Control device for distributing goods, method for controlling the distribution of goods, and program for controlling the distribution of goods

Abstract

To appropriately control the provision of items attached to products purchased by customers. [Solution] The determination unit checks, based on the identification information of the products purchased by the customer, whether the products purchased by the customer include either a first-type product with a specific item attached or a second-type product with a specific item attached. If the products purchased by the customer include both a first-type product and a second-type product, the determination unit determines that the number of specific items to be provided to the customer is less than the sum of the number of first-type products and the number of second-type products. The output unit outputs item information indicating the number of specific items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article provision control technology.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in distribution mass retailers such as supermarkets and drugstores, a semi-self-checkout system has been increasing, in which at the time of checkout of the goods purchased by customers, the store clerks register the goods and the customers themselves perform the checkout process.

[0003] Generally, a semi-self-checkout system includes a POS (Point of Sale) terminal for registering goods and a checkout terminal for performing checkout processing. When the registration of goods is completed, the data of the purchased goods is transferred from the POS terminal to the checkout terminal, and the customer pays the amount displayed by the checkout terminal. The customer can take out accessories such as chopsticks and spoons provided near the checkout terminal according to the number of purchased goods such as boxed lunches and prepared dishes, and take them home together with the goods.

[0004] Regarding the accessories attached to goods, there is known an accessory management system that can surely deliver to customers without error the types and quantities of accessories (or seasonings) that the store clerks should hand over at the time of checkout in the store (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known an environmental protection contribution management system that saves unnecessary labor and time during shopping by having both the store side and the customer side confirm the necessity of accessories (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] There is also known an information processing device that can reduce the burden on customers of confirming the necessity of shopping bags during the checkout operation of the merchandise price and can respond to customers who want to determine the necessity of shopping bags each time (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] In mass retail stores selling bento boxes, prepared foods, etc., when face-to-face checkout is performed, store employees check the number of chopsticks and other accessories that customers will use and provide the appropriate number of accessories to the customer. However, in the semi-self-checkout systems that have become widespread in recent years, customers take out chopsticks and other accessories themselves at the time of checkout, so it is common for customers to take out more accessories than the number of items they purchased.

[0008] If more accessories are taken than the number of products, it increases the store's expenses related to the accessories and leads to excessive consumption of the accessories, which is undesirable from an environmental protection standpoint.

[0009] Furthermore, this problem is not limited to semi-self-checkout systems, but also occurs in fully self-checkout systems where customers handle everything from product registration to payment processing themselves.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention aims to appropriately control the provision of articles attached to products purchased by customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one embodiment, the article supply control device includes a determination unit and an output unit.

[0012] The determination unit checks, based on the identification information of the products purchased by the customer, whether the purchased products include either a Type 1 product with a specific item attached or a Type 2 product with a specific item attached. If the purchased products include both Type 1 and Type 2 products, the determination unit determines that the number of specific items to be provided to the customer will be less than the sum of the number of Type 1 and Type 2 products. The output unit outputs item information indicating the number of specific items.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the computer performs the following processes:

[0014] The computer checks, based on the identification information of the products purchased by the customer, whether the purchased products include either a Type 1 product with a specific item attached or a Type 2 product with a specific item attached. If the purchased products include both Type 1 and Type 2 products, the computer determines that the number of specific items provided to the customer will be less than the sum of the number of Type 1 and Type 2 products. The computer then outputs product information indicating the number of specific items.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the goods provision control program causes the computer to perform the following processes.

[0016] The computer checks, based on the identification information of the products purchased by the customer, whether the purchased products include either a Type 1 product with a specific item attached or a Type 2 product with a specific item attached. If the purchased products include both Type 1 and Type 2 products, the computer determines that the number of specific items provided to the customer will be less than the sum of the number of Type 1 and Type 2 products. The computer then outputs product information indicating the number of specific items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one aspect, it is possible to appropriately control the provision of articles attached to the products purchased by customers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a functional configuration diagram of the article provision control device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart of the article provision control process. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram of the semi-self-checkout system. [Figure 4] It is a functional configuration diagram of the POS terminal. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the product master. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the spare parts counter. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the spare parts information. [Figure 8] It is a functional configuration diagram of the settlement terminal. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the spare parts detail slip. [Figure 10A] It is a flowchart of the product registration process (Part 1). [Figure 10B] It is a flowchart of the product registration process (Part 2). [Figure 11] It is a flowchart of the settlement process. [Figure 12] It is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration example of the article provision control device of the embodiment. The article provision control device 101 in FIG. 1 includes a determination unit 111 and an output unit 112.

