Registration device and program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of product registration. [Solution] The registration device comprises an estimation unit, a display processing unit, and a registration processing unit. The estimation unit estimates the number of items based on the weight of the items measured by a weighing device. The display processing unit displays an input screen for the number of items, indicating the estimated number, on the display unit. The registration processing unit registers the number of items entered on the input screen.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a registration machine and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a self-checkout operated by a customer, a system that mounts a weighing scale and performs a weight check for the purpose of preventing fraud or confirming correct operation is widespread. The self-checkout records the weight in units of goods and performs control that does not regard it as an error if it is within a specific allowable range. Here, for goods such as fresh produce without a barcode, the self-checkout registers the goods based on the selection of the goods displayed on the screen. [[ID=...]]...

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one embodiment, the registration machine includes an estimation unit, a display processing unit, and a registration processing unit. The estimation unit estimates the number of the products based on the weight of the products measured by the weighing scale. The display processing unit causes the display unit to display an input screen for the number of the products indicating the estimated number. The registration processing unit registers the number of the products input on the input screen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] ​​​​​​​​​​Figure 1 is an external perspective view illustrating a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a product master according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a weight master according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of registration information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an example of a product registration screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates a preset product list screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a guidance screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates a quantity input screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an example of a product registration screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of product registration processing by the processing circuit of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the parts in the drawings used in the following description of embodiments may have been changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used in the following description of embodiments.

[0008] <Embodiment> (Example configuration) Figure 1 is an external perspective view illustrating POS (Point of Sales) terminal 1.

[0009] POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions in a store. Here, POS terminal 1 is assumed to be a POS terminal that has product registration and accounting functions, and constitutes a self-checkout system in which customers can perform product registration and accounting operations. POS terminal 1 is an example of a registration machine that processes product registration. A registration machine is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions.

[0010] For example, a store is a mass retailer such as a supermarket, but is not limited to this. A transaction is the transfer of fees from the customer to the store in connection with the sale of goods by the store. From the store's perspective, a transaction includes the meaning of selling goods. From the customer's perspective, a transaction includes the meaning of purchasing goods. Goods include not only physical objects but also non-tangible objects such as services or tickets. Unless otherwise specified, the term "transaction" refers to a single transaction. A customer includes the meaning of a user of POS terminal 1.

[0011] Product registration is the registration of goods before accounting for a transaction. Registered goods are also called registered goods. Accounting is the payment for a transaction after product registration. Accounting includes the meaning of settlement. Accounting methods for accounting in a transaction include offline settlement and online settlement.

[0012] Offline payment is an accounting method in which the POS terminal does not require interaction with other devices via a network such as the internet. For example, offline payment is an accounting method using cash and gift certificates. Gift certificates are vouchers that circulate in a form similar to cash currency. For example, gift certificates include, but are not limited to, various types of gift certificates such as shopping vouchers, gift certificates, rice vouchers, beer vouchers, shareholder benefit vouchers, regional development vouchers, and coupons. Gift certificates can be physical or digital.

[0013] Online settlement is accounting that is executed by the POS terminal 1 in cooperation with other devices via a network such as the Internet. For example, online settlement includes credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, debit card settlement, code settlement, and the like.

[0014] The POS terminal 1 includes a registration device 10 and an accounting device 30. The registration device 10 has a product registration function and is a device that enables a customer to perform a product registration operation. The accounting device 30 has an accounting function and is a device that enables a customer to perform an accounting operation.

[0015] The registration device 10 includes a housing 11. The registration device 10 includes a basket stand 12 on the opposite side of the accounting device 30 with respect to the housing 11. The basket stand 12 is a stand for placing a basket containing the products to be purchased.

[0016] The registration device 10 includes a weighing unit 13 at the upper part of the housing 11. The weighing unit 13 is a unit that measures the weight of a product for which a product registration operation has been performed. The product for which a product registration operation has been performed includes a product for which product identification information has been input to the POS terminal 1 based on the reading of a code symbol by a reading device 116 described later. The product for which a product registration operation has been performed includes a preset product for which product identification information has been input to the POS terminal 1 based on the selection of a preset product by a customer using an input device 1021 described later. The weighing unit 13 is an example of a measuring instrument that measures the weight of a product. The weighing unit 13 has an upper surface 131. The upper surface 131 is a surface for placing a product for which a product registration operation has been performed.

[0017] The registration device 10 includes a support column 14 attached to the upper surface 131. The registration device 10 includes a temporary placement stand 15 attached to the support column 14. The temporary placement stand 15 is a stand for temporarily placing the merchandise for which the merchandise registration operation has been performed. For example, the temporary placement stand 15 can hold easily breakable merchandise such as tofu or easily cracked merchandise such as eggs. The support column 14 includes a pair of branch portions 16. The pair of branch portions 16 is a tool for attaching a shopping bag containing the merchandise for which the merchandise registration operation has been performed. For example, the shopping bag is a register bag or a my bag brought by the customer. The weighing unit 13 can measure the weight of the merchandise placed on the weighing unit 13. The merchandise placed on the weighing unit 13 includes the merchandise placed on the upper surface 131, the merchandise placed on the temporary placement stand 15, and the merchandise placed in the shopping bag attached to the pair of branch portions 16.

