Display device, display method, and display program

Abstract

To provide a display device that allows employees to more reliably check for products that users have failed to register. [Solution] The display device 20 includes a display unit 21 that displays a display count on the display screen for each category, which is the number of products included in the product list determined for each category, based on a product list consisting of multiple product information including a product and the category to which the product belongs. The display unit 21 displays the name of the category and the display count determined for that category together on the display screen for each category, and for at least one category without products, which is a category not included in the product list, it further displays the name of the category without products and a display count of 0 together on the display screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a display method, and a display program used for checking for missing product registrations in stores and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In stores such as convenience stores or supermarkets, the introduction of self-checkout systems where users register the products they purchase and conduct settlement is progressing. However, when users who are unfamiliar with self-checkout systems purchase products, they often forget to register the products. That is, missing product registrations may occur in self-checkout systems.

[0003] As a system that can prevent missing product registrations, for example, there is a scan check system. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a general scan check system. The scan check system shown in FIG. 12 is composed of a POS (Point of Sale) system and a check device.

[0004] Note that the POS system may store past purchase data. Also, the POS system may be a cloud-based POS system where data is stored in a location separate from the POS main body.

[0005] Also, FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of products in a basket. In the basket shown in FIG. 13, there are 4 pieces of meat and 4 pieces of fish respectively as products.

[0006] The user registers the products in the basket manually or using an attached scanner to the POS system. The POS system transmits the information of the registered products to the check device.

[0007] Next, the check device displays the transmitted product information on a display or the like. The employee checks whether the products in the basket have been registered based on the displayed information.

[0008] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a checking device and a checking system that can efficiently confirm product registration omissions by users. The checking device described in Patent Document 1 includes a control device that determines the number of registration omissions and a display device that displays the determined number of omissions. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-173953 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] When using the checking device described in Patent Document 1, employees, in principle, check whether each product is registered or not (to check for registration omissions).

[0011] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of employee product checks in a scan check system. In the example shown in Figure 14, only two pieces of meat were registered, so the remaining two pieces of meat are marked as "NG products" because they were not registered.

[0012] In the example shown in Figure 14, the control device described in Patent Document 1 determines the number of registration omissions to be "2". The display device described in Patent Document 1 also displays the determined check count of "2".

[0013] In other words, as shown in Figure 14, the employee decides to check two items from a selection of eight items, and therefore decides to "check two items for this customer." Next, the employee randomly selects two items from the eight items to be checked and performs the check.

[0014] However, when selecting 2 items from 8 items, the probability that at least one item is a problematic item is 1 - 6 / 8 * 5 / 7 = 13 / 28 ≈ 0.46. In other words, the probability of finding a problematic item under the above conditions is approximately 46%, so even if employees are notified of the number of items that were not registered, it is not guaranteed that they will be able to reliably check all problematic items.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a display device, a display method, and a display program that enable employees to more reliably check for omissions in product registration by users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The display device according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays a display number on the display screen for each category, which is the number of products included in the product list determined for each category, based on a product list consisting of multiple product information including products and the categories to which the products belong. The display unit displays the name of the category and the display number determined for that category together on the display screen for each category, and further displays the name of the no-product category and a display number of 0 for at least one no-product category that is not included in the product list.

[0017] The display method according to the present invention is characterized by displaying on the display screen the number of products included in the product list determined for each category, based on a product list consisting of multiple product information including products and the categories to which the products belong, the name of the category and the number of products determined for that category together on the display screen for each category, and for at least one category without products which is a category not included in the product list, the name of the category without products and a number of products of 0 together on the display screen.