[0021] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the item provision control process performed by the item provision control device 101 in Figure 1. First, the determination unit 111 checks, based on the identification information of the items purchased by the customer, whether the items purchased by the customer include either a first-type item to which a specific item is attached or a second-type item to which a specific item is attached (step 201).

[0022] Next, if the goods purchased by the customer include both Type 1 and Type 2 goods, the determination unit 111 determines that the number of specific items to be provided to the customer is less than the sum of the number of Type 1 and Type 2 goods (Step 202).

[0023] Next, the output unit 112 outputs item information indicating the quantity of a specific item (step 203).

[0024] According to the item provision control device 101 in Figure 1, it is possible to appropriately control the provision of items attached to products purchased by customers.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of a semi-self-checkout system including the item dispensing control device 101 shown in Figure 1. The semi-self-checkout system in Figure 3 is installed in stores such as retail stores and includes POS terminals 311-1 to 311-N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) and payment terminals 312-1 to 312-M (where M is an integer of 1 or more). POS terminal 311-i (i=1 to N) is an example of the item dispensing control device 101 shown in Figure 1.

[0026] Each POS terminal 311-i and each settlement terminal 312-j (j=1~M) can communicate with each other via the communication network 313.

[0027] POS terminal 311-i is used by store staff, and payment terminal 312-j is used by customers. POS terminal 311-i registers the items purchased by the customer according to the store staff's instructions, and once the item registration is complete, it transmits the purchase data to payment terminal 312-j, where the payment process takes place.

[0028] The payment terminal 312-j, having received the data of the purchased items, processes the payment according to the customer's instructions and displays the total amount of the purchased items on the screen. The customer deposits the displayed total amount into the payment terminal 312-j.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 311-i in Figure 3. The POS terminal 311-i in Figure 4 includes a touch panel 411, a scanner 412, a communication unit 413, a control unit 414, and a storage unit 415.

[0030] The touch panel 411, scanner 412, communication unit 413, and storage unit 415 are hardware components. The communication unit 413 and control unit 414 correspond to the output unit 112 and determination unit 111 in Figure 1, respectively.

[0031] The touch panel 411 displays the product names of items such as vegetables and fruits that do not have barcodes attached, and accepts a selection operation from the store clerk to choose one of the items. The touch panel 411 then outputs the product code of the selected item to the control unit 414. The scanner 412 reads the barcode attached to the product and outputs the product code indicated by the read barcode to the control unit 414. The product code is an example of product identification information.

[0032] The store clerk takes items from the customer's shopping basket and registers the items by operating the touch panel 411 or scanner 412.

[0033] The communication unit 413 communicates with each settlement terminal 312-j via the communication network 313. The storage unit 415 stores the product master 421. The product master 421 is an example of product information.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of a product master 421. The product master 421 in Figure 5 includes a product code, product name, equipment A (main dish), equipment A (side dish), equipment B (main dish), equipment B (side dish), equipment C (main dish), and equipment C (side dish). The product code, product name, equipment A (main dish), equipment A (side dish), equipment B (main dish), equipment B (side dish), equipment C (main dish), and equipment C (side dish) are associated with each other. The product master 421 may also include other information such as price.

[0035] Supplies are items used to consume goods and are provided in the store. Supplies A represent chopsticks (disposable chopsticks, etc.), Supplies B represent spoons, and Supplies C represent forks. Chopsticks, spoons, and forks are provided to customers attached to the goods they purchase. Chopsticks, spoons, and forks are examples of specific items attached to goods.

[0036] Main dishes and side dishes represent food items. Main dishes are foods that require a high degree of attachment to each product, while side dishes are foods that require a low degree of attachment to each product. Therefore, main dishes require a higher degree of attachment to each product than side dishes. Main dishes are examples of Type 1 products, and side dishes are examples of Type 2 products.

[0037] Item A (Main Dish) is a flag indicating whether the product is a main dish that comes with chopsticks. Item A (Side Dish) is a flag indicating whether the product is a side dish that comes with chopsticks. A logical value of "1" indicates that the product is a main dish or side dish that comes with chopsticks, and a logical value of "0" indicates that the product is not a main dish or side dish that comes with chopsticks.

[0038] Item B (main dish) is a flag indicating whether the product is a main dish for which a spoon is included. Item B (side dish) is a flag indicating whether the product is a side dish for which a spoon is included.

[0039] Item C (main dish) is a flag indicating whether the product is a main dish for which a fork is provided. Item C (side dish) is a flag indicating whether the product is a side dish for which a fork is provided.

