Product sales data processing device and program

Abstract

This invention provides a product sales data processing device and program that enable efficient product registration. [Solution] The product sales data processing device of the embodiment includes: a registration means that performs a registration process to register products to be purchased; a display means that displays information about the registered products on a display unit; a reception means that receives a cancellation operation to specify a product to be excluded from purchase from the registered products; and a cancellation means that, when the reception means receives a cancellation operation, notifies a terminal device operated by a store employee that a cancellation operation has been performed and deletes the registration of the canceled product in response to instructions from the terminal device, wherein the cancellation means performs a process related to the deletion of the registration of the canceled product in the background of the registration process by the registration means.

Description

Technical Field

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[0005] ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product sales data processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets, a product sales data processing apparatus called a self-POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, in which a customer himself / herself performs a product registration operation and an accounting operation, has been used. In such a product sales data processing apparatus, when canceling a registered product, from the viewpoint of security such as theft, it is not possible for the customer himself / herself to perform the cancellation, and the cancellation is performed by a store clerk going to the product sales data processing apparatus.

[0003] However, in the above-described conventional technology, when canceling a registered product, the customer has to interrupt the product registration operation until the cancellation work by the store clerk is completed, and there is room for improvement in terms of convenience and efficiency.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing apparatus and a program capable of efficiently performing a product registration operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a product sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of a product registration file according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a store clerk terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal and a staff terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the self-service POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a cancellation process performed by the self-service POS terminal and the employee terminal in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The product sales data processing device and program according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below will describe an example applied to a self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminal used in stores such as supermarkets. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0008] Figure 1 shows an example of a product sales data processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the product sales data processing system 1 includes a self-service POS terminal 10 and a store employee terminal 30. The self-service POS terminal 10 and the store employee terminal 30 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless network N.

[0009] Network N can utilize the Internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN (local area network), public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., individually or in appropriate combinations. In this embodiment, a LAN installed within a store is used as an example of network N. The number of self-service POS terminals 10 and employee terminals 30 in the product sales data processing system 1 is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0010] Self-service POS terminal 10 is an example of a product sales data processing device in this disclosure. Self-service POS terminal 10 is a POS terminal that performs a registration process to register the products to be purchased and a payment process for the registered products in response to customer operations.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a self-service POS terminal 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the self-service POS terminal 10 comprises a main body 11, a first mounting base 12 installed on the side of the main body 11, and a second mounting base 13 placed on the side of the main body 11 opposite to the side on which the first mounting base 12 is installed. Input / output devices for inputting and outputting various information to and from the self-service POS terminal 10 are installed on the main body 11.

[0012] Specifically, the main unit 11 includes a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a scanner 23, a card reader / writer 24, a change dispenser 25, a printer 2626, and a warning light 27.

[0013] The display unit 21 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 21 displays various screens under the control of the CPU 101 (see Figure 2). The display unit 21 is an example of a customer screen in this disclosure.

[0014] The operation unit 22 receives various inputs from the customer. The operation unit 22 is, for example, a touch panel mounted on the display surface of the display unit 21. The operation unit 22 may also be an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

[0015] Scanner 23 is a so-called fixed scanner having an imaging window and an imaging unit (not shown) located behind the imaging window. The imaging unit captures a barcode or other code symbol attached to a product that the customer holds up to the imaging window when registering the product they are purchasing. The code symbol contains a product code, which is identification information that can identify the type (item) of the product. Scanner 23 decodes the information contained in the captured code symbol to obtain the product code. Self-POS terminal 10 obtains product information of the product held up to scanner 23 by comparing the decoded product code with the product master 1042 (see Figure 2), and registers the product information of the product in product registration file 1044 (see Figure 2).

[0016] In addition to the scanner 23, the self-POS terminal 10 may also be provided with a handheld handy scanner (not shown). The handy scanner reads the code symbol attached to a product when it is difficult to scan the code symbol attached to the product with the scanner 23, such as when the product is heavy or large.

[0017] The card reader / writer 24 reads information necessary for settlement processing from card media such as a point card, an electronic money card, a credit card, etc. Further, the card reader / writer 24 reads and writes information to card media such as a credit card and an electronic money card of a prepaid or postpaid type. For example, the card reader / writer 24 reads information used for credit settlement or electronic settlement and outputs it to the control unit 100. Also, the card reader / writer 24 receives an instruction from the control unit 100 and adds points corresponding to the purchase amount to the points recorded on the point card.

[0018] When a customer selects cash settlement, the change machine 25 accepts the banknotes or coins inserted by the customer as the purchase amount of the product. The change machine 25 pays out the change obtained by subtracting the total amount of the inserted banknotes or coins from the total amount of the products as banknotes or coins. The change machine 25 includes a banknote insertion slot 251 for inserting banknotes, a banknote discharge port 252 for discharging banknotes as change, a coin insertion slot 253 for inserting coins, and a coin discharge port 254 for discharging coins as change.