[0018] The registration device 10 includes a plurality of support columns 17. The registration device 10 includes a first reading device 18 and a second reading device 19 attached to the support column 17. The first reading device 18 is attached to the support column 17 such that the reading range of the first reading device 18 faces the horizontal direction. The second reading device 19 is attached above the support column 17 than the first reading device 18 such that the reading range of the second reading device 19 faces diagonally downward. The first reading device 18 and the second reading device 19 are devices for reading various code symbols. The first reading device 18 and the second reading device 19 may be scanners that read by sensing or cameras that read by photographing. The code symbol may be a code symbol recording merchandise identification information. The code symbol recording merchandise identification information is an image attached to the merchandise.

[0019] The registration device 10 includes a touch panel 102 attached to the support column 17. The touch panel 102 is a device capable of inputting instructions or information to the POS terminal 1. The touch panel 102 is a device capable of displaying various images.

[0020] The accounting device 30 includes a coin slot 321, a coin outlet 322, a banknote slot 331, and a banknote outlet 332. The coin slot 321 is an opening for inserting coins. The coin outlet 322 is an opening for dispensing coins. The banknote slot 331 is an opening for inserting banknotes. The banknote outlet 332 is an opening for dispensing banknotes.

[0021] The accounting device 30 includes a printing device 35 and a print output slot 351. The printing device 35 is a device for issuing printed materials by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printed material is a receipt showing the details of a transaction. The printing device 35 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer, etc., but is not limited to these. The print output slot 351 is an opening for ejecting the printed materials issued by the printing device 35.

[0022] The accounting device 30 includes a reader / writer 80 and a card slot 801. The reader / writer 80 is a device that handles card media such as credit cards. The card slot 801 is an opening for inserting card media into the reader / writer 80.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating POS terminal 1. In addition to the aforementioned weighing unit 13, printing device 35, reader / writer 80, and touch panel 102, the POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 112, main memory 113, storage 114, communication circuit 115, reading device 116, and change dispenser 117. Each element of the POS terminal 1 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0024] The touch panel 102 includes an input device 1021 and a display device 1022. The input device 1021 is a device that can input instructions or information to the POS terminal 1. The input device 1021 is an example of an input unit that can input instructions or information to the POS terminal 1. The display device 1022 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 112. For example, the display device 1022 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The display device 1022 is an example of a display unit capable of displaying images.

[0025] The processing circuit 112 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 112 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 112 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes by performing multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to these. The processing circuit 112 loads programs stored in the main memory 113 or storage 114 into the main memory 113. By executing the programs loaded into the main memory 113, the processing circuit 112 makes various processes executable.

[0026] The main memory 113 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 113 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 113 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 113, the operating system or programs are stored. The main memory 113 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 112. For example, the main memory 113 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 113 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0027] Storage 114 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of POS terminal 1. Storage 114 includes one or more storage devices. For example, the storage device may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is not limited to these. Storage 114 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processing circuit 112 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 112.

[0028] The storage 114 may include a product master storage area 1141. The product master storage area 1141 stores the product master. The product master storage area 1141 is an example of a storage unit that stores the product master. The product master is data containing information about each product sold in the store. The information about the product may include all or part of the product identification information, product name, and price.

[0029] Product identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies a product. For example, product identification information is a JAN (Japan Article Number) code. The product name is the name of the product. The price is the unit price of the product. The unit price is the amount per item or per unit. Product information may include information other than this.

[0030] Storage 114 may include a weight master storage area 1142. The weight master storage area 1142 stores the weight master. The weight master storage area 1142 is an example of a storage unit that stores the weight master. The weight master is data containing weight information indicating the weight of each product sold in the store. The weight of the product is linked to product identification information. The weight of the product is the weight per unit. The weight of the product indicated in the weight information can be set as appropriate. If the product is fresh produce, the weight of the product may be the weight of a standard-sized product.

[0031] The storage 114 may include a registration information storage area 1143. The registration information storage area 1143 stores registration information. The registration information storage area 1143 is an example of a storage unit that stores registration information. Note that the registration information storage area 1143 may be included in the main memory 113 instead of the storage 114. The registration information is information based on product registration in a transaction. The registration information is information constructed based on the product master. For each registered product, the registration information includes information about the registered product. The information about the registered product may include all or part of the product identification information, product name, price, quantity, and product value.

[0032] Product identification information for registered goods is product identification information for the registered goods. Product name for registered goods is the name of the registered goods. Price for registered goods is the unit price for the registered goods. Product value for registered goods is the amount calculated based on the product of price and quantity. Information regarding registered goods may include information other than this.