[0040] Equipment A (main dish), Equipment A (side dish), Equipment B (main dish), Equipment B (side dish), Equipment C (main dish), and Equipment C (side dish) are examples of type information indicating whether a product falls under type 1 or type 2.

[0041] For example, the product code "1234000000010" indicates the product name "Bento (Makunouchi)" and the accessory A (main dish) is "1". Therefore, "Bento (Makunouchi)" corresponds to the main dish that comes with chopsticks.

[0042] The product code "1234000000011" indicates that the product name is "Bento (Curry Rice)" and the accessory B (main dish) is "1". Therefore, "Bento (Curry Rice)" is a main dish that comes with a spoon.

[0043] The product code "1234000000021" indicates that the product name is "Prepared Food (Tempura)" and the accessory A (side dish) is "1". Therefore, "Prepared Food (Tempura)" is a side dish that comes with chopsticks.

[0044] The product code "1234000000022" indicates that the product name is "Bento (Nori Bento)" and the accessory A (main dish) is "1". Therefore, "Bento (Nori Bento)" is a main dish that comes with chopsticks.

[0045] The product code "1234000000023" indicates that the product name is "Prepared Food (Croquette)" and the accessory A (side dish) is "1". Therefore, "Prepared Food (Croquette)" is a side dish that comes with chopsticks.

[0046] The product code "1234000000024" indicates that the product name is "Prepared Food (Salad)" and the accessory C (Side Dish) is "1". Therefore, "Prepared Food (Salad)" is a side dish that comes with a fork.

[0047] The product code "1234000000030" indicates the product name "Pudding," and the accessory B (side dish) is "1." Therefore, "Pudding" is a side dish that comes with a spoon.

[0048] The product code "1234000000031" indicates the product name is "Yogurt," and the accessory B (side dish) is "1." Therefore, "Yogurt" is a side dish that comes with a spoon.

[0049] The product code "1234000000040" indicates the product name "Spaghetti," and the accessory C (main dish) is "1." Therefore, "Spaghetti" is a main dish that comes with a fork.

[0050] In the following, equipment A (main dish), equipment A (side dish), equipment B (main dish), equipment B (side dish), equipment C (main dish), and equipment C (side dish) may be referred to as equipment flags.

[0051] The control unit 414 retrieves the product name, price, and equipment flag corresponding to each product code output from the touch panel 411 and scanner 412 from the product master 421, and generates data for purchased products, including the product name, price, quantity, and total amount for each product. The control unit 414 then records the number of logical values ​​"1" for the equipment flag retrieved from the product master 421 in the equipment counter 422 in the storage unit 415.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of the equipment counter 422. Figure 6(a) shows an example of the equipment counter 422 in its initial state. In the initial state, the number of logical values ​​"1" for each of equipment A (main dish), equipment A (side dish), equipment B (main dish), equipment B (side dish), equipment C (main dish), and equipment C (side dish) is set to "0".

[0053] Figure 6(b) shows an example of the equipment counter 422 when one of each of the 11 types of products included in the product master 421 in Figure 5 is purchased.

[0054] In the product master 421 of Figure 5, the item A (main dish) for the products indicated by product code "1234000000010" and product code "1234000000022" is "1". The item A (side dish) for the products indicated by product code "1234000000021" and product code "1234000000023" is "1".

[0055] The item B (main dish) for the product code "1234000000011" is "1". The item B (side dish) for the products code "1234000000030" and "1234000000031" is "1".

[0056] The item C (main dish) for the product with product code "1234000000040" is "1". The item C (side dish) for the product with product code "1234000000024" is "1".

[0057] Therefore, if one of each item is purchased, the number of logical values ​​"1" for item A (main dish), item A (side dish), and item B (side dish) will change to "2", and the number of logical values ​​"1" for item B (main dish), item C (main dish), and item C (side dish) will change to "1". The number of logical values ​​"1" for each item flag represents the number of items purchased by the customer whose item flag has a logical value of "1".

[0058] Next, the control unit 414 refers to the equipment counter 422 to check whether any of the equipment flags among the items purchased by the customer have a logical value of "1".

[0059] As a first example, let's assume that the products purchased by a customer include products where item A (main dish) has a logical value of "1" and products where item A (side dish) has a logical value of "1". In this case, the control unit 414 determines that the number of chopsticks, which are item A, to be provided to the customer is less than the sum of the number of items with a logical value of "1" for item A (main dish) and the number of items with a logical value of "1" for item A (side dish).

