Product sales data processing device and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a product sales data processing device and program that can easily recognize that a customer can purchase a paid plastic bag after declaring that they will not purchase one. [Solution] A self-service POS terminal (product sales data processing device) in which customers themselves register and pay for the products they purchase includes: a shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit that acquires selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag based on the customer's operation on a display device (customer-facing screen); a first shopping bag registration guidance unit that, if the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit does not acquire information indicating that a paid shopping bag will be purchased, provides guidance on the display device indicating that a paid shopping bag can be registered; and a product registration acceptance unit that accepts registration of products and paid shopping bags until the customer instructs to pay for the purchase of products.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, when customers purchase products at a store, paid plastic shopping bags are sold to customers who do not bring their own containers such as personal shopping bags (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In a self-checkout system where a customer performs product registration operation and checkout operation, screen display asking whether the customer needs to purchase a plastic shopping bag is required for anti-theft measures and to indicate that plastic shopping bags are paid. In the self-checkout system of Patent Document 1, when the customer selects "purchase plastic shopping bag", after product registration is completed, a plastic shopping bag registration screen is displayed to request the customer to register the plastic shopping bag. On the other hand, when the customer selects "do not need plastic shopping bag", the customer cannot purchase a plastic shopping bag.

[0004] As described above, in the self-checkout system of Patent Document 1, there has been a problem that if a customer selects that they do not need a plastic shopping bag on the screen asking whether they need to purchase a plastic shopping bag, and then realizes they need a plastic shopping bag during product registration, the customer does not know how to operate the self-checkout system to purchase a plastic shopping bag. [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing apparatus and a program that allow a customer to easily recognize that they can still purchase a paid plastic shopping bag after they have declared that they will not purchase one. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The product sales data processing device of this embodiment allows customers to perform product registration and payment operations themselves, and comprises a shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit, a first shopping bag registration guidance unit, and a product registration acceptance unit. The shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit acquires selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag based on the customer's operation on the customer screen. The first shopping bag registration guidance unit provides guidance on the customer screen indicating that a paid shopping bag can be registered if the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit has not acquired information indicating that a paid shopping bag will be purchased. The product registration acceptance unit accepts registration of products and paid shopping bags until the customer instructs payment for the purchase of products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a self-service POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a shopping bag purchase confirmation screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the first guidance screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the second guidance screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the first registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the second registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the third registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a state transition diagram showing an example of the state transitions of the customer-facing screen of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the self-service POS terminal of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an external perspective view showing an example of a shopping cart equipped with a cart terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a cart terminal according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] (Outline structure of a self-service POS terminal) The schematic configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10 of the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the self-service POS terminal of the first embodiment.

[0010] The self-service POS terminal 10 performs product registration processing, where the customer registers the products they purchased at the store, and payment processing related to the registered products, through operation by the customer themselves. The self-service POS terminal 10 is an example of a product sales data processing device in this disclosure. In addition to the self-service POS terminal 10, the product sales data processing devices in this disclosure include a self-service POS system in which a registration device for product registration operations and an accounting device for payment operations are configured separately, a smartphone POS where the customer registers products themselves using a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone), and a cart-type POS where the customer registers products themselves using a mobile terminal (e.g., a tablet) attached to a shopping cart.

[0011] The self-service POS terminal 10 comprises a main unit 15, a first mounting base 16 installed on the side of the main unit 15, and a second mounting base 17 placed on the side of the main unit 15 opposite to the side on which the first mounting base 16 is installed. The main unit 15 is equipped with input / output devices that input and output various types of information to and from the self-service POS terminal 10.

[0012] Specifically, the main unit 15 includes a display device 21, an operating device 22, a scanner 23, a card reader / writer 24, a change dispenser 25, a receipt printer 26, and a warning light 27.

[0013] The display device 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays various screens according to the instructions of the control unit 11 (see Figure 2). Note that the display device 21 is an example of a customer screen in this disclosure.

[0014] The operating device 22 is, for example, a touch panel mounted on the display surface of the display device 21. The operating device 22 outputs information indicating the location touched by the customer to the control unit 11.

[0015] Scanner 23 is a so-called fixed scanner having an imaging window and an imaging unit (not shown) located behind the imaging window. The imaging unit captures a code symbol, such as a barcode, that the customer holds up to the imaging window when registering the product they are purchasing. The code symbol contains a product code, which is identification information that uniquely identifies the product. The imaging unit decodes the information registered in the captured code symbol to obtain the product code. The self-POS terminal 10 obtains product information of the product held up to scanner 23 by comparing the decoded product code with the product master 122 (see Figure 2) and registers the product in the product registration file 124 (see Figure 2).

[0016] The self-service POS terminal 10 may include, in addition to the scanner 23, a handheld scanner not shown in the figures. The handheld scanner reads the code symbol attached to a product when it is difficult to hold the code symbol attached to the product up to the scanner 23, for example, when the product is heavy or large-sized.

[0017] The card reader / writer 24 reads information required for payment processing from card media such as point cards, electronic money cards, and credit cards. The card reader / writer 24 also reads and writes information to and from card media such as credit cards, and prepaid or postpaid electronic money cards. For example, the card reader / writer 24 reads information used for credit settlement and electronic settlement, and outputs the information to the control unit 11. Further, in response to an instruction from the control unit 11, the card reader / writer 24 adds points corresponding to the purchase amount to the points recorded on the point card.

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

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

[0020] The warning light 27 is configured by, for example, a red LED, and lights up or blinks when an abnormality occurs in the self-service POS terminal 10 or when a store clerk needs to be called.

[0021] The first mounting table 16 is a table for placing products before registration.

[0022] The second display stand 17 is a stand for placing products whose identification information has been read by the scanner 23. Above the second display stand 17, there is a hook 18 for hanging containers such as paid shopping bags or reusable bags that hold the products whose identification information has been read.