[0018] The display program according to the present invention is a display program for causing a computer to execute display processing for respectively displaying on a display screen each display number, which is the number of products included in a product list determined for each category, based on a product list composed of a plurality of product information including products and categories to which the products belong. In the display processing, the name of the category and the display number determined for the category are displayed together on the display screen for each category, and for at least one category without products, which is a category not included in the product list, the name of the category without products and a display number of 0 are further displayed together on the display screen.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, employees can more reliably check for omissions in product registration by users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a check system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of product checking by an employee in the check system 10 of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of product checking by an employee in the check system 10 of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the check system 10 of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the registration omission confirmation process by the check device 300 of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a product group set such that the display number determination unit 312 of the present embodiment belongs to any one category. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram showing an overview of a display device according to the present invention. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a general scan check system. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of products in a basket. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of product checking by an employee in a scan check system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] [Explanation of Configuration] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Also, regarding the configuration shown in each figure, the shape, size, arrangement, etc. can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a check system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The check system 10 of the present embodiment is used in a retail store such as a convenience store or a supermarket.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the check system 10 of the present embodiment is composed of a POS terminal 100, a management server 200, and a check device 300. The POS terminal 100, the management server 200, and the check device 300 are wirelessly communicably connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0024] Furthermore, the POS terminal 100 and the check device 300 may be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth® or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0025] POS terminal 100 is a terminal used by customers who visit a store to register and pay for their purchases themselves. POS terminal 100 can be, for example, a dedicated POS terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0026] The POS terminal 100 has the functions of a point-of-sale (POS) register that registers, settles, and processes the purchase of items by the user. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 100 is, for example, a tablet mounted on a shopping cart as shown in Figure 1. The user makes purchases while registering the items in the check system 10 using the POS terminal 100.

[0027] Although Figure 1 shows only one POS terminal 100, the check system 10 may include multiple POS terminals 100.

[0028] The management server 200 is a POS server that manages user information of customers using the store and registration information of products registered by those users.

[0029] The checking device 300 is an information terminal such as a tablet or smartphone operated by a store employee, for example. The checking device 300 is used by employees to check for any omissions in product registration by users.

[0030] In this embodiment, "checking for missing product registrations" corresponds to the following series of operations. First, the employee selects the product to be checked from among several products in the basket and reads the barcode of the selected product using the checking device 300.

[0031] Next, the checking device 300 determines whether the scanned product is a registered product and displays the result. Finally, the employee checks for any product registration errors by the user based on the displayed result.

[0032] Next, with reference to Figures 2-3, we will explain why employees using the checking system 10 of this embodiment can more reliably check for product registration errors by users. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of product checking by an employee in the checking system 10 of this embodiment.

[0033] The items in the basket shown in Figure 2 are the same as the items in the basket shown in Figure 14. Also, the NG items shown in Figure 2 are the same as the NG items shown in Figure 14.

[0034] Employees using the checking system 10 of this embodiment can check whether or not a product has been registered (i.e., whether it is not registered) for each category to which the product belongs. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the category to which the product in the basket belongs will be either "meat" or "fish".

[0035] Therefore, the checking device 300 of the checking system 10 of this embodiment displays that two products belonging to the category "meat" are registered, and four products belonging to the category "fish" are registered.

[0036] An employee, referring to the displayed information, determines that "two meat items and four fish items are registered," as shown in Figure 2. Next, the employee checks each of the four meat items in the basket that do not match the registered number.

[0037] If two pieces of meat are checked consecutively from a selection of four, the probability that at least one of the checked pieces is a defective product is 1 - 2 / 4 * 1 / 3 = 5 / 6 ≈ 0.83. In other words, the probability of finding a defective product under the above conditions rises to approximately 83%.

[0038] Therefore, employees using the checking system 10 of this embodiment can more reliably check for product registration errors by users compared to using the checking device described in Patent Document 1.

[0039] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of product checks performed by an employee in the checking system 10 of this embodiment. The basket shown in Figure 3 contains two pieces of meat and four pieces of fish as products. The two pieces of meat are the defective products.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 3, the checking device 300 of the checking system 10 of this embodiment displays that there are 0 registered products belonging to the category "meat" and 4 registered products belonging to the category "fish".

[0041] The employee, referring to the displayed information, determines that "0 pieces of meat are registered," as shown in Figure 3. Next, the employee checks the two pieces of meat in the basket that have a registered quantity of 0.

[0042] It is difficult for an employee to find a category to which zero registered items belong in a registration list that shows a list of registered items. However, the checking device 300 of this embodiment can also display categories to which zero registered items belong, according to predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions are, for example, that the loss rate of items belonging to the category is higher than a predetermined standard.

[0043] If an employee finds a product in their shopping cart that belongs to a category with zero registered products, they can immediately recognize it as a problematic product and select it as one to check. In other words, as shown in the example in Figure 3, there is a particular advantage to displaying the number of registered products for each category to which the product belongs.

[0044] As described above, the check system 10 of this embodiment provides a UI (User Interface) that shows the number of items in the shopping cart registered for each category to which the items belong. The UI provided by the check system 10 assists employees in visually selecting items to be checked.