[0060] In this case, the control unit 414 may suppress the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for item A (side dish) in the number of chopsticks, and instead determine the number of chopsticks to be less than or equal to the number of logical values ​​"1" for item A (main dish), P(A). The number P(A) may be the number of logical values ​​"1" for item A (main dish), or it may be one pair of chopsticks.

[0061] By suppressing the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for item A (side dish) in the number of chopsticks, it becomes possible to omit providing chopsticks for the side dish, for example, when a main dish and a side dish are purchased at the same time.

[0062] As a second example, consider a case where the products purchased by a customer do not include any product where item A (main dish) has a logical value of "1", but do include a product where item A (side dish) has a logical value of "1". In this case, the control unit 414 determines the number of chopsticks to be provided to the customer to be a number Q(A) that is less than or equal to the number of items with a logical value of "1" for item A (side dish). The number Q(A) may be the number of items with a logical value of "1" for item A (side dish), or it may be one pair of chopsticks.

[0063] As a third example, consider a case where the customer's purchased goods include items where accessory B (main dish) has a logical value of "1" and items where accessory B (side dish) has a logical value of "1". In this case, the control unit 414 determines that the number of spoons, which are accessory B, to be provided to the customer is less than the sum of the number of items with a logical value of "1" for accessory B (main dish) and the number of items with a logical value of "1" for accessory B (side dish).

[0064] In this case, the control unit 414 may suppress the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment B (side dish) in the number of spoons, and instead determine the number of spoons to be less than or equal to the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment B (main dish), P(B). The number P(B) may be the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment B (main dish), or it may be 1.

[0065] By suppressing the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for item B (side dish) in the number of spoons, it becomes possible to omit providing a spoon for the side dish, for example, when a main dish and a side dish are purchased at the same time.

[0066] As a fourth example, consider a case where the products purchased by a customer do not include any product where accessory B (main dish) has a logical value of "1", but do include a product where accessory B (side dish) has a logical value of "1". In this case, the control unit 414 determines the number of spoons to be provided to the customer to be a quantity Q(B) that is less than or equal to the number of accessory B (side dish) with a logical value of "1". The quantity Q(B) may be the number of accessory B (side dish) with a logical value of "1", or it may be 1.

[0067] As a fifth example, consider a case where the products purchased by a customer include products where equipment C (main dish) has a logical value of "1" and products where equipment C (side dish) has a logical value of "1". In this case, the control unit 414 determines that the number of forks, which are equipment C, to be provided to the customer is less than the sum of the number of equipment C (main dish) with a logical value of "1" and the number of equipment C (side dish) with a logical value of "1".

[0068] In this case, the control unit 414 may suppress the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment C (side dish) in the number of forks, and determine the number of forks to be less than or equal to the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment C (main dish), P(C). The number P(C) may be the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment C (main dish), or it may be 1.

[0069] By suppressing the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for item C (side dish) in the count of forks, it becomes possible to omit providing a fork for the side dish, for example, when a main dish and a side dish are purchased at the same time.

[0070] As a sixth example, consider a case where the products purchased by a customer do not include any product where the logical value of equipment C (main dish) is "1", but do include a product where the logical value of equipment C (side dish) is "1". In this case, the control unit 414 determines the number of forks to be provided to the customer to be less than or equal to the number of equipment C (side dish) with a logical value of "1". The number Q(C) may be the number of equipment C (side dish) with a logical value of "1", or it may be 1.

[0071] The control unit 414 generates equipment information 423 indicating the number of each determined piece of equipment and stores it in the storage unit 415. Equipment information 423 is an example of item information indicating the number of a specific item.

[0072] Figure 7 shows an example of equipment information 423. The equipment information 423 in Figure 7 is generated from the equipment counter 422 in Figure 6(b).

[0073] In the equipment counter 422 in Figure 6(b), since the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment A (main dish) and equipment A (side dish) is not "0", the number of chopsticks, which are equipment A, is set to "2", the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment A (main dish).

[0074] Furthermore, since the number of logical values ​​"1" for both equipment B (main dish) and equipment B (side dish) is not "0", the number of spoons, which are equipment B, is set to "1", which is the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment B (main dish).

[0075] Furthermore, since the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment C (main dish) and equipment C (side dish) is not "0", the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment C (main dish), which is a fork, is set to "1" as the number of forks provided to the customer.

[0076] Next, the control unit 414 transmits the data of the purchased items and the equipment information 423 to the settlement terminal 312-j where the settlement process is performed, via the communication unit 413. The POS terminal 311-i may also transmit the data of the purchased items and the equipment information 423 to the settlement terminal 312-j via a POS server (not shown).