[0023] A shopping bag rack 30, as shown in Figure 1, is installed near the self-service POS terminal 10. The shopping bag rack 30 displays paid shopping bags 31. Customers take a paid shopping bag 31 from the shopping bag rack 30 as needed and register the product by scanning the barcode or other code symbol printed or affixed to the surface of the shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23. The code symbol contains the product code of the shopping bag 31. Generally, multiple sizes of shopping bags 31 are available, and customers select and purchase a shopping bag 31 of a size suitable for the items they are purchasing.

[0024] (Hardware configuration of self-service POS terminals) The hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal of the first embodiment.

[0025] The self-service POS terminal 10 has a configuration in which a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a peripheral device controller 13, and a communication interface 14 are connected to each other by an internal bus.

[0026] The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 10. The control unit 11 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113. The CPU 111 connects to the ROM 112 and the RAM 113 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 111 loads various programs stored in the ROM 112 and the memory unit 12 into the RAM 113. The CPU 111 controls the operation of the self-service POS terminal 10 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 113. In other words, the control unit 11 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0027] The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, the storage unit 12 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 12 stores the control program 121, the product master 122, the member master 123, and the product registration file 124.

[0028] The control program 121 is a program that controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 10. The control program 121 may be provided stored in the memory unit 12, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 121 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 121 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0029] The product master 122 is a master file that stores product information such as the product name and price of the products to be sold. The product master 122 stores the product name, unit price, additional information, etc., associated with the product code. Since the contents of the product master 122 are updated as needed, the self-service POS terminal 10 obtains the latest product master 122, for example, from the store server via the communication interface 14.

[0030] Member Master 123 is a master file that stores the customer's name, date of birth, gender, nationality, mobile device email address, etc., associated with the customer's member ID.

[0031] The product registration file 124 is a file that stores product information corresponding to the product code read by the self-service POS terminal 10. The information stored in the product registration file 124 is subject to payment processing when payment processing is performed.

[0032] The control unit 11 is connected via the peripheral device controller 13 to a display device 21, an operation device 22, a scanner 23, a card reader / writer 24, a change dispenser 25, a receipt printer 26, and a warning light 27, which perform input and output of various information. The outlines of each input / output device are as described above.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 11 communicates with the store server via the communication interface 14. The store server performs tasks such as updating the product master 122 on the self-service POS terminal 10. The store server may also act as a relay, connecting the self-service POS terminal 10 with a payment server (not shown) that handles each cashless payment method, such as credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, or cryptocurrency payment, when a customer selects such a method.

[0034] (Confirmation screen for plastic bag purchase) The shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 displayed on the display device 21 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping bag purchase confirmation screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal.

[0035] When a customer selects to start product registration on a menu screen (not shown) displayed on the display device 21 of the self-service POS terminal 10, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 shown in Figure 3 on the display device 21.

[0036] The shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 is a screen that obtains information from the customer regarding whether they want to purchase a paid shopping bag 31.

[0037] The shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 displays the screen title 41, operation guidance 42, shopping bag icon 43, a "No" button 45, a "Yes" button 46, and a "Call a staff member" button 47.

[0038] The screen title 41 represents the name of the function implemented by the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33. Since the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 is a screen that implements the self-checkout function, the screen title 41 displays "Self-Checkout".

[0039] Operation guidance 42 is an operation guide for the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33. Since the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 is a screen that obtains information from the customer regarding whether or not to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, operation guidance 42 displays "Would you like to purchase a paid shopping bag?".

[0040] The shopping bag icon 43 is an icon that mimics a paid shopping bag 31, and is an icon with a code symbol printed on the surface of the shopping bag. The shopping bag icon 43 is displayed to make customers aware of the existence of paid shopping bags 31. In addition, the shopping bag icon 43 is displayed as an animation that moves over time 44. This prevents customers from mistakenly thinking that the self-POS terminal 10 is frozen due to the screen remaining still.

[0041] The "No" button 45 is an operator used to declare that the customer will not purchase the paid shopping bag 31. When the "No" button 45 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that the customer will not purchase the paid shopping bag 31 and controls the subsequent screen transitions. Specifically, when the "No" button 45 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the first guidance screen 34 shown in Figure 4 on the display device 21.

[0042] The "Yes" button 46 is an operator used to declare the purchase of a paid shopping bag 31. When the "Yes" button 46 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that the customer intends to purchase a paid shopping bag 31 and controls the subsequent screen transitions. Specifically, when the "Yes" button 46 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the second guidance screen 35 shown in Figure 5 on the display device 21.

[0043] The staff call button 47 is used to call a staff member if the customer does not know how to operate the self-service POS terminal 10 or if there is a malfunction. When the staff call button 47 is pressed, the warning light 27 lights up or flashes. A staff member who notices the warning light 27 lights up or flashes will rush to the customer's location to assist them.

[0044] (First guidance screen) The first guidance screen 34 displayed on the display device 21 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first guidance screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal.

[0045] When a customer presses the "No" button 45 on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the first guidance screen 34 shown in Figure 4 on the display device 21.

[0046] The first guidance screen 34 is a screen that instructs the user to hold the barcode (code symbol) attached to the product to be purchased over the scanner 23 and scan it.

[0047] The first guidance screen 34 displays the screen title 41, operation guidance 42, preset buttons 48, a staff call button 47, and a back button 49.

[0048] The screen title 41 represents the name of the function implemented by the first guidance screen 34. Since the first guidance screen 34 is the screen that implements the self-checkout function, the screen title 41 displays "Self-Checkout".

[0049] Operation guidance 42 is an operation guide for the first information screen 34. Since the first information screen 34 is a screen that requests the customer to scan the barcode of the product to be purchased, operation guidance 42 displays "Please scan the barcode of the product to be purchased."

