 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 118 in the same way as the storage unit 118.

[0029] The imaging unit 122 is a camera that captures an image of an identification code attached to a product or an identification code output by the store terminal 1.

[0030] The hardware configuration described here is merely an example. The computer described in this embodiment, including the store terminal 1 and the customer terminal 2, may have a configuration common to the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have a different configuration. Furthermore, the computer may be configured by two or more computers.

[0031] <Functional configuration> Next, the flow of the product registration process will be described while explaining an example of customer movement within a store. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product management system 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the flow of product registration in the payment target list of the product management system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0032] First, we will explain the functional configuration of the store terminal 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the store terminal 1 includes an input processing unit 31, an identification code generation unit 32, and an output processing unit 33 as functional units realized on a processor (CPU 11).

[0033] The input processing unit 31 executes a process for receiving an order from a customer, which designates one or more products. Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the actions of the customer and the employee until the order is received by the input processing unit 31 will be described. The store terminal 1 in the first embodiment is a POS terminal. By using a POS terminal that employees are familiar with, it is possible to easily standardize operations.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, a customer who moves from the display shelf sales area 101 to the face-to-face sales area 102 browses the products in the showcase at the sales counter 103 and places an order for the product with an employee in the employee area 104. The employee who receives the order from the customer removes the product from the showcase and registers the removed product in the store terminal 1. The input processing unit 31 performs processing to receive the customer's order details input by the employee via the input unit 17 of the store terminal 1.

[0035] The identification code generation unit 32 will now be described. The identification code generation unit 32 executes a process of generating an identification code for identifying the contents of a received order. In the example of FIG. 5, when the customer selects smartphone payment using the customer terminal 2 as the payment method for the product, the identification code generation unit 32 generates an identification code based on the order contents received by the input processing unit 31. The generation of the identification code may be performed by selecting a pre-registered identification code image according to the product, by generating an identification code as needed according to the order contents, or by working with an external server to generate an identification code corresponding to a specified product.

[0036] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a customer's order specifies multiple products, the identification code generation unit 32 can generate a single identification code that includes multiple products. The identification code generation unit 32 may generate an identification code for each product even when a customer's order specifies multiple products. The identification code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) that includes order details specifying multiple products. Furthermore, when a JAN code is used as the identification code, the identification code generation unit 32 may display the JAN codes side by side, placing commas between multiple products. For example, the identification code may be configured by arranging 13-digit numbers separated by commas.

[0037] The output processing unit 33 performs processing to display the identification code on the customer-facing screen 162 of the output unit 16 .

[0038] The store terminal 1 can also perform payment processing for products using a credit card or a payment application.

[0039] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the customer terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the customer terminal 2 includes an identification code reading unit 41, a list management unit 42, and a payment processing unit 43 as functional units realized on a processor (CPU 111).

[0040] The identification code reader 41 executes a process for reading an image of the identification code. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of registering a product to the payment target list. In the example of Fig. 5, the customer activates the scan mode of the application on the customer terminal 2 and captures an image of the identification code displayed on the customer-facing screen 162 of the output unit 16 with the imaging unit 122. The identification code reading unit 41 analyzes the image of the identification code captured by the imaging unit 122 and obtains information indicating the order details.

[0041] The list management unit 42 analyzes the read identification code and executes a process to display the products corresponding to the acquired order details on a payment target list. In the example of FIG. 5, when the identification code reading unit 41 executes the image reading process, the list management unit 42 automatically registers the products included in the order details on a payment target list, and displays it on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2. After the customer is handed a bag containing multiple products registered on the payment target list by an employee, the customer moves to the checkout zone 105 where the transaction is processed. Furthermore, when the bag containing the products is handed over to the customer, a paper sheet containing a list of the products registered on the store terminal 1 may be enclosed in the bag.

[0042] Registration of an item in the payment target list of the identification code reading unit 41 and the list management unit 42 can also be performed by reading an identification code attached to the item in the display shelf sales area 101. In the display shelf sales area 101, a customer picks up an item from a shelf, reads the identification code, and places the item in a cart or shopping bag.