[0019] The printer 26 prints the result of the settlement process on a receipt and issues it from the receipt issuing port 261.

[0020] The warning lamp 27 is provided at the upper end of a columnar pole erected at the rear of the main body 11. The warning lamp 27 is composed of, for example, a red LED and lights up or blinks when an abnormality occurs in the self-POS terminal 10 or when calling a store clerk.

[0021] The first display stand 12 is a stand for placing products that have not yet been registered. For example, a shopping basket containing products that have not yet been registered is placed on the first display stand 12.

[0022] The second display stand 13 is a stand for placing products whose identification information has been read by the scanner 23, that is, products whose registration operation has been completed. Above the second display stand 13, there is a hook 14 for hanging a container, such as a paid shopping bag or reusable bag, that will hold the product whose identification information has been read. For example, a product whose registration operation has been completed is placed on the second display stand 13 while it is contained in a container hung on the hook 14.

[0023] Furthermore, a third mounting platform 15 is provided above the hook 14. The third mounting platform 15 is This is a stand for placing items whose identification information has been read by scanner 23, that is, items whose registration operation has been completed, but which are to be excluded from purchase and are subject to cancellation (hereinafter also referred to as "cancelled items").

[0024] Furthermore, an imaging unit 28 is provided above the third mounting base 15. The imaging unit 28 is an electronic camera having an image sensor such as a CCD, and it captures an image range including the third mounting base 15 from above. In Figure 2, the imaging unit 28 is held by a support member such as a stand provided behind the third mounting base 15, but the mounting position and method of the imaging unit 16 are not limited to this. For example, the imaging unit 28 may be attached to the upper end of the display unit 21 or to a pole on which a warning light is provided. Also, the image range captured by the imaging unit 28 may include the main unit 11 and the entire self-service POS terminal 10.

[0025] Returning to Figure 1, the employee terminal 30 is a terminal device operated by a store employee (hereinafter also referred to as an attendant). The employee terminal 30 may be a stationary terminal device or a portable terminal device. In the former case, for example, the employee terminal 30 is installed in the area where the self-service POS terminal 10 is located or in the vicinity of that area within the store.

[0026] The employee terminal 30 receives various information transmitted from the self-service POS terminal 10. The employee operating the employee terminal 30 then supports transactions using the self-service POS terminal 10 by checking the status of the self-service POS terminal 10 or moving to the self-service POS terminal 10 that transmitted the information, based on the information obtained from the self-service POS terminal 10.

[0027] Next, the configurations of the self-service POS terminal 10 and the employee terminal 30 described above will be explained.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the self-service POS terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and a storage unit 104.

[0029] The CPU 101 is an example of a processor that comprehensively controls all parts of the self-service POS terminal 10. The ROM 102 stores various programs. The RAM 103 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0030] The storage unit 104 is a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 104 includes a control program unit 1041, a product master 1042, and a product registration file 1043.

[0031] The control program unit 1041 stores various control programs for controlling the self-service POS terminal 10. The CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, and storage unit 104 are connected to each other via a bus 105. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 constitute the control unit 100 of the computer configuration. That is, the control unit 100 executes the control processing of the self-service POS terminal 10, which will be described later, by operating according to the control programs stored in the ROM 102 and storage unit 104 and loaded into the RAM 103.

[0032] Product Master 1042 is a master file that stores product information such as the product name and price of products to be sold. Product Master 1042 associates the type of product sold in the store with a product code that can identify that type of product, and stores product information such as the product name and unit price of the product corresponding to that product code.

[0033] Furthermore, the product master 1042 stores, in association with the product code, the classification of the product corresponding to that product code, as well as feature quantities that represent the external characteristics of the product. Here, the feature quantities serve as matching information when identifying the type of product using general object recognition technology.

[0034] The product registration file 1043 is a file that stores information about products registered in a single transaction. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the product registration file 1044 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the product registration file 1044 stores, for example, the product name, price, quantity, and cancellation flag of the product corresponding to the product code of the registered product. Hereinafter, products registered in the product registration file 1043 will also be referred to as registered products.

[0035] Here, the product name and price are derived from the product information stored in product master 1042. The score refers to the number of registered items for the same product code. For example, if the same product code is registered multiple times, the number of times it has been registered is recorded as the score.

[0036] The cancellation flag is information used to identify whether or not an item is eligible for cancellation. For example, the cancellation flag is a binary flag that is "1" when the flag is enabled (hereinafter also referred to as the "on" state) and "0" when the flag is disabled (hereinafter also referred to as the "off" state).

[0037] Specifically, if the cancellation flag is in the off state, the control unit 100 of the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that the item is not subject to cancellation and that its registration is valid. Conversely, if the cancellation flag is in the on state, the control unit 100 of the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that the item is subject to cancellation.