[0045] Therefore, employees using the checking system 10 of this embodiment can select items to be checked using the number of registered items for each category, thus increasing the rate at which defective items are detected compared to when items to be checked are randomly selected from the items in the shopping cart.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, the checking system 10 of this embodiment can provide employees with a new criterion: the "unregistered product category," which is a category where the number of registered products is 0.

[0047] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the check system 10 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the POS terminal 100 includes a POS terminal control unit 110, a POS terminal display unit 120, a POS terminal operation unit 130, a POS terminal reading unit 140, and a POS terminal communication unit 150.

[0048] The POS terminal 100 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Each part of the POS terminal 100 is a functional unit realized by the processor executing a program stored in memory.

[0049] Furthermore, at least one of the components of the POS terminal 100 may be implemented using a processing circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the POS terminal control unit 110 includes a product registration unit 111, a payment processing unit 112, and a POS terminal display control unit 113.

[0051] The product registration unit 111 has the function of registering products whose barcodes have been read by the POS terminal reading unit 140 as products to be purchased and processing the payment.

[0052] Furthermore, the product registration unit 111 has a function to determine whether or not a product whose barcode has been read by the POS terminal reading unit 140 is an age-restricted product. Age-restricted products include, for example, alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

[0053] If the barcode of a product read by the POS terminal reading unit 140 is an age-restricted product, the product registration unit 111 notifies the POS terminal display control unit 113 that the product is an age-restricted product.

[0054] The payment processing unit 112 has the function of processing payment for products that have been registered and settled by the product registration unit 111. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 100 can perform payments using prepaid cards, credit cards, electronic money, or barcodes.

[0055] The payment processing unit 112 processes the payment based on the prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode information entered by the user when the user selects payment by prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode.

[0056] The POS terminal display control unit 113 has the function of controlling the POS terminal display unit 120. Specifically, the POS terminal display control unit 113 displays product information read by the POS terminal reader 140, product settlement information, and payment information on the POS terminal display unit 120.

[0057] Furthermore, if the product scanned by the user is an age-restricted product, the POS terminal display control unit 113 notifies the user via the POS terminal display unit 120 that it is an age-restricted product, based on the notification from the product registration unit 111. Next, the POS terminal display control unit 113 displays a screen for age verification on the POS terminal display unit 120.

[0058] The POS terminal display unit 120 has the function of displaying information about the registered product, information related to product settlement and payment, a screen for age verification, etc. The POS terminal display unit 120 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0059] The POS terminal operation unit 130 is operated by the user. When operated by the user, for example, payment instructions, selected payment method, and payment information (PIN, etc.) are displayed. but The input is received from the POS terminal operation unit 130. The POS terminal operation unit 130 is, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the POS terminal display unit 120.

[0060] The POS terminal reader 140 has the function of reading the barcode attached to the product by shining a laser scanning line onto the product. The product information read by the POS terminal reader 140 is input to the POS terminal control unit 110.

[0061] Furthermore, the POS terminal reading unit 140 may include a card reader for reading prepaid card or credit card information, a scanner for reading electronic money or barcode information, or a camera.

[0062] The POS terminal communication unit 150 transmits product information registered by the user to the management server 200 as registration information. The POS terminal communication unit 150 is a network interface that transmits and receives data with the management server 200, for example, via wireless communication.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the management server 200 includes a management server communication unit 210, a management server control unit 220, a user information storage unit 230, and a registration information storage unit 240. The management server 200 also includes a processor such as a CPU and memory such as RAM.

[0064] The management server communication unit 210 receives registration information from the POS terminal 100. The management server communication unit 210 also receives the POS identification number, user identification number, and check result from the check device 300.

[0065] Furthermore, the management server communication unit 210 transmits the registration list to the check device 300. The management server communication unit 210 is a network interface that transmits and receives data with, for example, the POS terminal 100 and the check device 300.

[0066] The POS identification number is a unique number assigned to POS terminal 100. The user identification number is a membership number assigned to each user registered with the store.

[0067] When the management server control unit 220 receives a POS identification number from the check device 300, it extracts the registration list corresponding to the received POS identification number from the registration information storage unit 240. Next, the management server control unit 220 transmits the extracted registration list to the check device 300 via the management server communication unit 210.

