Sales data processing system, scanner, and sales data processing method

Abstract

To enable notification to the operator of a mobile device when the reading of the code symbol displayed on the mobile device is complete. [Solution] The sales data processing system comprises a reading unit that reads a code displayed on a mobile terminal operated by a user, a wireless communication unit that establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal in response to the start of reading the code, and a transmitting unit that transmits information to the mobile terminal via proximity wireless communication in response to the completion of reading the code, instructing the execution of a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sales data processing system, a scanner, and a sales data processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when reading a code symbol such as a barcode with a scanner at a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, the user was made to recognize the reading of the code symbol by the scanner by means such as beeping or lighting. Recently, a settlement method using a code symbol (hereinafter also referred to as code settlement) or the like has been used, and a code symbol displayed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone is read by a scanner of the POS terminal.

[0003] However, on the mobile terminal side displaying the code symbol, it may not be possible to determine whether the code symbol has been read, except by the subsequent processing result (settlement result). In this case, since the customer does not know whether the code symbol has been read, there may be a misunderstanding with the machine or the store clerk side.

[0004] Also, when reading a code symbol displayed on a mobile terminal with a scanner, in order to determine that it has been read, it is necessary to determine by the sound or light emitted by the POS, but it is difficult to make such a determination in a noisy or bright place during settlement. For example, a person with hearing impairment or visual impairment may not know whether the barcode has been read.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to be able to notify the operator of the mobile terminal of the completion of reading the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The sales data processing system of this embodiment includes a reading unit that reads a code displayed on a mobile terminal operated by a user, a wireless communication unit that establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal in response to the start of reading the code, and a transmitting unit that transmits information to the mobile terminal via proximity wireless communication in response to the completion of reading the code, instructing the execution of a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a sales data processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of the sales data processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for vibration notification processing according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments relating to a sales data processing system, scanner, and sales data processing method will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] (Embodiment) The schematic configuration of the sales data processing system 100 of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the sales data processing system 100 of the embodiment. The sales data processing system 100 includes a sales data processing device 1 and a scanner 2. The sales data processing device 1 may also be called a POS terminal. The POS terminal can be a regular cash register, a semi-self-service cash register, a fully self-service cash register, etc.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the sales data processing system 100 can establish proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 operated by the customer. For example, when a customer pays for a purchased item, proximity wireless communication related to payment is established between the sales data processing system 100 and the mobile terminal 5. To make the explanation more specific, the following description will assume that proximity wireless communication related to payment is established between the sales data processing device 1 and the mobile terminal 5. Note that the sales data processing system 100 may also have a mobile terminal 5.

[0011] Scanner 2 has a reading unit 21. The reading unit 21 has an image sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary MOS), and an imaging lens. The imaging lens forms an image of the imaging area onto the image sensor. The imaging area refers to the area on the image sensor that is imaged through the imaging lens.

[0012] The reading unit 21 optically captures and recognizes barcodes attached to products purchased by customers, or barcodes or two-dimensional codes displayed on the mobile terminal 5, or other code symbols (which may simply be referred to as codes). For example, if a code attached to a product to be purchased is recognized, the reading unit 21 decodes the recognized code and reads the product code indicated by the code symbol. The reading unit 21 may also be equipped with a function to identify products using an object recognition method that recognizes products based on product features such as color and unevenness.

[0013] Furthermore, if the scanner 2 recognizes a code displayed on the mobile terminal 5, the reading unit 21 decodes the recognized code and reads the payment information indicated by the code. The scanner 2 may also transmit the recognized code to the sales data processing unit 1. In this case, the decoding of the code recognized by the scanner 2 is performed by the control unit of the sales data processing unit 1.

[0014] The sales data processing device 1 will now be described. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the sales data processing device 1. A scanner 2 is electrically connected to an unshown connection interface (IF) in the sales data processing device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the sales data processing device 1 includes a control unit 10, a memory unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a printer 15, and a communication unit 17.