[0038] Returning to Figure 3, the control unit 100 is connected to the communication unit 106 via the bus 105. The communication unit 106 is a wired or wireless communication interface that can connect to the network N. The control unit 100 communicates with external devices such as the employee terminal 30 and a store server (not shown) via the communication unit 106.

[0039] The store server performs tasks such as updating the product master 1042 on the self-service POS terminal 10. The store server may also act as a relay device connecting the self-service POS terminal 10 with a payment server (not shown) that handles cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, or code payments when a customer selects such a payment method.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected via the bus 105 to the display unit 21, the operation unit 22, the scanner 23, the card reader / writer 24, the change dispenser 25, the printer 2626, the warning light 27, and the imaging unit 28, etc. The outlines of each input / output device are as described above.

[0041] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the employee terminal 30 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the employee terminal 30 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, and storage unit 304.

[0042] The CPU 301 is an example of a processor that comprehensively controls all parts of the employee terminal 30. The ROM 302 stores various programs. The RAM 303 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0043] The storage unit 304 is a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 304 includes, for example, a control program unit 3041.

[0044] The control program unit 3041 stores various control programs for controlling the employee terminal 30. The CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, and storage unit 304 are connected to each other via the bus 305. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 constitute the control unit 300 of the computer configuration. That is, the control unit 300 executes the control processing of the employee terminal 30, described later, by operating according to the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and storage unit 304 and loaded into the RAM 303.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the communication unit 306, the display unit 307, and the operation unit 308 via the bus 305.

[0046] The communication unit 306 is a wired or wireless communication interface that can be connected to the network N. The control unit 300 communicates with external devices such as the self-service POS terminal 10 and a store server (not shown) via the communication unit 306.

[0047] The display unit 307 is a display device such as an LCD. The display unit 307 displays various information under the control of the control unit 300. The operation unit 308 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The operation unit 308 outputs the operation content input via the input device to the control unit 300. The operation unit 308 may also be a touch panel provided on the display unit 307.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10 and the employee terminal 30 according to the embodiment.

[0049] The control unit 100 of the self-service POS terminal 10 functions as a display control unit 1001, a product registration unit 1002, a payment processing unit 1003, an image acquisition unit 1004, a cancellation operation reception unit 1005, and a cancellation processing unit 1006, with the CPU 101 operating according to control programs stored in the ROM 102 and memory unit 104. Some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0050] The display control unit 1001 is an example of a display means. The display control unit 1001 causes various screens to be displayed on the display unit 21. For example, the display control unit 1001 causes an operation screen to be displayed on the display unit 21 to support operations related to purchasing products. In addition, the display control unit 1001 causes various screens to be displayed on the display unit 21 in cooperation with other functional configurations.

[0051] The product registration unit 1002 is an example of a registration means and a display means. The product registration unit 1002 performs a registration process to register the product to be purchased. In addition, the product registration unit 1002 works in cooperation with the display control unit 1001 to display an operation screen (hereinafter also referred to as the product registration screen) to support the product registration process.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal 10 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the product registration screen G has an information area Ga, an operation area Gb, a product display area Gc, and a total display area Gd.

[0053] The information area Ga is an area for displaying various information for the operator. For example, information such as operating instructions and the current date and time may be displayed in the information area Ga.

[0054] The operation area Gb is an area for displaying various controls related to the operation of the self-service POS terminal 10. For example, the operation area Gb displays controls such as the selection button Ba, operation button Bb, call button Bc, and cancel button Bd for canceling a transaction.

[0055] The selection button Ba is an operator used to select the product to be registered, and is provided for each product category, for example. When the product registration unit 1002 receives a selection operation of the selection button Ba, it works in cooperation with the display control unit 1001 to display a product selection screen (not shown) that lists the products belonging to the category of the selected selection button Ba. Then, when a product is selected from the product selection screen, the product registration unit 1002 accepts the product code of the selected product as the product to be registered. The selection button Ba is operated, for example, when registering a product that does not have a code symbol attached.

[0056] Operation button Bb is an operator used when reading a code symbol using a handheld scanner. When the product registration unit 1002 receives an operation of operation button Bb, it activates the reading of the code symbol by the handheld scanner. Operation button Bb is used, for example, when registering a large product.

[0057] The call button Bc is an operator used to summon a store employee. When the product registration unit 1002 receives an operation of the call button Bc, it sends a call notification to the employee terminal 30 that includes identification information (hereinafter also referred to as the terminal ID) that can identify its own self-service POS terminal 10.

[0058] The Cancel button Bd is an operator used to instruct the user to cancel a transaction. When the product registration unit 1002 receives a request to press the Cancel button Bd, it terminates the transaction and switches the display to a waiting screen (not shown).

[0059] The product display area Gc is an area for displaying a list of product information for registered products. The product display area Gc includes items such as product name, quantity, and price. Here, the price is the unit price multiplied by the quantity. Figure 7 shows a state where seven items, from product A to product F, have been registered, and they are displayed from top to bottom in the order they were registered.