[0068] The user information storage unit 230 has the function of storing user information of users who use the store. User information includes user identification number, name, address, age, and payment information.

[0069] User information is information that is pre-entered by the user and stored in the user information storage unit 230. The user information storage unit 230 also stores the check results for missing product registrations received from the check device 300 as a check history.

[0070] The check history is a record of the user's past check results. For example, the check history includes the total number of checks performed and the number of registration errors found over the past year.

[0071] The registration information storage unit 240 has the function of storing registration information received from the POS terminal 100. The registration information includes information such as the category (department) to which the product belongs, the product code, the product name, the number of products, and the price.

[0072] Categories include, for example, fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen foods, seasonings, and confectionery. In this embodiment, many other types of categories also exist.

[0073] The registration information storage unit 240 stores the registration information of multiple items purchased by the user in a single transaction as a single registration list. The registration information storage unit 240 may also store information such as the store where the purchase was made and the date and time of purchase in the registration information.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the check device 300 includes a check device control unit 310, a check device communication unit 320, a check device reading unit 330, a check device operation unit 340, and a check device display unit 350.

[0075] The check device 300 includes a processor such as a CPU and memory such as RAM. Each part of the check device 300 is a functional unit realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. At least one of the parts of the check device 300 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the check device control unit 310 includes an information acquisition unit 311, a display count determination unit 312, a leak detection unit 313, a product addition unit 314, and a check device display control unit 315.

[0077] The information acquisition unit 311 has the function of acquiring a registration list from the management server 200. The information acquisition unit 311 inputs the acquired registration list into the display count determination unit 312.

[0078] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 311 has the function of acquiring the POS identification number of the POS terminal 100.

[0079] For example, the information acquisition unit 311 may acquire the POS identification number from the barcode information attached to the POS terminal 100 read by the check device reading unit 330. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit 311 may acquire the POS identification number entered via the check device operation unit 340.

[0080] The display count determination unit 312 has the function of determining the display count, which is the number of registered products to be displayed by the check device display unit 350, for each category. In this embodiment, the display count determination unit 312 determines the display count based on the registration list acquired by the information acquisition unit 311.

[0081] Specifically, the display count determination unit 312 determines the number of items to be displayed for each category, based on the categories and the number of items included in a single registration list, i.e., the number of registered items. Next, the display count determination unit 312 inputs each determined display count to the check device display control unit 315.

[0082] The leak detection unit 313 has the function of determining whether or not a product whose barcode has been read by the check device reading unit 330 is included in the registration list.

[0083] If the barcode of a product read by the check device reading unit 330 is not included in the registration list, the omission detection unit 313 determines that it is an unregistered product (NG product). The omission detection unit 313 also inputs the determination result to the product addition unit 314 and the check device display control unit 315.

[0084] The product addition unit 314 has a function to add products that have been determined to be missing from registration to the registration list if the user decides to add them to the registration list.

[0085] If it is determined that the product should be added to the registration list, the product addition unit 314 adds the missing product to the registration list. Then, the product addition unit 314 sends the registration list with the missing product added to the management server 200 via the check device communication unit 320.

[0086] The check device display control unit 315 has the function of controlling the display content of the check device display unit 350. Specifically, the check device display control unit 315 generates a check screen (see Figures 6-9 described later) that is used when an employee checks for missing product registrations. Next, the check device display control unit 315 displays the generated check screen on the check device display unit 350.

[0087] The check screen generated by the check device display control unit 315 includes the registration list, the number of items to be displayed determined by the display count determination unit 312, and the judgment result from the leak detection unit 313. In other words, the check device display control unit 315 displays the registration list, the number of items to be displayed, the judgment result, etc., on the check screen.

[0088] The check device communication unit 320 transmits the POS identification number to the management server 200. The check device communication unit 320 then receives the registration list from the management server 200. The check device communication unit 320 is, for example, a network interface that transmits and receives data wirelessly with the management server 200.

[0089] The checking device reading unit 330 has the function of reading the barcode attached to the product by irradiating it with a laser scanning line. The product information read by the checking device reading unit 330 is input to the checking device control unit 310.

[0090] The checking device reading unit 330 may also include a card reader for reading prepaid card information, a scanner for reading barcode information, or a camera.

[0091] The check device operation unit 340 is, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the check device display unit 350. Employees operate the check device operation unit 340 to input POS identification numbers and user identification numbers, or to add or cancel items that were not registered.