[0043] The payment processing unit 43 executes the checkout process for the products registered in the payment target list. The checkout process is executed based on the customer's selection on the application. Payment for the products is completed by completing the checkout process. The checkout process may be executed based on the payment function set on the application or information from a financial institution or credit card, or may be executed in conjunction with a payment application installed separately on the customer terminal 2. The checkout process may also be executed in the checkout zone 105 or before entering the checkout zone 105. The customer may also use an electronic coupon for a discount on the product during the checkout process on the application on the customer terminal 2.

[0044] <<Processing details>> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of merchandise management processing by the store terminal 1 and the customer terminal 2 of the merchandise management system 100.

[0045] In step S1, the input processing unit 31 of the store terminal 1 accepts the order details of a customer input by an employee via the input unit 17. The order details include one or more products specified by the customer.

[0046] In step S2, the identification code generating unit 32 of the store terminal 1 generates an identification code based on the order details accepted by the input processing unit 31.

[0047] In step S3, the output processing unit 33 of the store terminal 1 displays the identification code generated by the identification code generating unit 32 on the customer-facing screen 162 of the output unit 16.

[0048] In step S4, the scan mode of the application on the customer terminal 2 is activated, and the identification code reader 41 captures an image of the identification code displayed on the output unit 16 (customer-facing screen 162) of the store terminal 1 using the imaging unit 122, analyzes the captured image, and acquires the order details. The order details acquired by the identification code reader 41 are automatically registered in the payment target list.

[0049] In step S5, the list management unit 42 of the customer terminal 2 displays on the display unit 116 a payment target list in which products based on the customer's order details are registered.

[0050] In step S6, the payment processing unit 43 of the customer terminal 2 executes a payment process to pay for the products on the payment target list when it receives a payment instruction via the input unit 117 of the customer terminal 2. The payment process executes a process to pay for the products based on, for example, a preset payment method or a payment method specified at the time of payment.

[0051] The effects of the first embodiment will now be described. The product management system 100 of this embodiment includes a store terminal 1 used in a store that sells products and a customer terminal 2 used by customers who purchase products at the store. The store terminal 1 has an input processing unit 31 that accepts order details from customers, each specifying one or more products, an identification code generation unit 32 that generates an identification code for identifying the accepted order details, and an output processing unit 33 that outputs the identification code. The customer terminal 2 also has an identification code reading unit 41 that reads an image of the identification code, and a list management unit 42 that analyzes the read identification code and displays products corresponding to the acquired order details on a payment target list.

[0052] In addition, the product management method executed by the computer of this embodiment includes an input processing step of receiving order details specifying one or more products from a customer at a store terminal 1 used in a store that sells products; an identification code generation step of generating an identification code for identifying the order details received at the store terminal 1; an output processing step of outputting the identification code at the store terminal 1; an identification code reading step of reading an image of the identification code at the customer terminal 2 of the customer who purchases the product; and a list management step of analyzing the identification code read at the customer terminal 2 and displaying the products corresponding to the order details obtained on a payment target list.

[0053] Furthermore, the program installed in the store terminal 1 of this embodiment causes the store terminal 1 to execute an input processing step of receiving an order detail specifying one or more products from a customer, an identification code generation step of generating an identification code for identifying the received order detail, and an output processing step of outputting the identification code. Furthermore, the program installed in the customer terminal 2 causes the customer terminal 2 to execute an identification code reading step of reading an image of an identification code for identifying the order detail specifying one or more products from a customer, and a list management step of analyzing the identification code and displaying products corresponding to the order detail obtained on a payment target list.

[0054] In this way, by configuring the product management system 100, product management method, and program, even if it is difficult to directly attach an identification code in a showcase to a product, the identification code output from the store terminal 1 can be read by the customer terminal 2 and the product can be easily registered in the payment target list. Even when products are displayed and sold in different formats, such as the display shelf sales area 101 and the face-to-face sales area 102, the method of registering products in the payment target list using the identification code can be standardized. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the payment function on the customer terminal 2 cannot be used because the product identification code cannot be read in the face-to-face sales area 102, and a smooth product purchase can be achieved up to the payment process.

[0055] In addition, the output processing unit 33 of the store terminal 1 in the first embodiment executes a process of displaying an identification code on the output unit 16 that displays an image on the customer-facing screen 162, and the identification code reading unit 41 of the customer terminal 2 executes a process of reading the identification code displayed on the customer-facing screen 162.