[0015] The control unit 10 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, memory unit 11, display unit 12, operation unit 13, and printer 15 are connected to each other via a bus 18.

[0016] The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the sales data processing device 1. The ROM 102 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is used as the work area for the CPU 101 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 102 and the memory unit 11. The control unit 10 executes various control processes of the sales data processing device 1 by having the CPU 101 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 102 and the memory unit 11 and loaded into the RAM 103.

[0017] The memory unit 11 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 11 stores the control program 111 and the product master 112.

[0018] The control program 111 includes a control program for operating as the sales data processing device 1, a notification program for realizing the vibration notification processing described later, and the like. The product master 112 is a master file that stores the product code and product information (product name, price, etc.) in association with each other for the products handled in the store. Since the products handled in the store change daily, the product master 112 is appropriately updated by a server (not shown) connected via the communication unit 17. In addition, when the scanner 2 has a function of recognizing a product by object recognition, for the products to be the object of object recognition, the feature amounts necessary for performing object recognition are stored.

[0019] The display unit 12 is composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example. The display unit 12 displays information such as information on the products registered for sale, transaction amounts, and other information related to accounting processing for the operator who operates the sales data processing device 1 (when the sales data processing device 1 is a normal cash register or self-checkout register, it is a store clerk; when the sales data processing device 1 is a full self-checkout normal cash register, it is a customer).

[0020] The operation unit 13 is composed of a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 12, for example. The operation unit 13 inputs information corresponding to the position touched on the touch panel to the control unit 10 of the sales data processing device 1 according to the operation of the operator.

[0021] The printer 15 is composed of a thermal printer, for example. The printer 15 prints information related to the transaction on the roll-shaped receipt paper stored in the sales data processing device 1 and issues it as a receipt.

[0022] The communication unit 17 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as a server and a mobile terminal 5 managed by the store. The control unit 10 can transmit and receive information (data) to and from an external device by being connected to the external device via the communication unit 17. The functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the sales data processing device 1 will be described later.

[0023] Hereinafter, the mobile terminal 5 will be described. The mobile terminal 5 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. that can be carried by a customer. The mobile terminal 5 has a configuration capable of displaying a code related to the electronic settlement of a product purchased by a customer. The code is a one-dimensional code (barcode) or a two-dimensional code (two-dimensional barcode, for example, QR code (registered trademark)). Hereinafter, in order to specifically describe, it is assumed that the code displayed on the mobile terminal 5 is a barcode.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 5. The mobile terminal 5 includes a control unit 50, a memory unit 51, a display unit 52, an operation unit 53, a communication unit 54, and a vibration unit 55. The control unit 50, the memory unit 51, the display unit 52, the operation unit 53, the communication unit 54, and the vibration unit 55 are connected to each other via a bus 56 or the like.

[0025] The control unit 50 is composed of a computer including a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501, the ROM 502, and the RAM 503 are connected to each other via the bus 56.

[0026] The CPU 501 controls the entire mobile terminal 5. The ROM 502 stores various programs such as programs used for driving the CPU 501 and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501 and develops various programs and various data stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51. The control unit 50 executes various control processes of the mobile terminal 5 by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 502 and developed in the RAM 503 and stored in the memory unit 51 by the CPU 501.

[0027] The memory unit 51 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or a flash memory, and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 51 stores a control program 511.

[0028] The control program 511 controls the operation of the vibration unit 55 in response to the reception of information output from the sales data processing device 1. The display unit 52 is a display device such as an LCD and displays various information according to the control of the CPU 501. The operation unit 53 consists of a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 52 and inputs information corresponding to the touched position to the control unit 50. The communication unit 54 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as servers managed by the store.

[0029] The vibrating unit 55 is composed of various motors and the like. The vibrating unit 55 vibrates under the control of the control program 511. As a result, the mobile terminal 5 vibrates in response to receiving information from the sales data processing device 1 that instructs it to perform a vibration operation.