[0033] This section describes the case where the registered product is a product that has a code symbol that records product identification information. In this case, the product identification information for the registered product is the product identification information entered into the POS terminal 1 based on the reading of the code symbol by the reading device 116. This section describes the case where the registered product is a preset product. In this case, the product identification information for the registered product is the product identification information for the preset product entered into the POS terminal 1 based on the customer's selection of the preset product using the input device 1021.

[0034] Preset products are products whose product identification information can be entered into the POS terminal 1 based on the customer's selection of a preset product using the input device 1021. For example, preset products are products that do not have a code symbol that records product identification information. Therefore, preset products are products whose product identification information cannot be entered into the POS terminal 1 using the reading device 116. Preset products include, but are not limited to, products such as vegetables, fruits, seafood, and prepared foods.

[0035] The communication circuit 115 is a circuit that includes various interfaces for transmitting or receiving signals. The communication circuit 115 connects the POS terminal 1 to other devices via a network, enabling communication between them.

[0036] The reading device 116 is a device that reads various code symbols. The reading device 116 includes the first reading device 18 and the second reading device 19 described above. The reading device 116 is an example of a reading unit that reads code symbols.

[0037] The change dispenser 117 is a device capable of handling coins and banknotes used in accounting transactions.

[0038] The hardware configuration of POS terminal 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. POS terminal 1 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0039] The various parts implemented by the processing circuit 112 will now be described. The processing circuit 112 implements the reception unit 1121, the estimation unit 1122, the display processing unit 1123, and the registration processing unit 1124. Each part implemented by the processing circuit 112 can also be described as a function.

[0040] The reception unit 1121 receives instructions or information entered by the customer into the POS terminal 1 using the input device 1021. Receiving instructions or information includes acquiring instructions or information. The estimation unit 1122 estimates the number of preset products based on the weight of the preset products measured by the weighing unit 13. Hereinafter, the weight of the preset products measured by the weighing unit 13 is also referred to as the measured weight of the preset product. The measured weight of the preset product is the amount of change since the product immediately preceding the preset product to be registered was registered. The measured weight of the preset product changes each time the preset product is placed on the weighing unit 13. The number of preset products is the number of identical preset products. The display processing unit 1123 displays the image on the display device 1022. The registration processing unit 1124 processes product registration in a transaction. For example, processing product registration involves updating the registration information in the registration information storage area 1143. Updating the registration information includes adding information about the registered product, increasing the quantity included in the information about the registered product, decreasing the quantity included in the information about the registered product, and deleting the information about the registered product.

[0041] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the product master stored in the product master storage area 1141. The product master contains information about each product sold in the store. As described above, this product information may include all or part of the product identifier, product name, and price.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the weight master stored in the weight master storage area 1142. As described above, the weight master includes weight information for each product sold in the store, indicating the weight of the product. The weight master also includes tolerance range information for each product sold in the store, which defines the tolerance range for the weight of each product measured by the weighing unit 13. For example, the tolerance range information is information indicating plus or minus X% of the weight of the product indicated by the weight information. The tolerance range information may also be information indicating plus or minus Yg of the weight of the product indicated by the weight information.

[0043] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of registered information stored in the registered information storage area 1143. The registration information includes information about each registered product. As described above, the information about the registered product may include all or part of the product identification information, product name, price, quantity, and product value.

[0044] (Example display) Figure 6 is an example of the product registration screen IA displayed on the display device 1022. The product registration screen (IA) is an image that displays information based on product registration.

[0045] The product registration screen IA includes a registered product display area AA. The registered product display area AA displays information based on the registration information stored in the registration information storage area 1143. For example, the registered product display area AA displays the product name, quantity, and price for each registered product.

[0046] The product registration screen IA includes a product category display area AB. The product category display area AB includes multiple product category buttons that can be operated using the input device 1021. A product category is a classification of a group of one or more preset products. For example, product categories may include, but are not limited to, vegetables, fruits, seafood, and prepared foods.

[0047] The product category button is a button that allows the customer to input a product category based on a selection operation using the input device 1021. Inputting a product category includes entering information that indicates the product category. The customer can select a product category by selecting the product category button using the input device 1021. The product category button is an example of an option for inputting a product category.

[0048] For example, the product category display area AB includes the "Vegetables" button BA, the "Fruits" button BB, the "Seafood" button BC, the "Assorted Delicacies" button BD, and the "Other" button BE. The "Vegetables" button BA is a button into which the product category "Vegetables" can be entered. The "Fruits" button BB is a button into which the product category "Fruits" can be entered. The "Seafood" button BC is a button into which the product category "Seafood" can be entered. The "Assorted Delicacies" button BD is a button into which the product category "Prepared Foods" can be entered. The "Other" button BE is a button into which the product category "Other" can be entered.