[0056] This allows products to be registered by simply reading the identification code displayed on the customer-facing screen 162 of the store terminal 1, an intuitive and easy-to-understand operation, thereby enabling customers to enjoy more convenient shopping.

[0057] In this embodiment, the identification code is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, or a numeric code such as a JAN code.

[0058] This allows order details to be transmitted from the store terminal 1 to the customer terminal 2 using a reader that can read QR codes (registered trademark), bar codes, and JAN codes. As QR code (registered trademark), bar code, and JAN code readers are already widely used in stores, they can be easily operated by employees and introduction costs can be reduced by using existing equipment.

[0059] In this embodiment, one identification code can contain information about multiple products.

[0060] As a result, even when a customer orders multiple products, information on the multiple products can be included in a single identification code. Therefore, order details including multiple products can be obtained with a single reading operation without having to perform the reading operation of the customer terminal 2 multiple times for each product, saving the customer effort. Because the system is configured to generate an identification code containing multiple products on-site, there is no need to register all combinations for multiple products in a master, and the cost required to implement the product management system 100 can be reduced.

[0061] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a product management system 100a according to a second embodiment, in which the store terminal 1 has a different configuration, will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store terminal 1a according to the second embodiment. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of registering products to the payment target list in the product management system 100a according to the second embodiment. In the following description, components that are common or similar to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the store terminal 1a includes a CPU 11 as a processor, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0063] The output unit 16 of the second embodiment has a printer 163 in addition to an employee screen 161 and a customer-facing screen 162. The printer 163 of the second embodiment prints information based on the output processing of the output processing unit 33 onto sheets (paper media) such as receipts and labels.

[0064] 8, when an employee receives an order from a customer, the employee removes the product from the showcase and registers the removed product in the store terminal 1a. The input processing unit 31 performs processing to receive the customer's order details input by the employee through the input unit 17 of the store terminal 1a.

[0065] When smartphone payment is selected, the identification code generation unit 32 generates a QR code (registered trademark) as an identification code based on the order details accepted by the input processing unit 31. The output processing unit 33 executes processing to print a product list showing the unit price excluding tax x quantity, the total amount to be paid by the customer, and the identification code on a receipt or label. The identification code displayed on the receipt or label includes the order details indicating the multiple products specified by the customer.

[0066] Next, the employee hands the customer a receipt or label along with a bag containing multiple items registered on the payment target list. The customer activates the scan mode of the application on the customer terminal 2 and captures an image of the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the receipt or label. The identification code reader 41 analyzes the image of the identification code captured by the imaging unit 122 and obtains information indicating the order details. The list management unit 42 automatically registers the items included in the order details in the payment target list and displays it on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2. The transaction process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0067] As described above, in the second embodiment, the output processing unit 33 of the store terminal 1a executes a process of printing an identification code on a sheet using the printer 163, and the identification code reading unit 41 of the customer terminal 2 executes a process of reading the identification code printed on the sheet.

[0068] This allows the customer terminal 2 to read the identification code printed on the sheet, thereby registering the product based on the customer's order. Since the customer can read the identification code after handing over the product, it is possible to avoid situations where the customer remains at the store terminal 1. In addition, although the store terminal 1a in the second embodiment is configured to have the customer-facing screen 162, it is also easy to apply this to a store terminal that does not have the customer-facing screen 162.

[0069] Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the output processing unit 33 is configured to print a QR code (registered trademark) as an identification code using the printer 163, but an identification code other than the QR code may be used. A third embodiment will be described in which an in-store code is used as the identification code. The hardware configuration and functional configuration of the store terminal 1a are assumed to be the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0070] 9 is a diagram showing a flow of registering a product to the payment target list of the product management system 100b according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, an employee who receives an order from a customer removes the product from the showcase and registers the removed product in the store terminal 1a. The input processing unit 31 performs processing to accept the customer's order details entered by the employee through the input unit 17 of the store terminal 1a.

[0071] When smartphone payment is selected, the identification code generation unit 32 generates an in-store code as an identification code based on the order details accepted by the input processing unit 31. The in-store code is a uniquely assigned barcode used for product management within the company's own store.