[0030] The functional configuration of the sales data processing device 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the sales data processing device 1. The control unit 10 functions as an input unit 1001, a registration unit 1002, a wireless communication unit 1003, a transmission unit 1004, an accounting processing unit 1005, and a display processing unit 1006, with the CPU 101 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 102 and the memory unit 11. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0031] Product identification information is entered into the input unit 1001. Specifically, the product code read by the reader unit 21 from the barcode attached to the product is entered into the input unit 1001. In addition, the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 5 is entered into the input unit 1001 from the reader unit 21. Alternatively, the product code specified by the operation unit 13 may also be entered into the input unit 1001.

[0032] The registration unit 1002 registers the products to be traded. Specifically, the registration unit 1002 obtains product information (product name, price, etc.) by referring to the product master 112 based on the product code entered in the input unit 1001, and stores (registers) it in the RAM 103.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 1003 establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 in response to the start of reading the code (hereinafter referred to as the payment code) displayed on the mobile terminal 5 operated by the user. Specifically, in response to the start of reading the payment code, the wireless communication unit 1003 receives identification information that identifies the mobile terminal 5 from the mobile terminal 5 using known wireless communication technology. Next, the wireless communication unit 1003 searches for the mobile terminal 5 on which the payment code is displayed using the identification information. Subsequently, the wireless communication unit 1003 establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 according to the search result for the mobile terminal 5. In this way, the wireless communication unit 1003 can identify the mobile terminal 5 and establish proximity wireless communication.

[0034] Furthermore, if the payment code contains communication information regarding the establishment of proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5, the wireless communication unit 1003 uses the communication information contained in the payment code read by the reading unit 21 to establish proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5. Since known technologies can be applied to the communication information regarding the establishment of proximity wireless communication, no explanation is provided. Similarly, since known methods can be applied to the establishment of proximity wireless communication using the communication information, no explanation is provided.

[0035] Proximity wireless communication includes, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and NFC®. Furthermore, since the establishment of proximity wireless communication can be achieved by known methods, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0036] Furthermore, the method for establishing proximity wireless communication is not limited to the above. For example, it may be achieved by other methods such as infrared communication between the mobile terminal 5 and the sales data processing device 1. Also, proximity wireless communication at the start of reading the payment code by the reading unit 21 may be established with a communication device close to the sales data processing device 1 through mutual communication between the sales data processing device 1 (wireless communication unit 1003) and multiple communication devices.

[0037] The transmitting unit 1004 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as vibration operation information) via proximity wireless communication to the mobile terminal 5 instructing it to perform a vibration operation to notify the completion of the reading of the payment code, in response to the completion of reading the payment code. The vibration operation information is, for example, information that causes the mobile terminal 5 to vibrate for a predetermined vibration intensity and for a predetermined period of time. The vibration operation information is pre-set and stored in the ROM 102 or the memory unit 11.

[0038] The accounting processing unit 1005 performs accounting processing related to the payment of the price of the goods identified by the product code entered in the input unit 1001. Accounting processing is the process performed by the sales data processing unit 1 in order for the customer to pay for the goods. Specifically, the accounting processing unit 1005 calculates the total amount (transaction amount) of the registered goods, instructs the display processing unit 1006 to display various information, and instructs the printer 15 to issue a receipt. Specifically, if the customer wishes to use cashless payment such as credit card payment or QR code payment, the accounting processing unit 1005 uses the payment code to perform the accounting processing necessary for payment.

[0039] The display processing unit 1006 displays product information of products registered by the registration unit 1002 on the display unit 12. The display processing unit 1006 also displays various information related to the processing by the accounting processing unit 1005 on the display unit 12.

[0040] The configuration of this embodiment has been described above. The vibration notification process performed by the sales data processing device 1 will now be described. The vibration notification process is a process that notifies the customer by vibration that the reading of the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 5 has been completed. Note that the application of the vibration notification process is not limited to the reading of payment codes, but may also be implemented in relation to various registrations. That is, the vibration notification process may be performed in conjunction with sales data processing such as registration or payment.