[0077] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of the settlement terminal 312-j shown in Figure 3. The settlement terminal 312-j in Figure 8 includes a touch panel 811, a printer 812, a banknote recycling unit 813, a coin recycling unit 814, a communication unit 815, a control unit 816, and a storage unit 817.

[0078] The touch panel 811, printer 812, banknote recycling unit 813, coin recycling unit 814, communication unit 815, and storage unit 817 are hardware components.

[0079] The communication unit 815 communicates with each POS terminal 311-i via the communication network 313. The control unit 816 receives data on purchased items and equipment information 423 from the POS terminals 311-i via the communication unit 815. The control unit 816 then outputs the data on purchased items to the touch panel 811 and printer 812, and stores the equipment information 423 in the storage unit 817.

[0080] The touch panel 811 displays the total amount included in the data of the purchased items. The customer confirms the displayed total amount, inserts banknotes into the banknote recycling unit 813, and inserts coins into the coin recycling unit 814.

[0081] The banknote recycling unit 813 accepts the inserted banknotes and dispenses change according to the instructions of the control unit 816. The coin recycling unit 814 accepts the inserted coins and dispenses change according to the instructions of the control unit 816.

[0082] The control unit 816 instructs the printer 812 to print a receipt containing receipt information, including data on the purchased items. The printer 812 prints and outputs the receipt according to the instructions of the control unit 816.

[0083] The control unit 816 further instructs the printer 812 to print an equipment details sheet that records the quantity of each piece of equipment indicated in the equipment information 423. The printer 812 prints and outputs the equipment details sheet according to the instructions of the control unit 816.

[0084] Figure 9 shows an example of an equipment list. The equipment list in Figure 9 records the quantity of each piece of equipment included in the equipment information 423 in Figure 7. In this example, there are 2 pairs of chopsticks and 1 spoon and 1 fork.

[0085] The customer presents the printed equipment list to the staff, who then provides the customer with the number of equipment items recorded on the list. In the case of the equipment list in Figure 9, the customer will receive two pairs of chopsticks, one spoon, and one fork. If the customer does not need any equipment, they do not need to present the equipment list to the staff.

[0086] According to the semi-self-checkout system in Figure 3, the type and number of accessories attached to products are automatically determined based on the type and quantity of products purchased by the customer. If a main dish and a side dish are purchased together, the number of accessories used to consume those foods is set to be less than the sum of the number of main dishes and side dishes purchased, thereby preventing the provision of more accessories than necessary. Therefore, the provision of accessories to customers can be appropriately controlled.

[0087] Instead of customers taking the equipment they want, store staff confirm the type and quantity of equipment determined beforehand and provide it to the customer, thus preventing customers from taking too many items. Consequently, store expenses related to equipment are reduced, and environmental protection is contributed to. In addition, since there is no need to ask customers about the quantity of equipment they want, stress on both staff and customers during customer service is reduced.

[0088] The settlement terminal 312-j may print a 2D code indicating the quantity of each piece of equipment included in the equipment information 423, instead of printing an equipment item list. In this case, the customer presents the printed 2D code to the store clerk, who reads the 2D code using the scanner 412 of the POS terminal 311-i. The touch panel 411 then displays the quantity of each piece of equipment indicated by the 2D code, and the store clerk hands the customer the displayed quantity of equipment. If the customer does not need to receive any equipment, they do not need to present the 2D code to the store clerk.

[0089] The POS terminal 311-i may display the equipment information 423 on its screen instead of sending it to the payment terminal 312-j. In this case, the touch panel 411 operates as the output unit 112 in Figure 1. The touch panel 411 displays the quantity of each piece of equipment indicated by the equipment information 423 on its screen, and the store clerk hands the customer the displayed quantity of equipment.

[0090] The settlement terminal 312-j may include an equipment storage unit, which is hardware for storing each piece of equipment. In this case, instead of printing an equipment item list, the settlement terminal 312-j provides equipment to the customer by taking out the number of pieces of equipment indicated by the equipment information 423 from the equipment storage unit and discharging them. In the case of the equipment information 423 in Figure 7, two pairs of chopsticks, one spoon, and one fork are discharged from the settlement terminal 312-j.

[0091] Figures 10A and 10B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the product registration process performed by the POS terminal 311-i in Figure 4. At the start of the product registration process in Figures 10A and 10B, the number of logical values ​​"1" for each equipment flag included in the equipment counter 422 is set to "0", and the number of each equipment included in the equipment information 423 is set to "0".