[0072] The output processing unit 33 executes a process of printing on a label a product list showing the unit price excluding tax x quantity, the total amount to be paid by the customer, and an identification code. The identification code displayed on the label contains the order details indicating the multiple products specified by the customer.

[0073] Next, the employee affixes a label with an identification code printed on it to the bag containing multiple items registered in the payment target list or to the items themselves. The employee hands the labeled items or the bag containing the items to the customer. The customer activates the scan mode of the application on the customer terminal 2 and captures an image of the in-store code displayed on the label. The identification code reading unit 41 analyzes the image of the in-store code as an identification code captured by the imaging unit 122 and obtains information indicating the order details. The list management unit 42 automatically registers the items included in the order details in the payment target list and displays it on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2. The transaction process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0074] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in which the store terminal 1b is configured as a tablet or a smartphone. By using a tablet or a smartphone, advantages can be obtained in terms of development costs and speed compared to using a dedicated terminal such as a POS terminal.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a store terminal 1b according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of registering a product in the payment target list of the product management system 100c according to the fourth embodiment.

[0076] 10, the store terminal 1b includes a CPU 11 as a processor, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, a drive 20, and an imaging unit 22. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the bus 14, the input / output interface 15, the output unit 16, the input unit 17, the memory unit 18, the communication unit 19, and the drive 20 have the same configuration as the store terminal 1 described in the first embodiment. The imaging unit 22 is a camera that captures an image of a product registration code corresponding to a product. The imaging unit 22 realizes an image reading function.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 10, when an employee receives an order from a customer, the employee removes the product from the showcase and registers the removed product in the store terminal 1b. The employee activates the imaging unit 22 by selecting the scan mode for product registration on the application of the store terminal 1b, and then reads the product code list 50 corresponding to the product. The product code list 50 has a barcode (one-dimensional code) for each product printed on a sheet of paper or the like. The product code list 50 is preferably laminated. The employee uses the imaging unit 22 of the store terminal 1b to read the barcode at a position corresponding to the product that corresponds to the customer's order.

[0078] The input processing unit 31 performs a process of accepting the customer's order by analyzing the barcode read by the imaging unit 22 and identifying the product. The identification code generation unit 32 generates an identification code such as a QR code (registered trademark) based on the order content accepted by the input processing unit 31. The output processing unit 33 executes a process of displaying the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit 32 on the output unit 16.

[0079] Next, the employee presents the store terminal 1b, with the identification code displayed on the output unit 16, to the customer. The customer activates the scan mode of the application on the customer terminal 2 and captures an image of the identification code displayed on the store terminal 1b. The identification code reader 41 analyzes the image of the identification code captured by the imaging unit 122 and obtains information indicating the order details. The list manager 42 automatically registers the items included in the order details in a payment list, which is displayed on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2. The employee then hands the customer a bag containing the items registered on the payment list. The transaction process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0080] As described above, the input processing unit 31 of the fourth embodiment identifies the customer's order details by analyzing the image obtained by capturing an image of a product registration code (product code list 50) that is set in advance corresponding to the product using the imaging unit 22.

[0081] This allows the store terminal 1b, which is a necessary piece of equipment for a system to register products displayed in a showcase without affixing an identification code to the payment target list of the customer terminal 2, to be configured as a versatile tablet or smartphone with imaging capabilities.

[0082] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment in which the store terminal 1c performs product registration processing using the server 51 will be described. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of registering a product to a payment target list in a product management system 100d according to Embodiment 5. The store terminal 1c is a smartphone or a tablet, and its hardware configuration is assumed to be the same as that of the store terminal 1b.

[0083] The communication unit 19 of the store terminal 1c communicates with an external server 51 via a communication network such as the Internet. A PLU (Price Look Up) master is registered in the external server 51. The store terminal 1c downloads the product master for the target department / category from the PLU master of the external server 51 and registers it in the storage unit 18.

[0084] 12, an employee who receives an order from a customer removes the product from the showcase and registers the removed product in the store terminal 1c. The input processing unit 31 performs processing to accept the customer's order details input by the employee through the input unit 17 of the store terminal 1c.