[0060] If the registered products do not fit within the product display area Gc, it is possible to view all registered products by using the page buttons Be and Bf to move to the next or previous page.

[0061] The total display area Gd shows the total number of items and the total price of the registered products. Additionally, the product display area Gc includes a payment button Bg for instructing the customer to check out the products.

[0062] The product registration unit 1002 works in cooperation with the operation unit 22 and the scanner 23 to perform the registration process for the products that the customer intends to purchase.

[0063] For example, when the product registration unit 1002 reads a product code from a code symbol attached to a product using the scanner 23 or a hand scanner, it retrieves product information corresponding to that product code from the product master 1042. Next, the product registration unit 1002 associates the retrieved product code with the product information corresponding to that product code and stores (registers) it in the product registration file 1043.

[0064] For example, when the product registration unit 1002 receives an operation to select a product to be registered via the operation unit 22 (selection button Ba), it retrieves product information corresponding to the product code of the selected product from the product master 1042 and stores it in the product registration file 1043. Also, when the product registration unit 1002 receives an operation to input a product code via a numeric keypad or the like, it retrieves product information corresponding to that product code from the product master 1042 and stores it in the product registration file 1043.

[0065] When the product registration unit 1002 stores (registers) product information in the product registration file 1043, it works in cooperation with the display control unit 1001 to display the product information of the registered product in the product display area Gc. As a result, customers operating the self-service POS terminal 10 can easily confirm the registered product by looking at the product display area Gc.

[0066] Returning to Figure 6, the settlement processing unit 1003 executes the settlement process for the registered goods. For example, when the settlement processing unit 1003 is instructed to end product registration or start settlement processing by operating the accounting button Bg shown in Figure 7, it executes the settlement process for the goods registered in a single transaction.

[0067] The payment processing unit 1003 calculates the total amount of the registered products based on their product information and quantities during the payment process. Here, the total amount can be calculated by multiplying the price of the product corresponding to the product code by the quantity of that product, and then adding this amount for all products.

[0068] Furthermore, the settlement processing unit 1003 executes a settlement process to settle the calculated total amount using the payment method specified by the customer. Payment methods include cash payment using the change dispenser 25, card payment (electronic payment) using the card reader / writer 24, and code payment using a two-dimensional code, etc. It is possible to instruct the system to do so. The settlement processing unit 1003 may, in cooperation with the display control unit 1001, display a screen on the display unit 406 for selecting a payment method during settlement processing.

[0069] Furthermore, once the settlement processing unit 1003 has completed the settlement process, it controls the printer 2626 to output the transaction details to a paper medium such as a receipt.

[0070] The image acquisition unit 1004 is an example of an acquisition means. The image acquisition unit 1004 acquires images captured by the imaging unit 28. Specifically, the image acquisition unit 1004 acquires images of the products placed on the third mounting platform 15, in other words, images of the products to be canceled.

[0071] The cancellation operation reception unit 1005 is an example of a reception method. The cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives cancellation operations from customers to exclude registered products from purchase.

[0072] Specifically, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives the cancellation operation specified by the product to be canceled via the operation unit 22. For example, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives an operation to specify the product to be canceled from among the products displayed in the product display area Gc of the product registration screen G (see Figure 7). The method of operation to specify the product to be canceled in the product display area Gc is not particularly limited. For example, when a cancellation operation such as a touch operation or a long press operation is performed on the product to be canceled, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives the product code of the product targeted by the operation as the product to be canceled.

[0073] Furthermore, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 may accept a cancellation operation based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 1004. Specifically, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 detects a region representing a product (hereinafter also referred to as the product region) from the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 1004. The cancellation operation reception unit 1005 extracts feature quantities that indicate the external characteristics of the detected product region, and calculates the similarity by comparing the extracted feature quantities with the feature quantities of each product stored in the product master 1042. Note that known technologies such as object detection technology and general object recognition can be used for processes such as product region detection, feature quantity extraction, and similarity calculation.

[0074] The cancellation operation reception unit 1005 then identifies (recognizes) the product code of the product whose feature similarity is above a threshold and is the highest, based on the comparison results of the feature quantities, and accepts that product code as a product to be canceled. In other words, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 accepts the operation in which the customer places the product to be canceled on the third placement platform 15 as a cancellation operation. As a result, the customer can cancel the product by placing the product to be canceled on the third placement platform 15, thereby improving usability.

[0075] Furthermore, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 may determine whether the product code of the product identified based on the feature comparison results is registered in the product registration file 1043, and if it determines that it is registered, it may accept the product code as a target for cancellation. This prevents the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 from incorrectly designating an unregistered product as a target for cancellation when it is placed on the third mounting platform 15.

[0076] Furthermore, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 continuously monitors the images acquired by the image acquisition unit 1004 or at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 2 seconds), and if it detects multiple product areas from the images, it accepts a cancellation operation for each product area. In order to prevent duplicate cancellation operations for the same product, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 may, for example, count the number of items to be canceled for each product code, and if the number of items for each product code does not change, it may not recognize the cancellation operation.