[0092] First, the scanner 412 reads the barcode of the product taken out of the shopping basket by the store clerk, and outputs the product code indicated by the read barcode to the control unit 414 (step 1001).

[0093] In step 1001, if a barcode is not attached to the product removed from the shopping basket, the touch panel 411 outputs the product code of the product selected by the store clerk to the control unit 414.

[0094] Next, the control unit 414 obtains the product name, price, and equipment flag corresponding to the product code output from the touch panel 411 or scanner 412 from the product master 421 (step 1002). Then, the control unit 414 records the obtained product name, price, and quantity in the purchased product data (step 1003), and updates the equipment counter 422 based on the obtained equipment flag (step 1004).

[0095] In step 1004, if any of the acquired equipment flags have a logical value of "1", the control unit 414 increments the number of logical values ​​of "1" for that equipment flag in the equipment counter 422 by 1. If all acquired equipment flags have a logical value of "0", the control unit 414 does not increment the number of logical values ​​of "1" for any of the equipment flags.

[0096] Next, the control unit 414 checks whether a registration termination instruction has been entered on the touch panel 411 (step 1005). If no registration termination instruction has been entered (step 1005, NO), the POS terminal 311-i repeats the process from step 1001 onwards.

[0097] If the instruction to end registration is entered (step 1005, YES), the control unit 414 records the total amount of the recorded products in the purchased products data (step 1006).

[0098] Next, the control unit 414 checks the value of equipment A (main dish) in the equipment counter 422 (step 1007). If the value of equipment A (main dish) is greater than "0" (step 1007, YES), the control unit 414 records a number P(A) less than or equal to the value of equipment A (main dish) in equipment A of the equipment information 423 (step 1008).

[0099] Next, the control unit 414 checks the value of equipment B (main dish) in the equipment counter 422 (step 1009). If the value of equipment B (main dish) is greater than "0" (step 1009, YES), the control unit 414 records a number P(B) less than or equal to the value of equipment B (main dish) in the equipment B of the equipment information 423 (step 1010).

[0100] Next, the control unit 414 checks the value of equipment C (main dish) in the equipment counter 422 (step 1011). If the value of equipment A (main dish) is greater than "0" (step 1011, YES), the control unit 414 records a number P(C) less than or equal to the value of equipment C (main dish) in equipment C in the equipment information 423 (step 1012).

[0101] Next, the control unit 414 transmits the data of the purchased items and the equipment information 423 to the settlement terminal 312-j where the settlement process is performed, via the communication unit 413 (step 1013).

[0102] If the value of equipment A (main dish) is "0" (step 1007, NO), the control unit 414 checks the value of equipment A (side dish) in the equipment counter 422 (step 1014). If the value of equipment A (side dish) is greater than "0" (step 1014, YES), the control unit 414 records a number Q(A) less than or equal to the value of equipment A (side dish) in equipment A of the equipment information 423 (step 1015). Then, the POS terminal 311-i performs the processing from step 1009 onwards.

[0103] If the value of item A (side dish) is "0" (step 1014, NO), the POS terminal 311-i performs the processing from step 1009 onwards.

[0104] If the value of equipment A (main dish) is greater than "0" (step 1007, YES), steps 1014 and 1015 are skipped. This prevents the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment A (side dish) in the count of chopsticks.

[0105] If the value of equipment B (main dish) is "0" (step 1009, NO), the control unit 414 checks the value of equipment B (side dish) in the equipment counter 422 (step 1016). If the value of equipment B (side dish) is greater than "0" (step 1016, YES), the control unit 414 records a number Q(B) less than or equal to the value of equipment B (side dish) in equipment B of the equipment information 423 (step 1017). Then, the POS terminal 311-i performs the processing from step 1011 onwards.

[0106] If the value of item B (side dish) is "0" (step 1016, NO), the POS terminal 311-i performs the processing from step 1011 onwards.

[0107] If the value of item B (main dish) is greater than "0" (step 1009, YES), steps 1016 and 1017 are skipped. This prevents the process of including the number of items with a logical value of "1" for item B (side dish) in the count of spoons.

[0108] If the value of equipment C (main dish) is "0" (step 1011, NO), the control unit 414 checks the value of equipment C (side dish) in the equipment counter 422 (step 1018). If the value of equipment C (side dish) is greater than "0" (step 1018, YES), the control unit 414 records a number Q(C) less than or equal to the value of equipment C (side dish) in equipment C of the equipment information 423 (step 1019). Then, the POS terminal 311-i performs the process in step 1013.