[0050] Preset button 48 is an operator used when registering products that do not have a barcode attached. When registering products that cannot have barcodes attached, such as vegetables and fresh fish, the customer presses the preset button 48 corresponding to the product's category. For example, to register a "radish," the customer presses the preset button 48 representing vegetables. After that, multiple buttons representing the names of products belonging to the vegetable category are displayed in the area where preset button 48 was previously displayed. The customer registers the "radish" by pressing the button representing "radish." Note that it is not possible to display buttons representing all vegetable product names in the area where preset button 48 is displayed, so the customer scrolls up and down through preset button 48 to find the product they wish to purchase.

[0051] The staff call button 47 is as described above.

[0052] The back button 49 is an operator that instructs the display device 21 to return to the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33, which retrieves information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31. When the back button 49 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 on the display device 21.

[0053] (Second information screen) The second guidance screen 35 displayed on the display device 21 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the second guidance screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal.

[0054] When a customer presses the "Yes" button 46 on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the second guidance screen 35 shown in Figure 5 on the display device 21.

[0055] The second guidance screen 35 is a screen that instructs the customer to scan the barcode attached to the product to be purchased, or the barcode attached to the paid shopping bag 31, by holding it over the scanner 23.

[0056] The second guidance screen 35 displays the screen title 41, operation guidance 42, a shopping bag icon 43, a preset button 48, a staff call button 47, and a back button 49.

[0057] The screen title 41 represents the name of the function implemented by the second guidance screen 35. Since the second guidance screen 35 is the screen that implements the self-checkout function, the screen title 41 displays "Self-Checkout".

[0058] Operation guidance 42 is an operation guide for the second information screen 35. Since the second information screen 35 is a screen that requests the customer to scan the barcode of the product to be purchased or the barcode of the paid shopping bag 31, operation guidance 42 displays "Please scan the barcode of the product or shopping bag you wish to purchase."

[0059] The shopping bag icon 43 is an icon that mimics the paid shopping bag 31. The shopping bag icon 43 is displayed to inform customers that they can scan the paid shopping bag 31.

[0060] The preset button 48 is as described above (see Figure 4).

[0061] The staff call button 47 is as described above (see Figure 3).

[0062] The back button 49 is as described above (see Figure 4).

[0063] (First registration screen) The first registration screen 36 displayed on the display device 21 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the first registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal.

[0064] When a customer scans the barcode of the product they wish to purchase using the scanner 23 on the first guidance screen 34, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the first registration screen 36 shown in Figure 6 on the display device 21.

[0065] The first registration screen 36 is a screen that displays a list of product information for registered products. The first registration screen 36 displays the screen title 41, preset buttons 48, product list 50, app icon 76, shopping bag icon 43, operation guidance 56, payment amount information 57, cancel button 61, call staff button 47, and checkout button 62.

[0066] The screen title 41 represents the name of the function implemented by the first guidance screen 34. Since the first guidance screen 34 is the screen for registering products at a self-checkout, the screen title 41 displays "Product Registration".

[0067] The preset button 48 is as described above (see Figure 4).

[0068] Product list 50 is a list that includes product information for registered products, as well as operators for changing the quantity and canceling registration. Product list 50 includes product name 51, product price 52, quantity change button 53, purchase quantity button 54, and cancellation registration button 55.

[0069] Product name 51 indicates the name of the registered product. The self-service POS terminal 10 reads the product code from the barcode attached to the product and obtains the product name 51 by comparing it with the product master 122.

[0070] Product price 52 indicates the price of product with product name 51.

[0071] The quantity change button 53 is an operator used by the customer to increase or decrease the quantity of a product they wish to purchase. For example, pressing the quantity change button 53 makes it possible to change the quantity of the product. The customer then increases or decreases the quantity of the product by manipulating the purchase quantity 54.

[0072] The purchase quantity button 54 is an operator that increases the purchase quantity by 1 when swiped upward after the quantity change button 53 is pressed. Conversely, the purchase quantity button 54 is an operator that decreases the purchase quantity by 1 when swiped downward after the quantity change button 53 is pressed.

[0073] The Cancel Registration button 55 is an operator used to cancel the registration of the product displayed in that row. When the Cancel Registration button 55 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 cancels the registration of the corresponding product and removes it from the product list 50.

[0074] App icon 76 is an icon that indicates that a store's app is scannable. App icon 76 is, for example, an icon that displays a code symbol showing the app's code on a mobile device screen.

[0075] As mentioned earlier, the shopping bag icon 43 is an icon that imitates the paid shopping bag 31.

[0076] The operation guidance 56 is an operation guide for the first registration screen 36. The first registration screen 36 is a screen where customers register products by scanning the barcode attached to the product, but it also accepts scanning of paid shopping bags 31 and applications that provide discounts and other services distributed by the store to customers. Therefore, the operation guidance 56 displays "You can also scan the store's app and shopping bags." In this way, even if a customer declares on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 that they do not intend to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, they can still register the paid shopping bag 31.

[0077] When scanning the store's app, the customer launches the store's application on their mobile device, such as a smartphone, and displays a barcode or other code symbol that identifies the service they wish to use on the device's screen. The customer then has the scanner 23 read the displayed code symbol to use the discount or other service.

[0078] Furthermore, on the first registration screen 36, a shopping bag icon 43 with a barcode and an app icon 76 are displayed near the operation guidance 56, indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 and the store's app can be scanned. Therefore, customers can intuitively recognize that the paid shopping bag 31 and the store's app can be scanned.

[0079] When product registration is repeated on the first registration screen 36, the number of rows in the product list 50 increases, and the product list 50 extends downwards on the first registration screen 36. At this time, to prevent the shopping bag icon 43 and the app icon 76 from being hidden by the product list 50, the product list 50 may be made semi-transparent so that the shopping bag icon 43 and the app icon 76 are visible through the background of the product list 50. If the product list 50 can no longer be displayed on one screen, the self-service POS terminal 10 hides previously registered product information at the top of the first registration screen 36 and allows all product information to be viewed by scrolling the product list 50 up and down.