[0085] The identification code generation unit 32 generates an identification code such as a QR code (registered trademark) for identifying the order details accepted by the input processing unit 31. In the fifth embodiment, the price of a registered product is identified using a product master registered in the storage unit 18. The identification code generation unit 32 can generate an identification code including the product and the price of the product identified by the product master. The output processing unit 33 executes a process of displaying the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit 32 on the output unit 16.

[0086] Next, the employee presents the store terminal 1c, with the identification code displayed on the output unit 16, to the customer. The customer activates the scan mode of the application on the customer terminal 2 and captures an image of the identification code displayed on the store terminal 1c. The identification code reader 41 analyzes the image of the identification code captured by the imaging unit 122 and obtains information indicating the order details. The list manager 42 automatically registers the items included in the order details in a payment list, which is displayed on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2. The employee then hands the customer a bag containing the items registered on the payment list. The transaction process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment, the product master is downloaded from the product management server 52 to the store terminal 1d, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A POS preset master including the 8-digit code and the product name may be downloaded to the store terminal 1d.

[0088] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described in which the store terminal 1d and the customer terminal 2 perform product registration processing via the product management server 52. It is assumed that the store has the same configuration as in the above embodiments.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a product management system 100e according to a sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the product management system 100e according to the sixth embodiment includes a store terminal 1d, a customer terminal 2, and a product management server 52. The hardware configuration of the store terminal 1d may be similar to that of the POS terminals according to the first to third embodiments, or may be similar to that of the tablets and smartphones according to the fourth and fifth embodiments. The hardware configuration of the customer terminal 2 is also similar to that of the above embodiments.

[0090] The product management server 52 is an information processing device that communicates with each of the store terminal 1d and the customer terminal 2 via a communication network such as the Internet. The product management server 52 has a function to receive order details from the store terminal 1d and to transmit the order details received from the store terminal 1d to the customer terminal 2.

[0091] The flow of product registration in the sixth embodiment will be described. When an employee receives an order from a customer, the employee removes the product from the showcase and registers the removed product in the store terminal 1d. The input processing unit 31 performs processing to accept the customer's order details entered by the employee through the input unit 17 of the store terminal 1d. In the sixth embodiment, the input processing unit 31 transmits specific information, which will be described later and is used to associate the customer terminal 2 with the application ID, together with the entered order details to the product management server 52.

[0092] The identification code generation unit 32 generates an identification code such as a QR code (registered trademark) for identifying the order details accepted by the input processing unit 31. In the sixth embodiment, when smartphone payment is specified on the input unit 17 of the store terminal 1d, the identification code generation unit 32 generates an identification code including the above-mentioned identification information for identifying the order details. The identification information may include, for example, numbers, letters, symbols, time, location, or a combination thereof. The output processing unit 33 executes a process to display the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit 32 on the output unit 16.

[0093] Next, the employee presents the store terminal 1d, with the identification code displayed on the output unit 16, to the customer. The customer activates the scan mode of the application on the customer terminal 2a and captures an image of the identification code displayed on the store terminal 1d. The identification code reader 41 analyzes the image of the identification code captured by the imaging unit 122 and transmits identification information to the product management server 52. The identification code reader 41 may transmit an application ID along with the identification information to the product management server 52. Upon receiving the identification information, the product management server 52 transmits the order details corresponding to the identification information to the customer terminal 2a.

[0094] The list management unit 42 registers the products included in the order details received from the product management server 52 in a payment target list, which is displayed on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2. When the fact that the products have been registered in the payment target list is transmitted from the customer terminal 2 to the store terminal 1d via the product management server 52, processing on the store terminal 1d side ends, and the screen of the store terminal 1d transitions to a product registration completion screen. Then, an employee hands the customer a bag containing the products registered in the payment target list. The transaction process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0095] Seventh Embodiment In the first to sixth embodiments, a configuration has been described in which an identification code displayed on the store terminals 1, 1a to 1d is read by the customer terminal 2. Next, a seventh embodiment will be described in which a customer code displayed on the customer terminal 2a is read by the store terminal 1e. Note that the reading of an identification code attached to a product on the display shelf sales area 101 or the like is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiments.