[0092] The check device display unit 350 has the function of displaying a check screen used by employees to check for missing product registrations. The check device display unit 350 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0093] Users utilizing the aforementioned check system 10 scan the barcode of the product they wish to purchase using the POS terminal 100. By scanning the barcode, the user registers the product they wish to purchase in the check system 10.

[0094] The POS terminal 100 transmits the registered product information as registration information to the management server 200. The transmitted registration information is stored in the registration information storage unit 240 of the management server 200.

[0095] As the above process is repeated, multiple registration information items are accumulated in the registration information storage unit 240. In other words, a registration list is generated in the registration information storage unit 240. After finishing shopping, the user moves to the payment area in the store to make a payment.

[0096] In the payment area, before payment is processed, employees use the checking device 300 to verify that no items have been missed during registration. After the check is complete, payment is processed.

[0097] [Explanation of operation] The operation of the checking device 300 of this embodiment will be described below. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the registration omission confirmation process by the checking device 300 of this embodiment.

[0098] First, the information acquisition unit 311 of the check device control unit 310 acquires the POS identification number of the POS terminal 100 (step S101).

[0099] Next, the information acquisition unit 311 transmits the acquired POS identification number to the management server 200. Then, the information acquisition unit 311 receives the registration list corresponding to the transmitted POS identification number from the management server 200.

[0100] In other words, the information acquisition unit 311 acquires the registration list from the management server 200 (step S102). Next, the information acquisition unit 311 inputs the acquired registration list into the display count determination unit 312.

[0101] Next, the display quantity determination unit 312 determines the display quantity for each category, which is the number of registered products, based on the categories and product quantities included in the registration list (step S103). Then, the display quantity determination unit 312 inputs each determined display quantity to the check device display control unit 315.

[0102] Next, the check device display control unit 315 generates a check screen that includes the determined number of displays. Then, the check device display control unit 315 displays the generated check screen on the check device display unit 350 (step S104).

[0103] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the check screen includes a registration list display unit a where the registration list is displayed, a display field b where the determined number of each display is displayed, and a confirmation complete button c.

[0104] As shown in Figure 6, the determined display quantity for each category is shown in display column b. In the example shown in Figure 6, the determined display quantities for the categories of fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen food, and seasonings are "2", "3", "0", and "1", respectively.

[0105] Furthermore, the confirmation complete button c shown in Figure 6 is a button that is operated when an employee has finished checking for any registration omissions. Note that the check screen in this embodiment does not necessarily have to include the confirmation complete button c. If the check screen does not include the confirmation complete button c, the employee may scan a confirmation complete barcode when finishing the check.

[0106] The employee uses the checking device 300 to read the items to be checked (step S105). For example, the employee selects items from among multiple items in the user's shopping cart that belong to a category where the number of items is greater than the number of items displayed for each category in display field b.

[0107] Next, the employee uses the checking device reading unit 330 of the checking device 300 to read the barcode of the selected product to be checked. Then, the leak detection unit 313 determines whether or not the product whose barcode was read is included in the registration list (step S106).

[0108] If the product whose barcode has been read is included in the registration list (Yes in step S106), the check device display control unit 315 changes the check screen so that the product to be checked is identifiable and the category-specific check results are displayed in display field b. Next, the check device display control unit 315 displays the changed check screen on the check device display unit 350 (step S107).

[0109] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of this embodiment.

[0110] For example, if the product to be checked is "Product A," then, as shown in Figure 7, the color of the row displaying the information for "Product A" in the registration list display section a will change to a different color (for example, black) than the row displaying the information for other products. In other words, by referring to the check screen shown in Figure 7, employees can easily understand that the product to be checked is a registered product.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, "Meat: 1" is displayed in display field b as the check record by category. In other words, the check device display control unit 315 displays the number of items whose barcodes have been read for each category in display field b. By referring to the check screen shown in Figure 7, employees can easily understand how many items they have checked for each category.

[0112] Next, the employee decides whether or not to finish the check (step S112). If they decide to finish the check (Yes in step S112), the employee operates the confirmation complete button c on the check screen. When the confirmation complete button c is operated, the check device 300 proceeds to the process in step S113.

[0113] If the employee decides not to complete the check (No in step S112), they read the item to be checked again (step S105).