[0080] Payment amount information 57 is information showing the total payment amount for all items registered at that time. Payment amount information 57 includes the number of items 58, the discount amount 59, and the total amount 60.

[0081] The product count of 58 indicates the number of registered products.

[0082] The discount amount of 59 represents the total discount amount for the registered products.

[0083] The total amount of 60 represents the total price of the registered items. The total price of the items is calculated by subtracting the discount amount from the sum of the unit prices of the items.

[0084] The cancel button 61 is an operator that declares the cancellation of the purchase by deleting all product registration information at the current time. When the cancel button 61 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 discards the registered contents of the product registration file 124 (see Figure 2) and displays the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 on the display device 21. The customer returns the products, for example, to the service counter.

[0085] The staff call button 47 is as described above (see Figure 3).

[0086] The checkout button 62 is an operator used by customers who have completed registering all their items when they want to make a payment. When the checkout button 62 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays a checkout screen (not shown) on the display device 21 and prompts the customer to make a payment for the items registered in the item registration file 124.

[0087] (Second registration screen) The second registration screen 37 displayed on the display device 21 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the second registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal.

[0088] When a customer scans the barcode of a paid shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23 on the second guidance screen 35, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the second registration screen 37 shown in Figure 7 on the display device 21.

[0089] The second registration screen 37 is a screen that lists the product information of the registered paid shopping bags 31 and the product information of the registered products. The second registration screen 37 displays the screen title 41, preset buttons 48, product list 50, app icon 76, operation guidance 56, payment amount information 57, cancel button 61, call staff button 47, and checkout button 62.

[0090] The screen title 41 represents the name of the function implemented by the second registration screen 37. Since the second registration screen 37 is the screen for registering products at a self-checkout, the screen title 41 displays "Product Registration".

[0091] The preset button 48 is as described above (see Figure 4).

[0092] The list of 50 products is as described above (see Figure 6).

[0093] App icon 76 is as described above (see Figure 6).

[0094] The operation guidance 56 is an operation guide for the second registration screen 37. The second registration screen 37 is a screen that is displayed after the customer scans the barcode attached to the paid shopping bag 31, and is a screen that accepts product scans. Furthermore, the second registration screen 37 also accepts scans of applications that provide discount and other services distributed by the store to the customer. Therefore, the operation guidance 56 displays "You can also scan the store's app."

[0095] Furthermore, on the second registration screen 37, the aforementioned app icon 76 is displayed near the operation guidance 56 to indicate that the store's app can be scanned.

[0096] When product registration is repeated on the second registration screen 37, the number of rows in the product list 50 increases, and the product list 50 extends downwards on the second registration screen 37. At this time, to prevent the app icon 76 from being hidden by the product list 50, the product list 50 may be made semi-transparent so that the app icon 76 is visible through the background of the product list 50. If the product list 50 can no longer be displayed on one screen, the self-POS terminal 10 hides previously registered product information at the top of the second registration screen 37 and allows all product information to be viewed by scrolling the product list 50 up and down.

[0097] The payment amount information 57 is as described above (see Figure 6).

[0098] The cancel button 61, the staff call button 47, and the payment button 62 are all as described above (see Figure 6).

[0099] (Third registration screen) The third registration screen 38 displayed on the display device 21 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the third registration screen displayed on a self-service POS terminal.

[0100] When a customer scans the product barcode with the scanner 23 on the second guidance screen 35, the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the third registration screen 38 shown in Figure 8 on the display device 21.

[0101] The third registration screen 38 is a screen that displays a list of product information for registered products. The third registration screen 38 displays the screen title 41, preset buttons 48, product list 50, shopping bag icon 43, operation guidance 56, payment amount information 57, cancel button 61, call staff button 47, and checkout button 62.

[0102] The third registration screen 38 differs from the second registration screen 37 in that it displays a shopping bag icon 43 instead of the app icon 76, and the content of the operation guidance 56 is different. The third registration screen 38 is the screen that is displayed when the paid shopping bag 31 has not been scanned on the second guidance screen 35, so the shopping bag icon 43 is displayed, and the operation guidance 56 displays, "Have you forgotten to scan your shopping bag?"

[0103] Furthermore, on the third registration screen 38, a shopping bag icon with a barcode is displayed near the operation guidance 56, indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned.

[0104] (State transitions of the screen displayed on the display device) Figure 9 will be used to explain the state transitions of the screen displayed on the display device 21 of the self-service POS terminal 10. Figure 9 is a state transition diagram showing an example of the state transitions of the customer-facing screen of a self-service POS terminal.

[0105] When the self-service POS terminal 10 is in a state where the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​101), if the customer presses the No button 45, the system transitions to state Node 102, where the first guidance screen 34 is displayed on the display device 21, via Arc 63.

[0106] When the first guidance screen 34 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​102), if the customer presses the back button 49, the system returns to node 101, where the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 is displayed on the display device 21, via arc 64.

[0107] When the display device 21 is showing the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 (node ​​101), if the customer presses the yes button 46, the system transitions to node 103, where the second guidance screen 35 is displayed on the display device 21, via arc 65.

[0108] When the second guidance screen 35 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​103), if the customer presses the back button 49, the system returns to node 101, where the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 is displayed on the display device 21, via arc 66.

[0109] When the first guidance screen 34 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​102), if a customer scans an item or a paid shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23, the system transitions to node 104, where the first registration screen 36 is displayed on the display device 21, via arc 67.

[0110] When the first registration screen 36 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​104), the screen displays operation guidance 56 indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned. Therefore, even if the customer declares on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 that they do not intend to purchase the paid shopping bag 31, they can still register and purchase the paid shopping bag while the first registration screen 36 is displayed. When the customer scans the product or the paid shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23 at node 104, the state of node 104 with the first registration screen 36 displayed on the display device 21 is maintained via arc 68.