[0096] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of registering a product to a payment target list of a product management system 100f according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the product management system 100f according to the seventh embodiment includes a store terminal 1e, a customer terminal 2a, and a product management server 52a. The hardware configurations of the store terminal 1e and the customer terminal 2a are assumed to be the same as those of the sixth embodiment.

[0097] 15 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a product management system 100f according to the seventh embodiment. The store terminal 1e according to the seventh embodiment includes an input processing unit 31, an identification code generation unit 32, an output processing unit 33, and a customer code reading unit 30 as functional units realized on a processor (CPU 11).

[0098] The customer code reader 30 activates the reader constituting the input unit 17 and executes a process of reading an image of the customer code presented by the customer. The customer code is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, or a numeric code such as a JAN code, which includes specific information for identifying the customer. The specific information is not particularly limited, but could be, for example, an application ID or information for displaying the customer's user page.

[0099] In addition, the customer terminal 2a of the seventh embodiment has an identification code reading unit 41, a list management unit 42, and a payment processing unit 43, as well as a check-in management unit 40 and a customer code presentation unit 44 as functional units realized on a processor (CPU 111).

[0100] The check-in management unit 40 manages a check-in function that registers that a customer is actually present in the store. For example, when the check-in management unit 40 receives an operation by the customer indicating that the customer has checked in through the input unit 117, the check-in management unit 40 changes the customer's status from a not-checked-in status to a checked-in status.

[0101] When the customer code presentation unit 44 receives an instruction to display the customer code through the input unit 117, it executes a process of displaying the customer code for identifying the customer on the display unit 116. In the seventh embodiment, when the customer is checked in, it becomes possible to perform product registration processing using the customer code.

[0102] The flow of product registration processing in the seventh embodiment will be described. A customer who moves from the display shelf sales area 101 to the face-to-face sales area 102 browses the products in the showcase at the sales counter 103 and places an order for the product with an employee in the employee area 104. The employee removes the product from the showcase and prompts the customer to present their customer code. The subsequent processing will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of registering a product in the payment target list of the product management system 100f according to the seventh embodiment.

[0103] In step S10, the check-in management unit 40 of the customer terminal 2a changes the status of the customer to a checked-in status based on the operation of the customer.

[0104] In step S11, the input processing unit 31 of the store terminal 1e accepts the order details of the customer inputted by the employee through the input unit 17.

[0105] In step S12, the customer code presenting unit 44 of the customer terminal 2a displays the customer code on the display unit 116 based on the customer's operation.

[0106] In step S13, the customer code reading unit 30 of the store terminal 1e activates the reading device of the input unit 17, reads the customer code displayed on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2a, and obtains specific information for identifying the customer.

[0107] In step S14, the input processing unit 31 of the store terminal 1e transmits, via the communication unit 19, the order details accepted via the input unit 17 and the analyzed identification information for identifying the customer to the product management server 52a.

[0108] In step S15, the product management server 52a transmits information indicating the order contents to the customer terminal 2a based on the specific information received from the store terminal 1e.

[0109] In step S16, the list management unit 42 of the customer terminal 2a registers the products corresponding to the order details received via the communication unit 119 in the payment target list, and executes processing to display the payment target list on the display unit 116.

[0110] In step S17, the payment processing unit 43 of the customer terminal 2 executes a payment process to pay for the products on the payment target list when it receives a payment instruction via the input unit 117 of the customer terminal 2. The payment process is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0111] The effects of the seventh embodiment will be described. The product management system 100f of this embodiment includes a store terminal 1e used in a store that sells products and a customer terminal 2a used by customers who purchase products at the store. The store terminal 1e has a customer code reader 30 that reads an image of a customer code displayed on the customer terminal 2a to identify the customer, and an input processor 31 that accepts order details specifying one or more products from a customer and analyzes the customer code read together with the order details to transmit the acquired customer identification information to the product management server 52a. The customer terminal 2a also has a customer code presenter 44 that displays the customer code on the display 116, and a list manager 42 that, after displaying the customer code, acquires products corresponding to the order details specifying one or more products from the product management server 52a and then displays a payment target list reflecting the products on the display 116.