[0114] If the scanned product is not included in the registration list (No. in step S106), the check device display control unit 315 adds the missing product to the check screen and modifies the check screen so that the category-specific check results are displayed in display field b. Next, the check device display control unit 315 displays the modified check screen on the check device display unit 350 (step S108).

[0115] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of this embodiment. For example, if the checked product is "product G" which is not included in the registration list, a missing product display unit d is added to the check screen, as shown in Figure 8. Information about "product G" is displayed in the missing product display unit d.

[0116] To make it immediately clear that a product is missing from registration, the missing product display section d is displayed with a different pattern (for example, diagonal lines) than the registration list display section a.

[0117] Furthermore, the section d displaying unregistered items may be displayed in a different color (for example, red) than the section a displaying the registration list. Also, the information of the items displayed in the section d displaying unregistered items may be displayed in bold. By referring to the check screen shown in Figure 8, employees can easily identify any unregistered items.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, display field b shows "Meat: 3" and "Fresh Fish: 1" as the check results by category. "Meat: 3" is more than the number of registered items by category, "Meat: 2".

[0119] Therefore, employees can be confident that there are definitely unregistered products in the "meat" category. In other words, by checking products while referring to the category-specific check record, it is considered that employees are more likely to notice unregistered products.

[0120] Furthermore, if a missing product display unit d is added, the check device display unit 350 may prompt employees to check for missing products by outputting a warning sound or message.

[0121] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the missing product display unit d includes an add button e, which is operated when adding a missing product to the registration list, and a cancel button f, which is operated when not adding a missing product to the registration list.

[0122] Next, the user decides whether or not to add the missing product to the registration list (step S109). If the user decides to add the missing product to the registration list (Yes in step S109), the employee operates the add button e.

[0123] When the add button e is pressed, the product addition unit 314 adds the missing product to the registration list (step S110). Next, the product addition unit 314 sends the registration list with the missing product added to the management server 200 (step S111). Then, the checking device 300 proceeds to step S112.

[0124] If the user decides not to add the missing product to the registration list (No. in step S109), the employee operates the cancel button f. If the cancel button f is operated, the registration list is not changed.

[0125] If the missing items are not added to the registration list, the missing items are removed from the shopping cart by an employee. The checking device 300 then proceeds to step S112.

[0126] In step S113, the check device communication unit 320 transmits the check result to the management server 200. Once the check result is transmitted, the check device 300 terminates the registration omission confirmation process.

[0127] As shown in Figures 6-8, the display control unit 315 of this embodiment also displays categories with a display count of 0 in the display field b of the check screen, i.e., categories that are not included in the registration list, i.e., unregistered product categories. The reason for this is that, as mentioned above, the information that the number of registered products is 0 is considered to be the most useful to employees.

[0128] The unregistered product categories displayed by the check device display control unit 315 may be predetermined for each store, for example. For example, categories with a high number of unregistered products in past sales records may be predetermined as unregistered product categories. In the examples shown in Figures 6-8, the category "Frozen" is predetermined as an unregistered product category.

[0129] Furthermore, the unregistered product categories displayed by the check device display control unit 315 may be categories input from an external source via the check device operation unit 340, or categories transmitted from another terminal that is communicatively connected to the check device 300.

[0130] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the check screen displayed by the check device display unit 350 of this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 9, the category "Sweets," which was input from an external source, is set to the category of unregistered products.

[0131] If product categories that are not yet registered can be entered externally, employees can check products according to the items sold in the store. For example, employees can respond when products belonging to a new category are sold.

[0132] Furthermore, regarding the definition of categories, the display count determination unit 312 may determine the display count by assuming that a particular group of products belongs to any one category. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a group of products that the display count determination unit 312 in this embodiment has set to belong to any one category.

[0133] The two products shown in Figure 10 are those that experienced the most losses in the past month. The categories to which these two products belong are "meat" and "fresh fish," respectively. In other words, the retail category for each product shown in Figure 10 would normally be different.

[0134] However, the display quantity determination unit 312 may determine the display quantity by assuming, for example, that the two products shown in Figure 10 belong to the category "loss products". In other words, the display quantity determination unit 312 may determine the display quantity by considering multiple categories as a single category. If the display quantity determination unit 312 can determine the display quantity by assuming that a particular group of products belongs to any one category, employees can flexibly change the way they check according to the store's situation.