[0049] The product registration screen IA includes a "Checkout" button BF that can be operated using the input device 1021. The "Checkout" button BF is a button that allows the customer to input a registration completion instruction based on their selection operation using the input device 1021. The registration completion instruction is an instruction to end product registration. The registration completion instruction is also an instruction to end product registration and start the checkout process.

[0050] Figure 7 is an example of the preset product list screen IB displayed on the display device 1022. The preset product list screen (IB) is an image that displays a list of preset products in the selected product category.

[0051] The preset product list screen IB, like the product registration screen IA, includes the product category display area AB described above. Here, it is assumed that the product category "Vegetables" is selected based on the customer's selection of the "Vegetables" button BA.

[0052] The preset product list screen IB includes the preset product display area AC. The preset product display area AC includes preset product buttons for each preset product in the selected product category. The preset product buttons are buttons that can be operated using the input device 1021. The preset product buttons are buttons that allow customers to input preset products based on their selection operation using the input device 1021. Inputting a preset product includes inputting the product identification information of the preset product. Customers can select a preset product by selecting the preset product button using the input device 1021. The preset product buttons are examples of options for inputting preset products.

[0053] For example, the preset product display area AC contains preset product buttons for each of the 10 preset products included in the selected product category "Vegetables". The preset product button BG is a button into which the preset product "Vegetables VA" can be entered.

[0054] The preset product list screen IB includes a "back" button BH that can be operated using the input device 1021. The "back" button BH is a button that allows the user to input a display instruction for the product registration screen IA based on their selection operation using the input device 1021. The display instruction for the product registration screen IA is an instruction to display the product registration screen IA on the display device 1022 instead of the preset product list screen IB.

[0055] Figure 8 is an example of a guidance screen IC displayed on the display device 1022. The guidance screen IC displays an image to guide the user to place the selected preset product on the weighing unit 13. The selected preset product is the product to be registered. The product to be registered is the product to be registered. Here, it is assumed that the preset product "Vegetable VA" has been selected based on the customer's selection operation of the preset product button BG. The guidance screen IC includes information about the selected preset product, "Vegetable VA".

[0056] Figure 9 is an example of the quantity input screen ID displayed on the display device 1022. The quantity input screen ID is the input screen for the quantity of the selected preset product. The input screen is an image used to enter the quantity of the selected preset product.

[0057] The quantity input screen ID indicates the estimated quantity. The estimated quantity is the number of preset products estimated based on the measured weight of the preset products. The quantity input screen ID may also indicate the estimated quantity by the display method of the first quantity button, as described later. In addition to the quantity button described later, the quantity input screen ID may also indicate the estimated quantity by displaying the estimated quantity numerically. Since the quantity input screen ID indicates the estimated quantity, the customer can easily input the number of preset products by referring to the estimated quantity. In other words, the customer can select the number of preset products.

[0058] The quantity input screen ID includes multiple quantity buttons. The quantity buttons are operable using the input device 1021. The quantity buttons allow the customer to input the quantity of a preset product based on their selection using the input device 1021. The quantity buttons are examples of options for inputting the quantity of a preset product. The customer can select the quantity of a preset product by selecting a quantity button using the input device 1021.

[0059] The quantity input screen ID includes multiple quantity buttons, so customers only need to select one of them. Even if customers are unfamiliar with using a numeric keypad, they can easily input the quantity of a preset product. Therefore, the likelihood of errors in inputting the quantity of a preset product is low. This reduces the need for attendants to correct registration details due to operational errors, thus improving overall store throughput.

[0060] Multiple quantity buttons include a first quantity button. The first quantity button is a button into which an estimated quantity can be entered as the quantity of a preset product. The first quantity button displays the estimated quantity. Since multiple quantity buttons include a first quantity button, customers can easily enter an estimated quantity as the quantity of a preset product.

[0061] The quantity input screen ID can indicate the estimated quantity by the display mode of the first quantity button. The display mode of the first quantity button is a display mode that allows the first quantity button to be identified from among multiple quantity buttons. An identifiable display mode is a display mode that allows the first quantity button to be visually distinguished from other quantity buttons. An identifiable display mode includes the meaning of a distinguishable display mode or a recognizable display mode. The display mode of the first quantity button may differ from other quantity buttons in that it may have a color, pattern, text, or picture. The display mode of the first quantity button may also be displayed larger than other quantity buttons. In this way, the display mode of the first quantity button is a conspicuous display mode that is easy to identify. As a result, customers can easily identify the quantity button for the estimated quantity from among multiple quantity buttons. Therefore, customers will not be confused about which quantity button to select.

[0062] Note that the first quantity button may be selected at the time the quantity input screen ID is displayed. The time the quantity input screen ID is displayed is the initial state of the quantity input screen ID. The display mode of the first quantity button is a display mode that indicates it is selected at the time the quantity input screen ID is displayed. The display mode of the first quantity button is a display mode that allows the first quantity button to be identified from multiple quantity buttons, similar to the above, in order to indicate that it is selected at the time the quantity input screen ID is displayed. The quantity input screen ID can indicate the estimated quantity by the display mode of the first quantity button, which indicates that the first quantity button is selected at the initial state when it is displayed. This allows the customer to omit the operation of selecting the first quantity button in order to input the estimated quantity as the quantity of the preset product.