[0077] The cancellation processing unit 1006 is an example of a cancellation means and display means. The cancellation processing unit 1006 performs processing to exclude the canceled product from the purchase target. Specifically, when the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives a cancellation operation, the cancellation processing unit 1006 searches the product code of the canceled product specified in the operation from the product registration file 1043. Then, the cancellation processing unit 1006 sets the cancellation flag associated with the searched product code to the ON state.

[0078] Furthermore, the cancellation processing unit 1006 works in cooperation with the display control unit 1001 to display products with the cancellation flag turned on in an identifiable state. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the cancellation processing unit 1006 displays canceled products in an identifiable state on the product registration screen G.

[0079] Here, Figure 8 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal 10 of the embodiment. In Figure 8, an example of the display when product B and product E are selected for cancellation from the products displayed in the product display area Gc, i.e., registered products, on the product registration screen G of Figure 7.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, the cancellation processing unit 1006 displays the items B and E to be canceled in an identifiable manner. For example, the cancellation processing unit 1006 adds a strikethrough to the information related to items B and E displayed in the item display area Gc. Alternatively, for example, the cancellation processing unit 1006 adds information (hereinafter also referred to as a label) L indicating that the items are subject to cancellation, associated with the information related to items B and E displayed in the item display area Gc. In this way, the cancellation processing unit 1006 displays the items in an identifiable manner as being subject to cancellation.

[0081] Furthermore, the cancellation processing unit 1006 displays cancellation information Gaa, which indicates the total number of items to be canceled (hereinafter also referred to as the number of canceled items), in the information area Ga. For example, in Figure 8, since two items, item B and item E, are to be canceled, the cancellation processing unit 1006 displays cancellation item information Gaa in the information area Ga, indicating that the number of canceled items is 2.

[0082] This allows customers operating the self-service POS terminal 10 to easily check canceled items and the number of canceled items by looking at labels L displayed in the information area Ga and the product display area Gc.

[0083] Furthermore, when the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives a cancellation operation, the cancellation processing unit 1006 sends a cancellation notification to the employee terminal 30 to inform it that a cancellation operation has been performed.

[0084] At this time, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may include various information in the cancellation notification (or together with the cancellation notification) and send it to the store clerk terminal 30. For example, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may include the terminal ID of its own self-service POS terminal 10 in the cancellation notification and send it. For example, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may include information about the canceled product, such as the product name of the canceled product, in the cancellation notification and send it. Specifically, the cancellation processing unit 1006 includes product information, such as the product name of the product for which the cancellation flag has been set to ON, in the cancellation notification and sends it. Also, for example, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may include an image acquired by the image acquisition unit 1004, that is, an image of the canceled product, in the cancellation notification and send it.

[0085] The cancellation processing unit 1006 may also illuminate or flash the warning light 27 if the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 has received a cancellation operation.

[0086] Furthermore, when the cancellation processing unit 1006 receives instruction information (hereinafter also referred to as a deletion instruction) from the employee terminal 30 in response to a cancellation notification, it executes the deletion of the canceled product. Specifically, when the cancellation processing unit 1006 receives a deletion instruction from the employee terminal 30, it deletes the data entry for the product with the cancellation flag set to ON from the product registration file 1043.

[0087] When the cancellation processing unit 1006 executes the deletion of a canceled product, it works in cooperation with the display control unit 1001 to display the status of the registered product after the deletion on the product registration screen G. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the cancellation processing unit 1006 reflects the status of the product registration file 1043 after the deletion on the product registration screen G.

[0088] Here, Figure 9 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the self-service POS terminal 10 of the embodiment. Figure 9 shows the state after the registration of products B and E, which were designated as canceled products on the product registration screen G of Figure 8, has been deleted.

[0089] As shown in Figure 9, the product display area Gc on the product registration screen G will display the area where information related to products B and E was previously shown as blank. In addition, following the deletion of product B and product E, the number of products in the canceled product information Gaa displayed in the information area Ga will be updated to "0". Furthermore, following the deletion of product B and product E, the total points and total amount displayed in the total display area Gd will be updated.

[0090] As a result, customers operating the self-service POS terminal 10 can easily confirm that the registration and deletion of the canceled product has been performed by looking at the information area Ga, product display area Gc, and total display area Gd of the product registration screen G.

[0091] In Figure 9, the display format in the product display area Gc is shown as leaving the area where the canceled product was displayed as blank. However, the display format is not limited to this, and a format that fills in the blank space is also acceptable. However, for example, if the display position of the registered product displayed in the product display area Gc suddenly changes while the product is being registered, the customer may be confused. Therefore, even if the registration of a canceled product is deleted, it is preferable to maintain its display position within the product display area Gc.