[0111] With the first registration screen 36 displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​104), when a customer presses the payment button 62, the system transitions via arc 69 to node 107, where a payment screen (not shown) is displayed on the display device 21. Subsequently, the customer operates the payment screen to have the self-service POS terminal 10 process the payment for the items they are purchasing.

[0112] When the second guidance screen 35 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​103), and the customer scans the paid shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23, the system transitions to node 105, where the second registration screen 37 is displayed on the display device 21, via arc 70.

[0113] When the second registration screen 37 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​105), and the customer scans the product or paid shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23, the state of node 105 with the second registration screen 37 displayed on the display device 21 is maintained via arc 71.

[0114] With the second registration screen 37 displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​105), when the customer presses the payment button 62, the system transitions via arc 72 to node 107, where a payment screen (not shown) is displayed on the display device 21. Subsequently, the customer operates the payment screen to have the self-service POS terminal 10 process the payment for the items they are purchasing.

[0115] When the second guidance screen 35 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​103), and the customer scans the product with the scanner 23, the system transitions to node 106, where the third registration screen 38 is displayed on the display device 21, via arc 73.

[0116] When the third registration screen 38 is displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​106), an operation guidance 56 indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned is displayed on the screen, thus preventing customers from forgetting to purchase a shopping bag. At node 106, when the customer scans the product or the paid shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23, the state of node 106 with the third registration screen 38 displayed on the display device 21 is maintained via arc 74.

[0117] Furthermore, at node 106, if a customer scans a paid shopping bag 31 with the scanner 23, the self-service POS terminal 10 may transition to the state of node 105 where the second registration screen 37 is displayed on the display device 21. Similarly, at node 106, if a customer scans an item with the scanner 23, the state of node 106 where the third registration screen 38 is displayed on the display device 21 may be maintained via arc 74.

[0118] With the third registration screen 38 displayed on the display device 21 (node ​​106), when the customer presses the payment button 62, the system transitions via arc 75 to node 107, where a payment screen (not shown) is displayed on the display device 21. Subsequently, the customer operates the payment screen to have the self-service POS terminal 10 process the payment for the items they are purchasing.

[0119] (Functional configuration of self-service POS terminals) The functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10 of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal of the first embodiment.

[0120] The control unit 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10 reads the control program 121, loads it into the RAM 113 provided by the control unit 11, and executes it, thereby realizing the following functional units as shown in Figure 10: the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81, the first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82, the second shopping bag registration guidance unit 83, the shopping bag purchase re-selection unit 84, the product registration acceptance unit 85, the product registration unit 86, the payment processing unit 87, the display control unit 88, and the operation control unit 89.

[0121] The shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 acquires selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31 based on the customer's operation on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 displayed on the display device 21 (an example of a customer-facing screen). Specifically, on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33, if the "No" button 45 is pressed, it is determined that the customer will not purchase a paid shopping bag 31, and if the "Yes" button 46 is pressed, it is determined that the customer will purchase a paid shopping bag 31.

[0122] The first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82 provides guidance on the first registration screen 36 displayed on the display device 21 (an example of a customer-facing screen) indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be registered, when the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 does not acquire information indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be purchased. Specifically, the first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82 displays operation guidance 56 indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be registered, and a shopping bag icon 43 on the first registration screen 36. By displaying the first registration screen 36, the customer can recognize that they can register and purchase the paid shopping bag 31.

[0123] The second shopping bag registration guidance unit 83, when the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 acquires information indicating that the customer will purchase a paid shopping bag 31, provides guidance on the second guidance screen 35 displayed on the display device 21 (an example of a customer-facing screen) indicating that the customer can register either the product or the paid shopping bag 31. Specifically, the second shopping bag registration guidance unit 83 displays operation guidance 42 indicating that the customer can register either the product or the paid shopping bag 31, and a shopping bag icon 43 on the second guidance screen 35. By displaying the second guidance screen 35, the customer can understand that the order in which they register the paid shopping bag 31 and the product does not matter.

[0124] The shopping bag purchase re-selection unit 84, after the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 has acquired the selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, and until the registration of the product or the paid shopping bag 31 is accepted, displays a back button 49 (an example of an operator) on the display device 21 instructing the user to return to the screen where the selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31 is acquired.

[0125] The product registration reception unit 85 accepts registration of products and paid shopping bags 31 from the time the customer gives instructions for payment related to the purchase of the products.

[0126] The product registration unit 86 performs product registration processing to register product information corresponding to the scanned product or the paid shopping bag 31 in the product registration file 124.

[0127] The payment processing unit 87 performs payment processing for products registered through the product registration process. The payment processing unit 87 performs payment using the payment method selected by the customer. For example, if the customer chooses cash payment, the payment processing is performed by the change dispenser 25 provided in the self-service POS terminal 10. If the customer chooses cashless payment such as credit card payment, the payment processing is performed by a payment server (not shown).

[0128] The display control unit 88 causes the display device 21 to display a screen corresponding to the operating status of the self-service POS terminal 10.

[0129] The operation control unit 89 outputs information to the control unit 11 that identifies the operator pressed by the customer from among the various operators displayed on the display device 21. The control unit 11 performs control according to the pressed operator.

[0130] (Process flow performed by a self-service POS terminal) The processing flow of the self-service POS terminal 10 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the self-service POS terminal in the first embodiment. Note that Figure 11 is a flowchart that realizes the state transition diagram in Figure 9.

[0131] The display control unit 88 causes the display device 21 to display the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 (step S11).

[0132] The shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 and the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 determine whether the "No" button 45 or the "Yes" button 46 was pressed (step S12). If it is determined that the "No" button 45 was pressed, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is determined that the "Yes" button 46 was pressed, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0133] In step S12, if it is determined that the No button 45 has been pressed, the display control unit 88 causes the first guidance screen 34 to be displayed on the display device 21 (step S13).