[0135] As described above, the display control unit 315 of this embodiment displays the number of products included in the product list determined for each category on the display screen (check screen), based on a product list (registration list) which consists of multiple product information (registration information) including the product and the category to which the product belongs.

[0136] As shown in Figures 6-9, the check device display control unit 315 displays the category name and the number of items to be displayed for that category on the display screen for each category. In addition, for at least one category without products (a category with no registered products) that is not included in the product list, the check device display control unit 315 further displays the name of the category without products and the number of items to be displayed (0) on the display screen.

[0137] A "no-product" category is a category that meets certain conditions. For example, a certain condition is that the loss rate of products belonging to the category is higher than a certain standard.

[0138] Categories in which the loss rate of the products belonging to them is higher than a predetermined standard include, for example, categories in which products are considered prone to loss, or categories to which product groups to which losses have been discovered based on past purchase data belong.

[0139] Furthermore, the specified condition may also be that the unit price of products belonging to the category is higher than a specified value. Furthermore, the specified condition may also be that the location of the barcode attached to products belonging to the category, such as eggs and bean sprouts, is less clear than the location of the barcode attached to other products.

[0140] Furthermore, the specified condition may also be that reading the barcodes attached to products belonging to the category, such as eggs and bean sprouts, is more difficult than reading the barcodes attached to other products.

[0141] Furthermore, the specified conditions do not require that the products belonging to the category, such as vegetables or fresh fish, have barcodes. Registering products without barcodes requires special operations, such as registering them using a touch panel, which can easily lead to registration errors. Also, categories without products may be categories entered from external sources.

[0142] Furthermore, the checking device reading unit 330 of this embodiment reads supplementary information (for example, a barcode) associated with the product. As shown in Figures 7-8, the checking device display control unit 315 further displays the category name and the number of products belonging to that category from which the supplementary information has been read, on the display screen for each category.

[0143] Furthermore, the display count determination unit 312 in this embodiment determines the number of items to display. The display count determination unit 312 may determine the number of items to display by considering multiple categories as a single category.

[0144] [Explanation of effects] In this embodiment, the display count determination unit 312 of the check system 10 determines the display count, which is the number of registered products, for each category based on the categories and product numbers included in the registration list. The check device display control unit 315 then displays each determined display count for each category on the check screen. Furthermore, the check device display control unit 315 also displays a display count of 0 on the check screen for categories with no registered products.

[0145] With the above configuration, employees using the check system 10 of this embodiment can refer to the number of items displayed for each category and can also identify categories where the number of registered items is 0, thus enabling more reliable checking of items that users have failed to register.

[0146] The above describes this embodiment, but this embodiment is modifiable. For example, all or part of the functions of the POS terminal 100, the management server 200, and the checking device 300 may be provided by other devices or servers.

[0147] For example, if the POS terminal 100 is a self-checkout device installed in the store's payment area, the product information registered in the POS terminal 100 may be stored in the memory of the POS terminal 100 instead of being sent to the management server 200.

[0148] In other words, the POS terminal 100 may be equipped with a registration information storage unit 240. If the POS terminal 100 is equipped with a registration information storage unit 240, the check device 300 obtains the registration list from the POS terminal 100.

[0149] Alternatively, the checking device 300 may generate a check history by storing the check results in its own memory instead of sending them to the management server 200.

[0150] Furthermore, the checking device 300 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a checking device reader 330. If the checking device 300 is not equipped with a checking device reader 330, the employee uses the POS terminal 100 to read the barcode of the product to be checked for registration errors.

[0151] Next, the POS terminal 100 transmits the information of the product whose barcode has been read to the checking device 300. The checking device 300 determines whether or not the product information received from the POS terminal 100 is included in the registration list.

[0152] Furthermore, the display count determination unit 312 may determine the number of items to display using a machine learning model such as a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). When using a machine learning model, the display count determination unit 312 inputs, for example, a registration list, check results, or user information into a trained model of the machine learning model. Then, the display count determination unit 312 obtains the number of items to display, which is the output of the trained model.

[0153] Furthermore, if the number of items in the registration list is small (for example, 5 or fewer), the determination and display of the number of items may be omitted.

[0154] Even if the number of items to be displayed is determined or the display is omitted, the check device display unit 350 of the check device 300 displays a check screen including the registration list display unit a and the confirmation complete button c.