[0092] Furthermore, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may be configured to suppress settlement processing by the settlement processing unit 1003 until the registration of the canceled product is deleted. Specifically, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may suppress settlement processing by the settlement processing unit 1003 if there are products in the product registration file 1043 with the cancellation flag turned on.

[0093] For example, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may suppress payment processing by disabling the checkout button Bg on the product registration screen G. Alternatively, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may suppress payment processing by disabling the function of the payment processing unit 1003.

[0094] This prevents the self-service POS terminal 10 from executing a payment transaction while the canceled item has not been deleted, meaning the total amount is still undetermined. As a result, it ensures that payment processing for each transaction is completed reliably.

[0095] Furthermore, the cancellation processing unit 1006 maintains the functionality of the product registration unit 1002 even if there are products in the product registration file 1043 with the cancellation flag turned on. This allows customers operating the self-service POS terminal 10 to continue the product registration process without having to wait for a store employee to delete the canceled product from the register, even if they have performed a product cancellation operation.

[0096] On the other hand, the control unit 300 of the employee terminal 30 functions as a notification receiving unit 3001, a notification processing unit 3002, and a deletion instruction transmission unit 3003, with the CPU 301 operating according to control programs stored in the ROM 302 and memory unit 34. Some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0097] The notification receiving unit 3001 receives various notifications sent from the self-service POS terminal 10 to itself via the communication unit 306. For example, the notification receiving unit 3001 receives a cancellation notification sent from the self-service POS terminal 10.

[0098] The notification processing unit 3002 uses the display unit 307 and other means to provide various notifications to the store employee who is operating the system. For example, when the notification receiving unit 3001 receives a cancellation notification, the notification processing unit 3002 displays a notification screen on the display unit 307 indicating that a cancellation operation has been performed on the self-service POS terminal 10.

[0099] Furthermore, if other information is received by the notification receiving unit 3001 in addition to (or along with) the cancellation notification, the notification processing unit 3002 notifies the store staff by displaying the other information on the display unit 307. For example, if the cancellation notification includes the terminal ID of the self-POS terminal 10, the notification processing unit 3002 displays the terminal ID included in the cancellation notification on the notification screen. For example, if the cancellation notification includes information about the canceled product, such as the product name of the canceled product, the notification processing unit 3002 displays the information about the canceled product included in the cancellation notification on the notification screen. Also, for example, if the cancellation notification includes an image of the canceled product, the notification processing unit 3002 displays the image included in the cancellation notification on the notification screen.

[0100] This allows the operator of the store clerk terminal 30 to understand that a cancellation operation has been performed at the self-service POS terminal 10 by viewing the notification screen. In addition, the operator of the store clerk terminal 30 can easily check the self-service POS terminal 10 on which the cancellation operation was performed, the breakdown of the canceled items, the status of the canceled items, etc., by viewing the various information displayed on the notification screen.

[0101] The deletion instruction sending unit 3003, on the condition that a confirmation operation for the cancellation notification has been performed, sends a deletion instruction to the self-service POS terminal 10, which is the source of the cancellation notification, instructing it to delete the registration of the canceled product.

[0102] Specifically, the delete instruction transmission unit 3003 transmits a delete instruction when it receives a confirmation operation in response to a cancellation notification via the operator's operation via the operation unit 308. Here, the method of the confirmation operation is not particularly limited, and various methods can be adopted. For example, an operator for receiving the confirmation operation may be displayed on the notification screen, and the delete instruction transmission unit 3003 may transmit a delete instruction on the condition that the operator is operated.

[0103] With the functional configuration described above, if a customer operating the self-service POS terminal 10 wishes to cancel an item from their registered inventory while registering products, they can specify the item to be canceled by performing a cancellation operation. Meanwhile, when a store employee operating the employee terminal 30 performs a cancellation operation on the self-service POS terminal 10, they can see a notification screen that a cancellation operation has been performed and the breakdown of the canceled items. Once the employee confirms the cancellation on the employee terminal 30, the self-service POS terminal 10 deletes the registered canceled items. Furthermore, since both the self-service POS terminal 10 and the employee terminal 30 can perform the process of deleting the registered canceled items in the background of product registration, the deletion of canceled items can be performed without interfering with the customer's product registration.

[0104] Furthermore, the operator of the employee terminal 30 (or another employee) shall move to the self-service POS terminal 10 where the cancellation operation was performed in order to retrieve the canceled item, and retrieve the canceled item placed on the third display stand 15. The timing of retrieval of the canceled item may be before or after the confirmation operation.

[0105] The following describes an example of the operation of the product sales data processing system 1. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the self-service POS terminal 10 of the embodiment.

[0106] When a transaction is initiated, the product registration unit 1002 displays the product registration screen on the display unit 21 (step S11). Next, the product registration unit 1002 determines whether or not the product code of the product to be registered has been entered via the operation unit 22, scanner 23, etc. (step S12). If it is determined that no product code has been entered (step S12; No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0107] If it is determined in step S12 that a product code has been entered (step S12; Yes), the product registration unit 1002 registers the product information of the product corresponding to the entered product code in the product registration file 1043 (step S13). Next, the product registration unit 1002 displays the registered product on the product registration screen (step S14) and proceeds to step S15.