[0112] In addition, the product management method of this embodiment includes a customer code presentation step of displaying a customer code for identifying the customer on the display unit 116 of the customer terminal 2a used by the customer when purchasing products at the store; a customer code reading step of image-reading the customer code displayed on the customer terminal 2a at the store terminal 1e used at the store where the products are sold; an input processing step of accepting an order detail specifying one or more products from the customer at the store terminal 1e, analyzing the customer code read together with the order detail, and transmitting the obtained identification information for identifying the customer to the product management server 52a; and a list management step of displaying a payment target list reflecting the products corresponding to the order detail specifying one or more products on the display unit 116 after the customer code is displayed on the customer terminal 2a and acquiring the products corresponding to the order detail specifying one or more products from the product management server 52a.

[0113] Furthermore, the program installed in the store terminal 1e of this embodiment causes the store terminal 1e to execute a customer code reading step of reading an image of a customer code for identifying the customer displayed on a customer terminal 2a used by a customer who purchases products at the store, and an input processing step of receiving an order from a customer specifying one or more products, analyzing the customer code read together with the order details, and transmitting the obtained identification information for identifying the customer to the product management server 52a. Furthermore, the program installed in the customer terminal 2a causes the customer terminal 2a to execute a customer code presentation step of displaying a customer code for identifying the customer on the display unit 116, and a list management step of, after displaying the customer code, acquiring products corresponding to the order details specifying one or more products from the product management server 52a, and then displaying a payment target list reflecting the products on the display unit 116.

[0114] In this way, by configuring the product management system 100f, product management method, and program, even if it is difficult to directly attach an identification code to a product in a showcase, the customer code output from the customer terminal 2a can be read by the store terminal 1e, and the product can be easily registered in the payment target list via the product management server 52a. This avoids the occurrence of a situation where the payment function on the customer terminal 2a cannot be used because the product identification code cannot be read at the face-to-face sales counter 102, and allows for a smooth product purchase up to the payment process.

[0115] <Modification> When registering the items in the payment target list of the customer terminal 2, 2a, a pop-up such as "3 croissants, 10 other items in total" may be displayed on the screen of the display unit 116, displaying an overview of the items to be registered so that the registered items can be easily confirmed. Also, before registering the items in the payment target list, a confirmation screen may be displayed on the display unit 116 so that the details of the items can be scrolled and the items to be registered can be confirmed. In this case, the customer performs a product registration operation via the input unit 117 after the confirmation screen is displayed, thereby completing the registration of the items in the payment target list.

[0116] Furthermore, if the identification code generated by the store terminal 1, 1-1d cannot include all the information for the multiple products entered due to specifications, the identification code may be generated in multiple parts. In this configuration, the output processing unit 33 may display on the employee screen 161 how many identification codes are required depending on the number of products entered. Furthermore, the output processing unit 33 may display a message such as "Has the customer finished reading?" or a button such as "Customer OK, go to next QR code" to guide the employee so that they can understand the operation. When the last identification code is displayed, a button such as "Customer OK, end" may be displayed to indicate that this is the last identification code. This configuration makes it clear that the reading of the identification code is not complete in one go but continues, preventing employees from making operational errors.

[0117] The above describes embodiments and modifications of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and includes modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention.

[0118] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the above-described functional configuration is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient for the store terminals 1, 1a-1e and the customer terminals 2, 2a to have the functionality to execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional blocks used to realize these functions are not particularly limited to the above-described examples. Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks are not particularly limited and may be arbitrary. For example, the functional blocks of the store terminals 1, 1a-1e and the customer terminals 2, 2a may be transferred to other devices, etc. Conversely, the functional blocks of other devices may be transferred to servers, etc. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination thereof.

[0119] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0120] The recording medium containing such a program may be configured as not only a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program, but also a recording medium that is provided in a state that it is pre-installed in the device main body, etc. Since the program can be distributed via a network, the recording medium may be installed in or accessible to a computer that is connected or connectable to the network.