[0109] If the value of item C (side dish) is "0" (step 1018, NO), the POS terminal 311-i performs the process in step 1013.

[0110] If the value of equipment C (main dish) is greater than "0" (step 1011, YES), steps 1018 and 1019 are skipped. This prevents the process of including the number of logical values ​​"1" for equipment C (side dish) in the count of forks.

[0111] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the settlement process performed by the settlement terminal 312-j in Figure 8. First, the control unit 816 receives data on purchased items and equipment information 423 from the POS terminal 311-i via the communication unit 815 (step 1101). Then, the control unit 816 outputs the data on purchased items to the touch panel 811 and printer 812, and stores the equipment information 423 in the storage unit 817.

[0112] Next, the touch panel 811 displays the total amount included in the data of the purchased items (step 1102). The customer confirms the displayed total amount, inserts banknotes into the banknote recycling unit 813, and inserts coins into the coin recycling unit 814. Then, the banknote recycling unit 813 dispenses change, and the coin recycling unit 814 dispenses change (step 1103).

[0113] Next, the printer 812 prints and outputs a receipt containing receipt information including data on the purchased items (step 1104), and then prints and outputs an equipment details sheet containing the quantity of each piece of equipment indicated by the equipment information 423 (step 1105).

[0114] Other POS systems besides the semi-self-checkout system can also determine the type and quantity of accessories to be attached to a product and provide those accessories to the customer, in the same manner as the semi-self-checkout system in Figure 3. Other POS systems may be, for example, fully self-checkout systems or systems that perform face-to-face checkout.

[0115] In a fully self-checkout system, a self-service terminal is provided that has the functions of both a POS terminal 311-i and a payment terminal 312-j. Customers use the self-service terminal to register their purchased items and complete the payment process. In a system with face-to-face payment processing, a store terminal is provided that has the functions of both a POS terminal 311-i and a payment terminal 312-j. Store employees use the store terminal to register the items purchased by customers and complete the payment process.

[0116] The accessories included with the product are not limited to chopsticks, spoons, and forks, but may include other items used to consume the product. The types of accessories are not limited to three, but may include one, two, or four or more types.

[0117] The configuration of the goods supply control device 101 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and some components may be omitted or changed depending on the intended use or conditions of the goods supply control device 101.

[0118] The configuration of the semi-self-checkout system shown in Figure 3 is merely an example, and some components may be omitted or modified depending on the intended use or conditions of the semi-self-checkout system. For example, the semi-self-checkout system may include a POS server.

[0119] The configuration of POS terminal 311-i in Figure 4 is merely an example, and some components may be omitted or modified depending on the use or conditions of the semi-self-checkout system. The configuration of payment terminal 312-j in Figure 8 is merely an example, and some components may be omitted or modified depending on the use or conditions of the semi-self-checkout system.

[0120] The flowcharts in Figures 2, 10A, 10B, and 11 are merely examples, and some processes may be omitted or modified depending on the configuration or conditions of the semi-self-checkout system.

[0121] The product master shown in Figure 5 is merely an example; a different format of product master may be used depending on the application or conditions of the semi-self-checkout system. The equipment counter shown in Figure 6 is merely an example; the information in the equipment counter changes depending on the purchased items. The equipment information shown in Figure 7 is merely an example; the equipment information changes depending on the equipment counter. The equipment details sheet shown in Figure 9 is merely an example; the equipment details sheet changes depending on the equipment information.

[0122] Figure 12 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device (computer) used as the item provision control device 101 in Figure 1, the POS terminal 311-i in Figure 4, and the settlement terminal 312-j in Figure 8. The information processing device in Figure 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1201, memory 1202, auxiliary storage device 1203, media drive device 1204, and network connection device 1205. These components are hardware and are connected to each other by a bus 1206.

[0123] If the information processing device is the POS terminal 311-i shown in Figure 4, the touch panel 411 and scanner 412 may be connected to the bus 1206. If the information processing device is the payment terminal 312-j shown in Figure 8, the touch panel 811, printer 812, banknote recycling unit 813, and coin recycling unit 814 may be connected to the bus 1206.

[0124] If the information processing device is a POS terminal 311-i, the user of the information processing device is a store employee; if the information processing device is a payment terminal 312-j, the user of the information processing device is a customer.

[0125] Memory 1202 is a semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores the program and data used for processing. Memory 1202 may operate as the storage unit 415 in Figure 4 or the storage unit 817 in Figure 8.