[0108] In the following step S15, the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 determines whether or not it has received a cancellation operation (step S15). If it is determined that the cancellation operation has not been received (step S15; No), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0109] On the other hand, if a cancellation operation is accepted (step S15; Yes), the cancellation processing unit 1006 executes the cancellation process in the background (step S16) and proceeds to step S17. The cancellation process in step S16 will be described later.

[0110] Next, the cancellation processing unit 1006 determines whether or not the start of the settlement process has been instructed, such as by operating the accounting button Bg (step S17). If the start of the settlement process is not instructed (step S17; No), the process returns to step S12.

[0111] Furthermore, if the payment processing is instructed to begin (step S17; Yes), the cancellation processing unit 1006 determines whether the cancellation flags for all registered products registered in the product registration file 1043 are in the off state (step S18). If there are registered products with the cancellation flag in the on state (step S18; No), the cancellation processing unit 1006 displays a screen on the display unit 21 informing the user that it will wait until the canceled product is deleted (step S19), and returns to step S18.

[0112] On the other hand, if the cancellation flag for all registered products is turned off (step S18; Yes), the settlement processing unit 1003 executes settlement processing based on the total amount of registered products registered in the product registration file 1043 (step S20).

[0113] Then, once the payment processing unit 1003 has completed the payment processing, it clears the product registration file 1043 (step S21) and terminates this process.

[0114] Next, with reference to Figure 11, an example of a cancellation process performed between the self-service POS terminal 10 and the store clerk terminal 30 will be described.

[0115] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a cancellation process performed by the self-service POS terminal 10 and the employee terminal 30 in this embodiment. This process corresponds to the cancellation process in step S16 shown in Figure 10.

[0116] First, the cancellation processing unit 1006 of the self-service POS terminal 10 sets the cancellation flag of the product to be canceled, which is specified in the cancellation operation, to the ON state among the registered products registered in the product registration file 1043 (step S31).

[0117] Next, the cancellation processing unit 1006 of the self-service POS terminal 10 adds a strikethrough or label L to the canceled product displayed on the product registration screen so that it can be distinguished from other registered products (step S32). Then, the cancellation processing unit 1006 of the self-service POS terminal 10 sends a cancellation notification to the store clerk terminal 30 (step S33).

[0118] Meanwhile, in the employee terminal 30, when the notification receiving unit 3001 receives a cancellation notification, the notification processing unit 3002 displays a notification screen based on the cancellation notification on the display unit 307 (step S41). Next, when the deletion instruction sending unit 3003 receives confirmation from the employee regarding the cancellation notification (step S42), it sends a deletion instruction to the self-service POS terminal 10 (step S43).

[0119] When the cancellation processing unit 1006 of the self-service POS terminal 10 receives a deletion instruction from the employee terminal 30 (step S34), it deletes the data entry related to the canceled product registered in the product registration file 1043 (step S35). Then, the cancellation processing unit 1006 of the self-service POS terminal 10 updates the product registration screen to display a product registration screen that reflects the deletion of the canceled product (step S36).

[0120] As described above, the self-service POS terminal 10 registers the products to be purchased, displays information about the registered products on the display unit 21, and when it receives a cancellation operation to specify products to be excluded from the purchase from the registered products, it sends a cancellation notification to the store clerk terminal 30 and deletes the registration of the canceled products according to the instructions from the store clerk terminal. In addition, the self-service POS terminal 10 performs processing related to the deletion of the registration of canceled products in the background of the registration process.

[0121] As a result, with the self-service POS terminal 10, customers can specify the items to be canceled by performing a cancellation operation if they wish to cancel a registered item. Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 can perform the deletion of canceled items in the background of the registration process. Therefore, with the self-service POS terminal 10, customers can cancel items without waiting for an employee's operation, while continuing the item registration process. Thus, the self-service POS terminal 10 improves the convenience and efficiency of operations related to item cancellation, and also enables efficient item registration.

[0122] The above-described embodiments can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the above-described embodiments, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0123] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the product sales data processing device was set up as a stationary self-service POS terminal 10, but it is not limited to this. For example, the product sales data processing device may be a registration device in a self-service POS system in which a registration device for registering products and an accounting device for performing payment operations are configured separately. Alternatively, for example, the product sales data processing device may be a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) in which the customer registers products themselves. Alternatively, for example, the product sales data processing device may be a mobile terminal (e.g., a tablet) attached to a shopping cart in which the customer registers products themselves.

[0124] (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 10 deletes the registration of canceled items in response to a deletion instruction from the store clerk terminal 30. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the registration of canceled items may also be deleted in response to an operation by a store clerk via the operation unit 22.