[0121] In this specification, the steps describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually. Also, in this specification, the term "system" means an overall device composed of multiple devices or multiple means, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1, 1a~1e Store terminal 2. Customer terminal 30 Customer code reader 31 Input processing section 32 Identification code generator 33 Output Processing Section 40 Check-in Management Department 41 Identification code reader 42 List Management Department 43 Payment processing section 44 Customer code presentation section 52, 52a Product management server 100, 100a-100f Product Management System

Claims

1. A merchandise management system including a store terminal used in a store that sells merchandise and a customer terminal used by a customer who purchases the merchandise at the store, The store terminal an input processing unit that receives an order from the customer specifying one or more of the products; an identification code generating unit that generates an identification code for identifying the content of the received order; an output processing unit that outputs the identification code; and The customer terminal an identification code reader that reads an image of the identification code; a list management unit that displays the product corresponding to the order content obtained by analyzing the read identification code on a payment target list; having Product management system.

2. the output processing unit of the store terminal executes a process of displaying the identification code on a display unit that displays an image on a screen; the identification code reading unit of the customer terminal executes a process of reading the identification code displayed on the screen; The merchandise management system according to claim 1 .

3. The input processing unit identifies the customer's order details by analyzing an image obtained by capturing a product registration code, which is set in advance for the product, using the imaging unit. The merchandise management system according to claim 1 .

4. the output processing unit of the store terminal executes a process of printing the identification code on a sheet using a printer; the identification code reading unit of the customer terminal executes a process of reading the identification code printed on the sheet; The merchandise management system according to claim 1 .

5. The identification code is a two-dimensional code, a one-dimensional code, or a numeric code; The merchandise management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The identification code includes information on a plurality of the products. The merchandise management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A merchandise management system including a store terminal used in a store that sells merchandise and a customer terminal used by a customer who purchases the merchandise at the store, The store terminal a customer code reader that reads an image of a customer code displayed on the customer terminal for identifying the customer; An input processing unit receives an order from the customer specifying one or more of the aforementioned products, and transmits to a server specific information that identifies the customer obtained by analyzing the customer code read along with the order details. and The customer terminal a customer code display unit that displays the customer code on a display unit; a list management unit that, when acquiring the products corresponding to the order content specifying one or more of the products from the server after displaying the customer code, displays a payment target list reflecting the products on the display unit; having Product management system.

8. an input processing step of receiving an order specifying one or more of the products from a customer at a store terminal used in a store selling the products; an identification code generating step of generating an identification code for identifying the order content accepted by the store terminal; an output processing step of outputting the identification code at the store terminal; an identification code reading step of reading an image of the identification code using a customer terminal of the customer who purchases the product; a list management step of displaying the merchandise corresponding to the order details acquired by analyzing the identification code read by the customer terminal on a payment target list; Item management methods including.

9. a customer code presenting step of displaying a customer code for identifying a customer on a display unit of a customer terminal used by a customer who purchases a commodity at a store; a customer code reading step of reading an image of the customer code displayed on the customer terminal by a store terminal used in the store where the product is sold; an input processing step of receiving an order specifying one or more of the products from the customer at the store terminal, and transmitting to a server identification information for identifying the customer, the identification information being obtained by analyzing the customer code read together with the order information; a list management step of, after displaying the customer code on the customer terminal, acquiring from the server the products corresponding to the order content specifying one or more of the products, and displaying on the display unit a payment target list reflecting the products; Item management methods including.

10. The computers used in stores selling products an input processing step of receiving an order from a customer specifying one or more of the products; an identification code generating step of generating an identification code for identifying the content of the received order; an output processing step for outputting the identification code; A program to execute.

11. on the computers used by customers to make purchases at the store. an identification code reading step of reading an image of an identification code for identifying the order content specifying one or more of the products from the customer; A list management step that displays the products corresponding to the order details obtained by analyzing the identification code on the payment target list, A program to execute.

12. The computers used in stores selling products A customer code reading step involves image reading a customer code displayed on a customer terminal used by a customer who purchases the product at the store, to identify the customer. An input processing step includes receiving an order from the customer specifying one or more of the aforementioned products, and transmitting to a server specific information that identifies the customer obtained by analyzing the customer code read along with the order details, A program to execute.

13. On the computer used by customers purchasing products at the store, A customer code presentation step, in which a customer code for identifying the customer is displayed on the display unit, After displaying the customer code, the system retrieves the products corresponding to the order details specifying one or more products from the server, and then displays a payment target list reflecting those products on the display unit in a list management step. A program to execute.

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