[0063] Multiple quantity buttons include at least one of the second quantity button and the third quantity button. The second quantity button is a button that allows input of a quantity less than the estimated quantity as the quantity of a preset product. The second quantity button displays a number less than the estimated quantity. The number of second quantity buttons is one or a predetermined number. The number of second quantity buttons can be set as appropriate. The third quantity button is a button that allows input of a quantity more than the estimated quantity as the quantity of a preset product. The third quantity button displays a number greater than the estimated quantity. The number of third quantity buttons is one or a predetermined number. The number of third quantity buttons can be set as appropriate. The number of third quantity buttons may be the same as or different from the number of second quantity buttons.

[0064] Even if a customer enters a quantity different from the estimated quantity, they can easily select either the second or third quantity button. Furthermore, since the number of second quantity buttons is limited, customers cannot fraudulently enter a quantity significantly less than the estimated quantity.

[0065] For example, the quantity input screen ID includes the first quantity button BI, the second quantity button BJ, and the third quantity button BK. Here, the estimated quantity is assumed to be 2. The first quantity button BI is a button that allows input of 2 as the estimated quantity for a preset product. The display mode of the first quantity button BI differs from that of the second quantity button BJ and the third quantity button BK, as it is displayed in color. The second quantity button BJ is a button that allows input of 1 as the quantity for a preset product, which is less than the estimated quantity. The third quantity button BK is a button that allows input of 3 as the quantity for a preset product, which is more than the estimated quantity.

[0066] The quantity input screen ID includes an "OK" button BL that can be operated using input device 1021. The "OK" button BL is a button that allows the customer to input a confirmation instruction based on their selection operation using input device 1021. The confirmation instruction is an instruction to determine the quantity of the selected preset product. The confirmation instruction is also an instruction to register the quantity of the selected preset product.

[0067] Figure 10 is an example of the product registration screen IE displayed on the display device 1022. The product registration screen IE, like the product registration screen IA, is an image that displays information based on product registration. The product registration screen IE is an image that is displayed based on the product registration of vegetables VA after the display of the product registration screen IA.

[0068] The product registration screen IE, like the product registration screen IA, includes the registered product display area AA described above. The product registration screen IE, like the product registration screen IA, includes the product category display area AB described above. The product registration screen IE, like the product registration screen IA, includes a "Checkout" button BF that can be operated using the input device 1021.

[0069] Unlike the product registration screen IA, the registered product display area AA on the product registration screen IE displays the product name, quantity, and price of the registered product, Vegetable VA. The quantity of Vegetable VA is the number of Vegetable VA entered in the quantity input screen ID mentioned above.

[0070] (Example of processing) The processing performed by the processing circuit 112 of the POS terminal 1 will be explained below. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0071] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration process performed by the processing circuit 112. Here, display device 1022 is assumed to be displaying the product registration screen IA. The customer will perform the product registration operation for two preset products, "Vegetable VA".

[0072] The processing circuit 112 accepts the selected product category based on the customer's selection of the product category (ACT1). ACT1 may also be processed by the reception unit 1121. In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 112 accepts the product category "vegetables" entered into the POS terminal 1 based on the customer's selection of the product category "vegetables". Here, the customer selects the product category "vegetables" by using the input device 1021 to select the "vegetable" button BA.

[0073] The processing circuit 112 displays the preset product list screen IB on the display device 1022 based on the reception of the selected product category (ACT2). ACT2 may also be processed by the display processing unit 1123. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 112 displays the preset product list screen IB on the display device 1022 based on the reception of the product category "vegetables".

[0074] The processing circuit 112 receives the selected preset product (ACT3). ACT3 may also be processed by the reception unit 1121. In ACT3, for example, the processing circuit 112 receives the preset product "Vegetable VA" entered into the POS terminal 1 based on the customer's selection of the preset product "Vegetable VA". Here, the customer selects the preset product "Vegetable VA" by using the input device 1021 to select the preset product button BG.

[0075] The processing circuit 112 displays the guidance screen IC on the display device 1022 based on the reception of the selected preset product (ACT4). ACT4 may also be processed by the display processing unit 1123. In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 112 displays the guidance screen IC on the display device 1022 based on the reception of the preset product "Vegetable VA". The processing circuit 112 waits with the guidance screen IC displayed on the display device 1022 until the preset product "Vegetable VA" is placed on the weighing unit 13.