[0125] In this modified configuration, the cancellation processing unit 1006 of the self-service POS terminal 10 sends a cancellation notification to the employee terminal 30, and then, after a predetermined operation (confirmation operation) is performed via the operation unit 22, it determines that it has received a deletion instruction. The cancellation processing unit 1006 then deletes the canceled item in the same manner as in the embodiment described above.

[0126] Furthermore, it is preferable that the verification operation performed by the store staff be an operation that can only be performed by the store staff. For example, the verification operation may be an operation that can only be performed if the store staff member enters a pair of store staff ID and password assigned to them and authentication is successful.

[0127] This allows store employees to confirm the deletion instruction at the self-service POS terminal 10 at the destination where they have moved to collect the canceled items, thus enabling them to efficiently perform the confirmation and collection of canceled items.

[0128] (Variation 3) In the embodiment described above, a method was explained in which cancellations are performed on a per-product type (product code) basis for registered products. However, a method may also be described in which cancellations are performed on a per-product quantity basis.

[0129] For example, when the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives a negative operation to reduce the score of a product displayed in the product display area Gc, it receives the product that was the target of the negative operation as a canceled product. The cancellation operation reception unit 1005 also receives the score reduced by the negative operation as the score of the canceled product. Furthermore, when the cancellation operation reception unit 1005 receives a cancellation operation based on an image acquired by the image acquisition unit 1004, it recognizes the canceled product from the image and counts the score of each type of canceled product present in the image.

[0130] Furthermore, when the cancellation processing unit 1006 sets the cancellation flag for a canceled product to the ON state, for example, it associates the points of the canceled product with the product registration file 1043 and stores it there. Then, in response to a deletion instruction from the employee terminal 30, the cancellation processing unit 1006 subtracts the points of the canceled product from the points stored in the points column of the product registration file 1043 and sets the cancellation flag to the OFF state. If the value after the point deduction is "0", the cancellation processing unit 1006 deletes the data entry for the canceled product in the same manner as in the embodiment described above.

[0131] This allows cancellations to be made on a per-item basis, thereby improving the convenience of canceling orders.

[0132] In this modified example, it is preferable that the product registration screen displayed when a cancellation operation is received clearly displays the canceled product and the points of the canceled product. For example, the cancellation processing unit 1006 may add a label L to the canceled product among the products displayed in the product display area Gc, and also clearly indicate the points of the canceled product. As an example, the points of the canceled product may be clearly indicated in the form of "2-1 points" by connecting the original points and the points of the canceled product with a minus sign.

[0133] While embodiments (and modifications) of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0134] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments are provided pre-installed in the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided by the device, but are not limited to this. For example, the programs may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Moreover, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that have downloaded and stored or temporarily stored programs transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0135] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by allowing downloads via the network, or they may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1. Product Sales Data Processing System 10 Self-service POS terminals 30. Staff terminal 1001 Display Control Unit 1002 Product Registration Department 1003 Payment Processing Unit 1004 Image acquisition unit 1005 Cancellation Operation Reception Section 1006 Cancellation Processing Unit 3001 Notification Reception Department 3002 Notification Processing Unit 3003 Deletion Instruction Transmission Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0137] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-102144

Claims

1. A registration means that performs a registration process to register the products to be purchased, A display means for displaying information about registered products on a display unit, A means of receiving cancellation requests that allow users to specify which items to be excluded from purchase from the registered products, When the reception means receives a cancellation operation, it notifies the terminal device operated by the store clerk that a cancellation operation has been performed, and the cancellation means deletes the registration of the canceled product in accordance with the instructions from the terminal device. Equipped with, The cancellation means is a product sales data processing device that performs a process related to the deletion of the registration of the canceled product in the background of the registration process by the registration means.

2. The cancellation means transmits to the terminal device, either in the notification or together with the notification, information that can identify the canceled product. Product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes an acquisition means for acquiring an image captured by an imaging unit that images an area for placing canceled items, The receiving means recognizes the product placed in the area based on the image acquired by the acquisition means, and accepts the cancellation operation that designates the product as a canceled product. Product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

4. The cancellation means transmits the image acquired by the acquisition means to the terminal device, either included in the notification or together with the notification. Product sales data processing device according to claim 3.

5. The display means, upon receiving the cancellation operation, displays information regarding the cancelled product in an identifiable manner, and when the cancellation means deletes the registration of the cancelled product, it erases the display of information regarding the cancelled product. Product sales data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The computer for the product sales data processing device A registration means that performs a registration process to register the products to be purchased, A display means for displaying information about registered products on a display unit, A means of receiving cancellation requests that allow users to specify which items to be excluded from purchase from the registered products, When the reception means receives a cancellation operation, it notifies the terminal device operated by the store clerk that a cancellation operation has been performed, and the cancellation means deletes the registration of the canceled product in accordance with the instructions from the terminal device. and make it work The cancellation means is a program that performs a process related to the deletion of the registration of the canceled product in the background of the registration process by the registration means.

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