[0155] Next, an overview of the present invention will be described. Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of the display device according to the present invention. The display device 20 according to the present invention includes a display unit 21 (for example, a check device display control unit 315) that displays each display number, which is the number of products included in the product list determined for each category, on the display screen, based on a product list consisting of a plurality of product information including products and the category to which the product belongs. The display unit 21 displays the name of the category and the display number determined for that category together on the display screen for each category, and further displays the name of the no-product category and a display number of 0 for at least one no-product category, which is a category not included in the product list, on the display screen.

[0156] Using a display device with such a configuration allows employees to more reliably check for users failing to register products.

[0157] Furthermore, the "no products" category may also be any category that meets the specified conditions. The specified conditions may also be that the loss rate of products belonging to the category is higher than the specified standard.

[0158] Using a display device with such a configuration allows employees to more reliably check for missed entries of products with a high rate of loss.

[0159] Furthermore, the specified condition may also be that the unit price of the products belonging to the category is higher than a specified value.

[0160] Using a display device with such a configuration allows employees to more reliably check for omissions in the registration of relatively high-priced items.

[0161] Additionally, categories without products may be categories entered from external sources.

[0162] Using such a display method allows employees to flexibly change how they check items depending on the products being sold in the store.

[0163] Furthermore, the display device 20 may include a reading unit (for example, a check device reading unit 330) for reading supplementary information associated with the product, and the display unit 21 may further display the category name and the number of products belonging to that category from which the supplementary information has been read, on the display screen for each category.

[0164] Using a display device with such a configuration allows employees to more reliably check for users failing to register products.

[0165] Furthermore, the display device 20 may include a determination unit (for example, a display number determination unit 312) for determining the number of items to display. The determination unit may also determine the number of items to display by treating multiple categories as a single category.

[0166] When a display device with such a configuration is used, employees can flexibly change how they check things depending on the store's situation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 10 Check System 20 Display device 21 Display section 100 POS terminals 110 POS terminal control unit 111 Product Registration Department 112 Payment Processing Unit 113 POS terminal display control unit 120 POS terminal display unit 130 POS terminal operation unit 140 POS terminal reading unit 150 POS Terminal Communication Unit 200 Management Servers 210 Management Server Communication Unit 220 Management Server Control Unit 230 User information storage unit 240 Registration Information Storage Unit 300 Checking device 310 Check device control unit 311 Information Acquisition Department 312 Display number determination section 313 Leak detection unit 314 Product addition department 315 Check device display control unit 320 Check device communication unit 330 Check device reading section 340 Check device operation unit 350 Check device display unit

Claims

1. The system includes a display unit that displays a number of items, which is the number of items included in each product list determined for each category, based on a product list consisting of multiple product information items including the product and the category to which the product belongs. The aforementioned display unit is The category name and the number of items to be displayed for that category are displayed together on the display screen for each category. For at least one category that is not included in the aforementioned product list, the name of the category and the number of zeros displayed will be further shown on the display screen. A display device characterized by the following features.

2. A "no-product" category is a category that meets certain conditions. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The specified condition is that the loss rate of products belonging to the category is higher than a specified standard. The display device according to claim 2.

4. The specified condition is that the unit price of products belonging to the category is higher than a specified value. The display device according to claim 2.

5. The "No Products" category is a category entered from an external source. The display device according to claim 1.

6. It is equipped with a reading unit that reads supplementary information attached to the product. The display unit further displays the category name and the number of products belonging to that category from which the accompanying information has been read, for each category on the display screen. The display device according to claim 1.

7. It includes a determination unit that determines the number of items to display. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The decision-making unit determines the number of items to display by treating multiple categories as a single category. The display device according to claim 7.

9. Based on a product list consisting of multiple product information items, including the product and the category to which the product belongs, the display screen displays the number of products included in the product list, which is determined for each category. The category name and the number of items to be displayed for that category are displayed together on the display screen for each category. For at least one category that is not included in the aforementioned product list, the name of the category and the number of zeros displayed will be further shown on the display screen. A method of display characterized by the following features.

10. On the computer, A display program for executing a display process that displays on a display screen the number of products included in each product list, which is determined for each category, based on a product list consisting of multiple product information items including the product and the category to which the product belongs. In the aforementioned display process, The category name and the number of items to be displayed for that category are displayed together on the display screen for each category. For at least one category that is not included in the aforementioned product list, the name of the category and the number of zeros displayed will be further shown on the display screen. Display program.

Images