[0076] The processing circuit 112 estimates the number of preset products based on the measured weight of the preset products (ACT5). ACT5 may also be processed by the estimation unit 1122. In ACT5, for example, the processing circuit 112 obtains the weight of the preset product "Vegetable VA" from the weight master based on the reception of the preset product "Vegetable VA". The processing circuit 112 determines which of the allowable ranges for each number of preset products "Vegetable VA" the measured weight of the preset product "Vegetable VA" falls within. The allowable range is the range that includes the weight corresponding to the number of preset products "Vegetable VA". Based on the allowable range that includes the measured weight of the preset product "Vegetable VA", the processing circuit 112 estimates the number of preset products "Vegetable VA". The processing circuit 112 estimates the number of preset products "Vegetable VA" each time the measured weight of the preset product "Vegetable VA" changes.

[0077] This section explains an example of estimating the number of preset items "Vegetable VA". Here, we assume that the weight of the preset item "Vegetable VA" included in the weight master is 50g. The first acceptable range when there is 1 preset item "Vegetable VA" is from C (value less than 50)g to D (value greater than 50)g. The second acceptable range when there are 2 preset items "Vegetable VA" is from E (value less than 100)g to F (value greater than 100)g. The third acceptable range when there are 3 preset items "Vegetable VA" is from G (value less than 150)g to H (value greater than 150)g. The measured weight of the preset item "Vegetable VA" is assumed to be 80g. The first, second, and third acceptable ranges are ranges determined based on the weight information and tolerance range information included in the weight master.

[0078] In this example, the processing circuit 112 determines that the measured weight of the preset product "Vegetable VA" falls within the second acceptable range. Based on the second acceptable range, which includes the measured weight of the preset product "Vegetable VA", the processing circuit 112 estimates the number of preset product "Vegetable VA" to be 2.

[0079] The processing circuit 112 displays the quantity input screen ID on the display device 1022 (ACT6). ACT6 may also be processed by the display processing unit 1123. In ACT6, for example, the processing circuit 112 displays the quantity input screen ID on the display device 1022 based on the detection of the measured weight of the preset product "Vegetable VA".

[0080] The processing circuit 112 displays the estimated number "2" on the first quantity button BI. The processing circuit 112 displays the number "1", which is less than the estimated number, on the second quantity button BJ. The processing circuit 112 displays the number "3", which is more than the estimated number, on the third quantity button BK.

[0081] The processing circuit 112 may change the number displayed on each quantity button each time the estimated quantity changes. For example, if a customer places one preset product "Vegetable VA" on the weighing unit 13, the processing circuit 112 estimates the quantity of preset product "Vegetable VA" to be 1. The processing circuit 112 displays the estimated quantity, "1", on the first quantity button BI. The processing circuit 112 may hide the second quantity button BJ. The processing circuit 112 displays the number "2" on the third quantity button BK. Subsequently, if the customer places another preset product "Vegetable VA" on the weighing unit 13, the processing circuit 112 estimates the quantity of preset product "Vegetable VA" to be 2. The processing circuit 112 displays the estimated quantity, "2", on the first quantity button BI. The processing circuit 112 displays the number "1" on the second quantity button BJ. The processing circuit 112 causes the number "3" to be displayed on the third quantity button BK.

[0082] The processing circuit 112 receives the quantity of the selected preset product (ACT7). ACT7 may also be processed by the reception unit 1121. In ACT7, for example, the processing circuit 112 receives the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" entered into the POS terminal 1 based on the customer's selection of the "OK" button BL after selecting the quantity button.

[0083] When a customer selects an estimated quantity as the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA", they select the first quantity button BI using the input device 1021. However, if the first quantity button BI is already selected at the time the quantity input screen ID is displayed, the customer does not need to select the first quantity button BI. When a customer selects a quantity different from the estimated quantity as the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA", they select the second quantity button BJ or the third quantity button BK using the input device 1021. In this case, the processing circuit 112 accepts a quantity of "2" for the preset product "Vegetable VA".

[0084] The processing circuit 112 processes the product registration of the selected preset product (ACT8). ACT8 may also be processed by the registration processing unit 1124. In ACT8, the processing circuit 112 processes the product registration of the preset product "Vegetable VA" based on the selection operation of the "OK" button BL. The processing circuit 112 refers to the product master and processes to add information about the registered product for the preset product "Vegetable VA" to the registration information. The processing circuit 112 registers 2 as the quantity in the information about the registered product for the preset product "Vegetable VA". As a result, the processing circuit 112 registers the number of preset product "Vegetable VA" entered in the quantity input screen ID.

[0085] Although an example has been described in which the storage 114 of POS terminal 1 stores registration information, the explanation is not limited to this. The registration information may also be stored on a server different from POS terminal 1. In this example, the processing circuit 112 communicates with the server and processes the server to perform product registration of the preset product "Vegetable VA". Processing the server to perform product registration of the preset product "Vegetable VA" is one example of processing product registration of the preset product "Vegetable VA".

[0086] The processing circuit 112 displays the product registration screen IE on the display device 1022 (ACT9). ACT9 may also be processed by the display processing unit 1123. In ACT9, for example, the processing circuit 112 displays the product registration screen IE on the display device 1022 based on the product registration of the preset product "Vegetable VA".