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vibration notification process procedure. Prior to the execution of the vibration notification process, it is assumed that the customer has already registered the products to be purchased. That is, before the execution of the vibration notification process, the registration unit 1002 registers the products to be traded.

[0042] (Vibration notification processing) (Step S1) Prior to payment for the product, the customer operates the operation unit 53 on the mobile terminal 5 to display the payment code on the display unit 52. As a result, the display unit 52 of the mobile terminal 5 displays the payment code.

[0043] (Step S2) Scanner 2 initiates the reading of the payment code. That is, the reading unit 21 reads the payment code.

[0044] (Step S3) Upon commencement of reading the payment code, the communication unit 54 transmits identification information to the sales data processing device 1. This step is unnecessary if the payment code contains identification information, or if communication between the sales data processing device 1 and the communication device is performed.

[0045] (Step S4) The wireless communication unit 1003 or the input unit 1001 receives identification information from the mobile terminal 5 displaying the payment code. The wireless communication unit 1003 uses the identification information to establish proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5. For example, the wireless communication unit 1003 uses the received identification information to search for the mobile terminal 5. Then, according to the search result for the mobile terminal 5, the wireless communication unit 1003 establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5. When mutual communication is performed between the sales data processing device 1 and communication equipment, the wireless communication unit 1003 establishes proximity wireless communication with the communication equipment (mobile terminal 5) closest to the sales data processing device 1.

[0046] (Step S5) The payment code has been successfully read.

[0047] (Step S6) The transmitting unit 1004 transmits vibration operation information to the mobile terminal 5. At this time, the accounting processing unit 1005 uses the payment code to perform the accounting processing necessary for payment.

[0048] (Step S7) The communication unit 54 in the mobile terminal 5 receives vibration operation information. According to the vibration operation information, the control program 511 drives the vibration unit 55. As a result, the vibration unit 55 vibrates for a predetermined period of time. Thus, the mobile terminal 5 generates vibration for a predetermined period of time.

[0049] As described above, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment includes a reading unit 21 that reads a code displayed on a mobile terminal 5 operated by a user, a wireless communication unit 1003 that establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 in response to the start of reading the code, and a transmitting unit 1004 that transmits information to the mobile terminal 5 via proximity wireless communication instructing the execution of a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading in response to the completion of reading the code.

[0050] As a result, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can notify the customer when the barcode reading for payment is complete at the time of payment. Specifically, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can vibrate the mobile terminal 5 that has presented the payment code by transmitting vibration information in response to the completion of reading the payment code. Therefore, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can improve the overall functionality of the scanner 2. From these points, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can improve throughput at the time of payment.

[0051] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 5 of the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment vibrates in response to the reception of information instructing the execution of a vibration operation. As a result, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can notify the customer holding the mobile terminal 5 that the payment code has been read by vibrating the mobile terminal 5 in response to the completion of the payment code reading.

[0052] Furthermore, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment receives identification information from the mobile terminal 5 in response to the start of reading the payment code, searches for the mobile terminal 5 using the received identification information, and establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 according to the search result for the mobile terminal 5. As a result, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can establish proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 displaying the payment code as a trigger for the start of reading the payment code.

[0053] Furthermore, in the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment, the payment code includes communication information relating to the establishment of proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5, and the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment uses this communication information to establish proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5. Thus, according to the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment, by embedding communication information in the payment code, it is possible to establish proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 displaying the payment code at the same time as reading the payment code.

[0054] Based on the above, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can vibrate a mobile terminal 5, such as a smartphone, when it reads a payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 5. Therefore, the sales data processing system 100 according to this embodiment can make the customer aware that the reading of the payment code has been completed by the vibration of the mobile terminal 5.

[0055] Therefore, according to the sales data processing system 100 of this embodiment, when the reading unit 21 reads the payment code displayed on a mobile terminal 5 such as a smartphone, it is possible to notify customers, for example, those who are hearing impaired and / or visually impaired, whether or not the payment code has been read, even if the customer's surroundings are noisy or bright.