[0134] The operation control unit 89 determines whether the back button 49 was pressed on the first guidance screen 34 (step S14). If it is determined that the back button 49 was pressed (step S14: Yes), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the back button 49 was pressed (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0135] If it is determined that the back button 49 was not pressed in step S14, the product registration reception unit 85 determines whether the product or the paid shopping bag 31 has been scanned by the scanner 23 (step S15). If it is determined that the product or the paid shopping bag 31 has been scanned (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined that the product or the paid shopping bag 31 has not been scanned (step S15: No), the process returns to step S14.

[0136] In step S15, if it is determined that the product or the paid shopping bag 31 has been scanned, the first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82 instructs the display control unit 88 to display the first registration screen 36 on the display device 21 (step S16).

[0137] Next, the product registration unit 86 performs a product registration process to register product information corresponding to the product or paid shopping bag 31 scanned in step S15 in the product registration file 124 (step S17). At this time, the first registration screen 36 displays operation guidance 56 indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned. Therefore, even if the customer declared in step S12 that they would not purchase the paid shopping bag 31, they can register and purchase the paid shopping bag while the first registration screen 36 is displayed.

[0138] The operation control unit 89 determines whether the payment button 62 was pressed on the first registration screen 36 (step S18). If it is determined that the payment button 62 was pressed (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the payment button 62 was pressed (step S18: No), the process returns to step S15.

[0139] Returning to step S12, if it is determined that the "yes" button 46 was pressed in step S12, the second shopping bag registration guidance unit 83 instructs the display control unit 88 to display the second guidance screen 35 on the display device 21 (step S19).

[0140] The operation control unit 89 determines whether the back button 49 was pressed on the second guidance screen 35 (step S20). If it is determined that the back button 49 was pressed (step S20: Yes), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the back button 49 was pressed (step S20: No), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0141] If it is determined that the back button 49 was not pressed in step S20, the product registration reception unit 85 determines whether the paid shopping bag 31 was scanned by the scanner 23 (step S21). If it is determined that the paid shopping bag 31 was scanned (step S21: Yes), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paid shopping bag 31 was not scanned (step S21: No), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0142] In step S21, if it is determined that the paid shopping bag 31 has been scanned, the display control unit 88 displays the second registration screen 37 on the display device 21 (step S22).

[0143] Next, the product registration unit 86 performs a product registration process to register product information corresponding to the scanned product or the paid shopping bag 31 in the product registration file 124 (step S23).

[0144] Next, the product registration reception unit 85 determines whether the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has been scanned by the scanner 23 (step S24). If it is determined that the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has been scanned (step S24: Yes), the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has been scanned (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0145] If it is determined in step S24 that the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has not been scanned, the operation control unit 89 determines on the second registration screen 37 whether the payment button 62 has been pressed (step S25). If it is determined that the payment button 62 has been pressed (step S25: Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the payment button 62 has been pressed (step S25: No), the process returns to step S24.

[0146] Returning to step S21, if it is determined in step S21 that the paid shopping bag 31 has not been scanned, the product registration reception unit 85 determines whether the product has been scanned by the scanner 23 (step S26). If it is determined that the product has been scanned (step S26: Yes), the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if it is determined that the product has not been scanned (step S26: No), the process returns to step S20.

[0147] In step S26, if it is determined that the product has been scanned, the display control unit 88 displays the third registration screen 38 on the display device 21 (step S27).

[0148] The product registration unit 86 performs a product registration process to register product information corresponding to the scanned product or the paid shopping bag 31 in the product registration file 124 (step S28). At this time, the third registration screen 38 displays an operation guidance 56 indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned, thereby preventing customers from forgetting to purchase a shopping bag.

[0149] Next, the product registration reception unit 85 determines whether the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has been scanned by the scanner 23 (step S29). If it is determined that the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has been scanned (step S29: Yes), the process returns to step S28. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has been scanned (step S29: No), the process proceeds to step S30.

[0150] If it is determined in step S29 that the paid shopping bag 31 or the product has not been scanned, the operation control unit 89 determines on the third registration screen 38 whether the payment button 62 has been pressed (step S30). If it is determined that the payment button 62 has been pressed (step S30: Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if it is determined that the payment button 62 has not been pressed (step S30: No), the process returns to step S29.

[0151] In step S18, if it is determined that the payment button 62 was pressed on the first registration screen 36, or in step S25, if it is determined that the payment button 62 was pressed on the second registration screen 37, or in step S30, if it is determined that the payment button 62 was pressed on the third registration screen 38, the payment processing unit 87 performs payment processing for the product registered in the product registration file 124 (step S31). After that, the self-service POS terminal 10 terminates processing.

[0152] (Effects of the first embodiment) As described above, the self-service POS terminal 10 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the first embodiment allows the customer to register the products they wish to purchase and to perform the payment operation themselves. It includes a shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 that acquires selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31 based on the customer's operation on the display device 21 (an example of a customer screen), a first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82 that provides guidance on the display device 21 indicating that a paid shopping bag 31 can be registered if the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 does not acquire information indicating that a paid shopping bag 31 will be purchased, and a product registration acceptance unit 85 that accepts registration of products and paid shopping bags 31 until the customer instructs the payment for the purchase of products. Therefore, even if the customer declares on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 that they will not purchase a paid shopping bag 31, if they subsequently need a paid shopping bag 31, they can easily recognize that they can register and purchase a paid shopping bag 31 at any time during shopping on the first registration screen 36 displayed on the display device 21.