[0087] The registered product display area AA on the product registration screen IE displays the product name, quantity, and price of the registered preset product "Vegetable VA". The quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" is "2", which is the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" entered in the quantity input screen ID mentioned above.

[0088] In ACT3, the processing circuit 112 accepts the preset product selected on the preset product list screen IB before the customer places the preset product on the weighing unit 13, but is not limited to this. The processing circuit 112 may also accept the preset product selected on the preset product list screen IB after the customer has placed at least one preset product on the weighing unit 13. In this example, the processing circuit 112 displays an error notification on the display device 1022 based on the detection of a change in weight measured by the weighing unit 13. In the error notification, the customer selects to register the preset product. Based on the selection to register the preset product, the processing circuit 112 displays the product registration screen IA on the display device 1022. Based on the selection of the preset product "Vegetable VA" on the preset product list screen IB after the selection of the product category "Vegetable" on the product registration screen IA, the processing circuit 112 accepts the preset product "Vegetable VA".

[0089] In ACT9, the processing circuit 112 registers the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" entered on the quantity input screen ID based on the customer's operation on the quantity input screen ID, regardless of the estimated quantity, but is not limited to this. If the estimated quantity is 1, the processing circuit 112 may register 1 as the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" without any operation on the quantity input screen ID. In this example, the processing circuit 112 does not need to display the quantity input screen ID on the display device 1022. In this case, the display on the display device 1022 transitions from the guidance screen IC to the product registration screen IE. The processing circuit 112 may temporarily display the quantity input screen ID and then display the product registration screen IE on the display device 1022 without any operation on the quantity input screen ID by the customer.

[0090] As described above, if the estimated number is 1, the processing circuit 112 can register 1 as the number of preset products without any operation on the quantity input screen ID. This allows the processing circuit 112 to reduce the burden on customers, who often purchase preset products individually, by eliminating the need for them to input "1" as the quantity of the preset product.

[0091] In ACT7, the processing circuit 112 may perform different processing depending on whether the number of preset product "Vegetable VA" entered on the quantity input screen ID is an estimated number or a number different from the estimated number. If the estimated number is entered based on the selection of the first quantity button BI, the processing circuit 112 will not output a notification to other terminals. On the other hand, if a number different from the estimated number is entered based on the selection of the second quantity button BJ or the third quantity button BK, the processing circuit 112 will output a notification to other terminals based on the selection of the second quantity button BJ or the third quantity button BK. The processing to output the notification may also be the processing by the notification processing unit implemented by the processing circuit 112. The notification based on the selection of the second quantity button BJ and the notification based on the selection of the third quantity button BK may be different notifications, as will be described later. Other terminals are terminals different from POS terminal 1. Other terminals may also be terminals used by store attendants.

[0092] If a customer selects the second quantity button BJ, it may indicate that the customer is performing an unauthorized operation or that the individual "Vegetable VA" items are heavier than average. Therefore, if the processing circuit 112 inputs a quantity less than the estimated quantity based on the customer's selection of the second quantity button BJ, it outputs a notification regarding the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" to other terminals. For example, the notification regarding the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" prompts the customer to confirm the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA". This allows the attendant to check the notification on other terminals and then verify whether the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" is correct. The processing circuit 112 may also disable customer operation on POS terminal 1 if the customer inputs a quantity less than the estimated quantity based on the customer's selection of the second quantity button BJ. This allows the attendant to verify whether the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" is correct. The notification regarding the quantity of the preset product "Vegetable VA" is an example of a notification based on the selection of the second quantity button BJ.

[0093] When a customer selects the third quantity button BK, the customer has performed the correct operation, but the individual preset product "Vegetable VA" is lighter than the average weight. Therefore, if the processing circuit 112 receives a number greater than the estimated number based on the customer's selection of the third quantity button BK, it outputs a notification regarding the measured weight to other terminals. For example, the notification regarding the measured weight includes the measured weight and the number of preset product "Vegetable VA" received. This allows the attendant to correct the weight information of the preset product "Vegetable VA" stored in the weight master, or to correct the tolerance range information of the preset product "Vegetable VA". The processing circuit 112 may also output the notification regarding the measured weight to the server that manages the weight master. This allows the server that manages the weight master to correct the weight information of the preset product "Vegetable VA" stored in the weight master, or to correct the tolerance range information of the preset product "Vegetable VA". The notification regarding the measured weight is an example of a notification based on the selection of the third quantity button BK.

[0094] According to the embodiment, as described above, the processing circuit 112 can display a quantity input screen ID indicating the estimated number on the display device 1022. This allows customers to easily input the quantity of a preset product by referring to the estimated quantity. Therefore, the processing circuit 112 can improve the convenience of product registration.