[0056] (Examples of application) This application example aims to implement vibration notification processing using scanner 2. In this application example, scanner 2 has a reading unit 21 for reading payment codes, a communication unit 17, and a control unit. The control unit has a wireless communication unit 1003 and a transmission unit 1004. In the vibration notification processing in this application example, the sales data processing system 100 shown in Figure 5 is replaced with a scanner. The processing content in the vibration notification processing in this application example is substantially the same as the vibration notification processing in the embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0057] The scanner in this application example includes a reader unit 21 that reads a payment code displayed on a mobile terminal 5 operated by the user, a wireless communication unit 1003 that establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 in response to the start of reading the code, and a transmitter unit 1004 that transmits information to the mobile terminal 5 via proximity wireless communication instructing it to perform a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading in response to the completion of reading the code.

[0058] As a result, the scanner according to this embodiment can notify the customer when the barcode reading for payment has been completed during payment. Specifically, the scanner according to this embodiment can vibrate the mobile terminal 5, which is presenting the payment code, by transmitting vibration information in response to the completion of reading the payment code. For example, by using the scanner of this application example in an existing POS (Point of Sales) terminal, the vibration notification process according to this embodiment can be realized. Other effects are the same as in the embodiment, so a description will be omitted.

[0059] When the technical concept of the embodiment is realized in the sales data processing method, the sales data processing method reads a code displayed on a mobile terminal 5 operated by the user, establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal 5 in response to the start of reading the code, and transmits information to the mobile terminal 5 via proximity wireless communication in response to the completion of reading the code, instructing the execution of a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading. The processing procedure for vibration notification processing in the sales data processing method is the same as in the embodiment. Furthermore, the effects of the sales data processing method are the same as in the embodiment. For these reasons, a description of the processing procedure and effects of the sales data processing method is omitted.

[0060] 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1. Sales data processing device 2 Scanners 5 Mobile devices 10 Control Unit 11 Memory section 12 Display section 13 Control section 15 Printers 17 Communications Department 18 bus 21 Reading section 50 Control Unit 51 Memory section 52 Display section 53 Operation section 54 Communications Department 55 Vibration section 56 Bus 100 Sales Data Processing System 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 111 Control Program 112 Product Master 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM 511 Control Program 1001 Input section 1002 Registration Department 1003 Wireless Communication Section 1004 Transmitter 1005 Accounting Processing Department 1006 Display Processing Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0062] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-102934

Claims

1. A reader unit that reads a code displayed on a mobile device operated by the user, A wireless communication unit establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal in response to the start of reading the aforementioned code, A transmitting unit that, in response to the completion of reading the code, transmits information to the mobile terminal via proximity wireless communication that instructs the execution of a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading; A sales data processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The mobile terminal vibrates in response to receiving information instructing the execution of the vibration action. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned wireless communication unit is In response to the start of reading the aforementioned code, identification information identifying the mobile terminal is received from the mobile terminal. Using the aforementioned identification information, the mobile terminal is searched for. The proximity wireless communication is established according to the search results of the aforementioned mobile terminal. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

4. The code includes communication information relating to the establishment of the proximity wireless communication, The wireless communication unit establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal using the communication information. A sales data processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A reader unit that reads a code displayed on a mobile device operated by the user, A wireless communication unit that establishes proximity wireless communication with the mobile terminal in response to the start of reading the aforementioned code, A transmitting unit that, in response to the completion of reading the code, transmits information to the mobile terminal via proximity wireless communication that instructs the execution of a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading; A scanner equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

6. The user reads the code displayed on their mobile device. In response to the start of reading the aforementioned code, a proximity wireless communication is established with the mobile terminal. In response to the completion of reading the code, information instructing the mobile terminal to perform a vibration action to notify the completion of the reading is transmitted via proximity wireless communication. A sales data processing method comprising the following features.

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