[0153] Furthermore, in the self-service POS terminal 10 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the first embodiment, the first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82 causes the display device 21 (an example of a customer-facing screen) to display guidance indicating that a paid shopping bag 31 can be registered. Therefore, even if a customer declares on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 that they do not intend to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, the first registration screen 36 displayed on the display device 21 afterward will show operation guidance 56 indicating that a shopping bag can be scanned, so the customer can easily recognize that they can purchase a paid shopping bag 31 if they wish to.

[0154] Furthermore, in the self-service POS terminal 10 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the first embodiment, the first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82 displays a shopping bag icon 43 on the display device 21 (an example of a customer-facing screen). Therefore, even if a customer declares on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 that they do not intend to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, they can easily recognize that they can purchase a paid shopping bag 31 if they wish after seeing the shopping bag icon 43 displayed on the display device 21.

[0155] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the first embodiment further includes a second shopping bag registration guidance unit 83 that, when the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 acquires information indicating the purchase of a paid shopping bag 31, provides guidance on the display device 21 (an example of a customer-facing screen) indicating that the product or the paid shopping bag 31 can be registered. Therefore, customers can easily recognize that the order in which they scan the product and the paid shopping bag 31 does not matter, and can proceed with their shopping at their own pace.

[0156] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the first embodiment further includes a shopping bag purchase re-selection unit 84 that displays a back button 49 (an example of an operator) on the customer screen instructing the customer to return to the screen where the selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31 is acquired, after the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 has acquired the selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, and until the registration of the product or the paid shopping bag 31 is accepted.Therefore, the customer can easily recognize that if they made a mistake in selecting whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, they can re-select whether or not to purchase a paid shopping bag 31.

[0157] Furthermore, in the self-service POS terminal 10 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the first embodiment, the product registration reception unit 85 accepts product registration even before the registration of the paid shopping bag 31 is accepted, when the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 acquires information indicating the purchase of a paid shopping bag 31. Therefore, the order of selecting the paid shopping bag 31 and selecting the product does not matter, which allows for sufficient time to determine the size of the paid shopping bag 31 according to the quantity of products to be purchased.

[0158] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which the present disclosure is applied to a cart terminal 90 installed in a shopping cart.

[0159] (Shopping cart configuration) The schematic configuration of a shopping cart 98 equipped with a cart terminal 90 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is an external perspective view showing an example of a shopping cart equipped with a cart terminal according to the second embodiment.

[0160] The shopping cart terminal 90 is, for example, a tablet device that receives customer input and registers the products the customer purchases. Customers can shop while registering products. The shopping cart terminal 90 also assists with payment processing for the registered products. Specifically, the shopping cart terminal 90 has a payment server (not shown) process the payment using the payment method selected by the customer (e.g., credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, cryptocurrency payment, etc.).

[0161] The cart terminal 90 is attached to the shopping cart 98 and includes a display device 95, an operating device 96, and a scanner 97.

[0162] The display device 95 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays various screens according to the instructions of the control unit 91 (see Figure 13). Note that the display device 95 is an example of a customer screen in this disclosure.

[0163] The operating device 96 is, for example, a touch panel mounted on the display surface of the display device 95. The operating device 96 outputs information indicating the location touched by the customer to the control unit 91.

[0164] The scanner 97 is a so-called fixed scanner having an imaging window and an imaging unit (not shown) located behind the imaging window. The imaging unit captures a code symbol, such as a barcode, that the customer holds up to the imaging window when registering the product they are purchasing. The code symbol contains a product code, which is identification information that uniquely identifies the product. The imaging unit decodes the information registered in the captured code symbol to obtain the product code. The cart terminal 90 obtains product information of the product held up to the scanner 97 by comparing the decoded product code with the product master 922 (see Figure 13), and registers the product in the product registration file 924 (see Figure 13).

[0165] (Hardware configuration of the shopping cart terminal) The hardware configuration of the cart terminal 90 will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cart terminal in the second embodiment.

[0166] The cart terminal 90 has a configuration in which a control unit 91, a storage unit 92, a peripheral device controller 93, and a communication interface 94 are connected to each other by an internal bus.

[0167] The control unit 91 controls the overall operation of the cart terminal 90. The control unit 91 comprises a CPU 911, a ROM 912, and a RAM 913. The CPU 911 connects to the ROM 912 and the RAM 913 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 911 loads various programs stored in the ROM 912 and the memory unit 92 into the RAM 913. The CPU 911 controls the operation of the cart terminal 90 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 913. In other words, the control unit 91 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0168] The storage unit 92 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Alternatively, the storage unit 92 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 92 stores the control program 921, the product master 922, the member master 923, and the product registration file 924.

[0169] The control program 921 is a program that controls the overall operation of the cart terminal 90. The control program 921 may be provided stored in the memory unit 92, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 921 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 921 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0170] Product master 922 is the same master file as product master 122 (see Figure 2) mentioned above.

[0171] The member master 923 is the same master file as the member master 123 (see Figure 2) mentioned above. When a customer holds their membership card or mobile device registered membership code over the scanner 97 and begins shopping using the cart terminal 90 (so-called check-in), the member master 923 verifies the membership code read by the scanner 97 and authorizes the customer's check-in.

[0172] Product registration file 924 is the same file as product registration file 124 (see Figure 2) mentioned above.

[0173] The control unit 91 is connected to a display device 95, an operation device 96, and a scanner 97 via a peripheral device controller 93, which input and output various types of information. The general outline of each input / output device is as described above.

[0174] Furthermore, the control unit 91 communicates with the store server via the communication interface 94. The store server performs tasks such as updating the product master 922 on the cart terminal 90. The store server also acts as a relay, connecting the cart terminal 90 with a payment server (not shown) that handles each cashless payment method, such as credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, or cryptocurrency payment, when a customer selects such a method.

[0175] (Functional configuration of the shopping cart terminal) The control unit 91 of the cart terminal 90 reads the control program 921, loads it into the RAM 913 provided by the control unit 91, and executes it, thereby realizing the same functional units as shown in Figure 10. The functions of each functional unit are as described above, so a further explanation will be omitted.