[0095] <Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, a POS terminal 1 capable of allowing customers to register products and perform accounting operations was described as an example of a registration device, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the POS terminal 1 may not have an accounting device 30 and may only have a registration device 10. In this case, the registration device 10 corresponds to the registration device. The registration machine is separate from the equipment that allows customers to perform checkout operations, and may be equipment that allows customers to register items. In this example, the equipment that allows customers to register items may be portable equipment that constitutes a self-checkout system. The portable equipment may be a dedicated terminal mounted on a shopping cart equipped with a weighing scale, a portable terminal provided in advance by the store, or a portable terminal owned by the customer.

[0096] Each component implemented by the processing circuit 112 described in the above embodiment may be implemented by a server capable of communicating with the POS terminal 1. In this case, the server is an example of a registration machine that processes product registration.

[0097] The embodiments described above may be applied to a method performed by one or more devices. The embodiments described above may be applied to a program that can cause a computer in one or more devices to perform each function. The embodiments described above may be applied to a recording medium that stores a program.

[0098] Each of the one or more circuits that make up a processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs some of the multiple processes. Some of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be contained in a single device, or they may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0099] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0100] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, 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.

[0101] Some of the embodiments described above may be expressed as follows: (1) An estimation unit that estimates the number of items based on the weight of the items measured by a weighing device, A display processing unit that displays an input screen for the estimated number of the product on the display unit, A registration processing unit that registers the quantity of the product entered on the input screen, A registered device equipped with the following features. (2) The input screen includes multiple options on which the quantity of the product can be entered, The aforementioned multiple options include a first option in which the estimated number can be entered as the number of items of the product. (1) The registered machine described above. (3) The first option is selected at the time the input screen is displayed. (2) The registered machine described above. (4) The plurality of options includes at least one of a second option in which a number less than the estimated number can be entered as the number of the product, and a third option in which a number greater than the estimated number can be entered as the number of the product. The system further includes a notification processing unit that outputs a notification to another terminal based on the selection of the second or third option if the quantity of the product is entered based on the selection of the second or third option. (2) The registered machine described above. (5) If the estimated number is 1, the registration processing unit registers 1 as the number of the product without any operation on the input screen. (1) The registered machine described above. (6) To the computer, A function to estimate the number of items based on the weight of the items measured by a weighing device, A function to display an input screen on the display unit showing the estimated number of the product, A function to register the quantity of the product entered on the input screen, A program that can execute [this action]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1...POS terminal, 10...Registration device, 11...Housing, 12...Basket stand, 13...Scale unit, 14...Support column, 15...Temporary stand, 16...Branch section, 17...Support column, 18...First reading device, 19...Second reading device, 30...Accounting device, 35...Printing device, 80...Reader / writer, 102...Touch panel, 112...Processing circuit, 113...Main memory, 114...Storage, 115...Communication circuit, 116...Reading device, 117...Change dispenser, 131...Top view, 321...Coin slot, 322...Coin outlet, 331...Banknote slot, 332...Banknote outlet, 351...Printed material dispenser, 801...Card slot, 1021...Input device, 1022...Display device, 1121...Reception section, 1122...Estimation section, 1123...Front Display processing unit, 1124... Registration processing unit, 1141... Product master storage area, 1142... Weight master storage area, 1143... Registration information storage area, AA... Registered product display area, AB... Product category display area, AC... Preset product display area, BA... "Vegetables" button, BB... "Fruits" button, BC... "Seafood" button, BD... "Assorted prepared foods" button, BE... "Other" button, BF... "Checkout" button, BG... Preset product button, BH... "Back" button, BI... 1st quantity button, BJ... 2nd quantity button, BK... 3rd quantity button, BL... "OK" button, IA... Product registration screen, IB... Preset product list screen, IC... Guidance screen, ID... Quantity input screen, IE... Product registration screen.

Claims

1. An estimation unit that estimates the number of items based on the weight of the items measured by a weighing device, A display processing unit that displays an input screen for the estimated number of the product on the display unit, A registration processing unit that registers the quantity of the product entered on the input screen, A registered device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned input screen includes multiple options for entering the quantity of the aforementioned product, The aforementioned multiple options include a first option in which the estimated number can be entered as the number of items of the product. The registered machine according to claim 1.

3. The first option is selected at the time the input screen is displayed. The registration device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned multiple options include at least one of a second option that allows inputting a quantity less than the estimated quantity of the product, and a third option that allows inputting a quantity more than the estimated quantity of the product. The system further includes a notification processing unit that outputs a notification to another terminal based on the selection of the second or third option if the quantity of the product is entered based on the selection of the second or third option. The registration device according to claim 2.

5. If the estimated number is 1, the registration processing unit registers 1 as the quantity of the product without any operation on the input screen. The registered machine according to claim 1.

6. On the computer, A function to estimate the number of items based on the weight of the items measured by a weighing device, A function to display an input screen on the display unit showing the estimated number of the product, A function to register the quantity of the product entered on the input screen, A program that can execute [this action].

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