[0126] The CPU 1201 (processor) operates as the decision unit 111 in Figure 1 by executing a program using the memory 1202. The CPU 1201 also operates as the control unit 414 in Figure 4 by executing a program using the memory 1202. The CPU 1201 also operates as the control unit 816 in Figure 8 by executing a program using the memory 1202.

[0127] The auxiliary storage device 1203 is, for example, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, a tape drive, etc. The auxiliary storage device 1203 may also be a hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The information processing device can store programs and data in the auxiliary storage device 1203 and load them into the memory 1202 for use. The auxiliary storage device 1203 may operate as the storage unit 415 in Figure 4 or the storage unit 817 in Figure 8.

[0128] The media drive unit 1204 drives the portable recording medium 1207 and accesses its recorded contents. The portable recording medium 1207 can be a memory device, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. The portable recording medium 1207 may also be a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. The user can store programs and data on the portable recording medium 1207 and load them into the memory 1202 for use.

[0129] Thus, the computer-readable recording medium that stores the programs and data used in the processing is a physical (non-temporary) recording medium such as memory 1202, auxiliary storage device 1203, or portable recording medium 1207.

[0130] The network connection device 1205 is a communication device connected to the communication network 313 that performs data conversion associated with communication. The information processing device can receive programs and data from external devices via the network connection device 1205 and load them into the memory 1202 for use. The network connection device 1205 may operate as the communication unit 413 in Figure 4 or the communication unit 815 in Figure 8.

[0131] Note that the information processing device does not need to include all the components shown in Figure 12, and some components may be omitted or modified depending on the intended use or conditions of the information processing device. For example, if the portable recording medium 1207 is not used, the media drive device 1204 can be omitted.

[0132] While embodiments of the disclosure and their advantages have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, additions, and omissions without departing from the scope of the invention as expressly stated in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 101 Item dispensing control device 111 Decision Section 112 Output section 311-1~311-N POS terminals 312-1~312-M Payment Terminal 313 Communication Network 411, 811 Touch Panel 412 Scanners 413, 815 Communications Department 414, 816 Control Unit 415, 817 Storage section 421 Product Master 422 Equipment Counter 423 Equipment Information 812 Printer 813 Banknote Recycling Department 814 Coin Recycling Department 1201 CPU 1202 memory 1203 Auxiliary storage device 1204 Media drive device 1205 Network Connection Device 1206 Bus 1207 Portable recording media

Claims

1. A determination unit checks, based on the identification information of the products purchased by the customer, whether the products purchased by the customer include a first type of product with a specific item attached or a second type of product with the specific item attached, and if the products purchased by the customer include both the first type of product and the second type of product, it determines that the number of the specific item to be provided to the customer is less than the sum of the number of first type products and the number of second type products. An output unit that outputs item information indicating the number of the aforementioned specific items, A control device for providing articles, characterized by comprising:

2. The item provision control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the items purchased by the customer include both the first type of item and the second type of item, the determination unit suppresses the process of including the number of second type items in the number of specific items, and determines the number of specific items to be less than or equal to the number of first type items.

3. The item provision control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, if the items purchased by the customer do not include the first type of item but do include the second type of item, the determination unit determines the number of the specific item to be less than or equal to the number of the second type of item.

4. The item provision control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit checks whether the items purchased by the customer include items of the first type or the second type, based on item information, in which the identification information of each of the multiple items is associated with item information indicating whether the item is of the first type or the second type.

5. The first type of product and the second type of product are food products. The aforementioned specific article is a chopstick, spoon, or fork. The article dispensing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first type of product is a food product for which there is a greater need to attach the specific article to each product than the second type of product.

6. Based on the identification information of the products purchased by the customer, check whether the products purchased by the customer include a first type of product with a specific item attached or a second type of product with the specific item attached. If the goods purchased by the customer include both the first type of goods and the second type of goods, the number of the specific items to be provided to the customer shall be determined to be less than the sum of the number of first type goods and the number of second type goods. Outputs item information indicating the number of the aforementioned specific items. A method for controlling the provision of goods, characterized in that the processing is performed by a computer.

7. Based on the identification information of the products purchased by the customer, check whether the products purchased by the customer include a first type of product with a specific item attached or a second type of product with the specific item attached. If the goods purchased by the customer include both the first type of goods and the second type of goods, the number of the specific items to be provided to the customer shall be determined to be less than the sum of the number of first type goods and the number of second type goods. Outputs item information indicating the number of the aforementioned specific items. A control program for supplying goods to a computer to perform a process.

Images