[0176] (Function of the shopping cart terminal) The cart terminal 90 displays the same various operation screens on the display device 95 as those described in the first embodiment. The various operation screens transition according to the screen transition diagram shown in Figure 9.

[0177] Customers using the self-service POS terminal 10 described in the first embodiment can make payments with the shopping bag rack 30 located near the self-service POS terminal 10, so they are less likely to forget to scan (register) the paid shopping bags 31. In contrast, customers using the shopping cart terminal 90 can make payments anywhere in the store, so the paid shopping bags 31 are not necessarily located near the payment area. Therefore, customers using the shopping cart terminal 90 who need to purchase paid shopping bags 31 can scan and register the paid shopping bags 31 at any time during their shopping, for example, when they see the paid shopping bags 31.

[0178] Thus, the timing at which a customer using the cart terminal 90 scans the paid shopping bag 31 is unpredictable. When a customer declares their intention to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, but the paid shopping bag 31 has not yet been scanned, the cart terminal 90 displays a third registration screen 38 (see Figure 8) on the display device 95, clearly indicating that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned. Therefore, even if a customer declares their intention to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, it is possible to prevent them from forgetting to scan (register) the paid shopping bag 31.

[0179] Furthermore, even if the customer does not declare their intention to purchase a paid shopping bag 31, the cart terminal 90 displays a first registration screen 36 (see Figure 6) on the display device 95 that clearly indicates that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned. Therefore, if a customer decides to purchase a paid shopping bag 31 while shopping, they can easily recognize that they can purchase one and scan the paid shopping bag 31 without panicking.

[0180] Although not shown in the diagram, the cart terminal 90 may also display the location of the paid shopping bags 31 in the store when it displays the first registration screen 36 and the third registration screen 38 on the display device 95.

[0181] (Effects of the second embodiment) As described above, the shopping cart terminal 90 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of the second embodiment allows the customer to perform the registration and payment operations for the products they wish to purchase themselves. It includes a shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 that acquires selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag 31 based on the customer's operation on the display device 95 (an example of a customer screen), a first shopping bag registration guidance unit 82 that provides guidance on the display device 95 indicating that a paid shopping bag 31 can be registered if the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 81 does not acquire information indicating that a paid shopping bag 31 will be purchased, and a product registration acceptance unit 85 that accepts the registration of products and paid shopping bags 31 until the customer instructs the payment for the purchase of products. Therefore, even if the customer declares on the shopping bag purchase confirmation screen 33 that they will not purchase a paid shopping bag 31, if they subsequently need a paid shopping bag 31, they can register and purchase a paid shopping bag 31 at any time during shopping on the first registration screen 36 displayed on the display device 95. In particular, in the cart terminal 90 of the second embodiment, the location where purchased goods are paid for and the location where the paid shopping bag 31 is purchased may be different. However, even in such cases, regardless of whether the customer has declared that they will purchase the paid shopping bag 31 or not, the display device 95 will show that the paid shopping bag 31 can be scanned (registered) before the payment instruction is given, so the customer can easily recognize that they can purchase a paid shopping bag. As a result, customers who need a paid shopping bag 31 can register it without hesitation regarding the timing of the operation.

[0182] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various 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]

[0183] 10. Self-service POS terminal (an example of a product sales data processing device) 21 Display device (an example of a customer-facing screen) 23 Scanners 30 Plastic bag racks 31. Paid plastic bags 33. Plastic bag purchase confirmation screen 34. First Information Screen 35. Second Information Screen 36. First Registration Screen 37 Second Registration Screen 38 Third Registration Screen 41 Screen Title 42 Operation Guidance 43 Plastic bag icon 45 No button 46 Yes button 47 Call a staff member button 48 Preset Buttons 49. Back button (an example of a control) 50 Product List 51 Product name 52 Product Price 53 Quantity Change Button 54 Purchase Quantity Button 55 Cancel Registration button 56 Operation Guidance 57 Payment Amount Information 58 number of products 59 Discount amount 60 Total amount 61 Cancel button 62 Checkout button 76 App Icons 81. Plastic bag purchase selection information acquisition unit 82 First Shopping Bag Registration Information Section 83 Second Shopping Bag Registration Information Section 84. Re-selection section for purchasing plastic bags 85 Product Registration Department 86 Product Registration Department 87 Payment Processing Unit 88 Display Control Unit 89 Operation Control Unit 90. Shopping cart terminal (an example of a product sales data processing device) 95 Display device (an example of a customer-facing screen) 96 Operating Devices 97 Scanner 98 Shopping Cart [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0184] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-39738

Claims

1. In a product sales data processing device in which customers themselves perform the registration and payment operations for the products they purchase, A shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit acquires selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag based on the customer's operation on the customer screen, If the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit does not acquire information indicating the purchase of the paid shopping bag, the first shopping bag registration guidance unit provides guidance on the customer screen indicating that the paid shopping bag can be registered, The facility includes a product registration reception area that accepts registration of products and paid shopping bags from the time the customer makes the payment for the purchase of the products until the customer makes the payment. Product sales data processing device.

2. The first shopping bag registration guidance unit displays a message on the customer screen indicating that a paid shopping bag can be registered. Product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. The first shopping bag registration guidance unit displays a shopping bag icon on the customer screen. Product sales data processing device according to claim 2.

4. The system further includes a second shopping bag registration guidance unit that, when the shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit acquires information indicating that a paid shopping bag will be purchased, provides guidance on the customer screen indicating that the product or the paid shopping bag can be registered. Product sales data processing device according to claim 3.

5. The shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit further includes a shopping bag purchase re-selection unit that, after acquiring selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag, displays an operator on the customer screen instructing the user to return to the screen where the selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag is acquired, during the period between acquiring the selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag and accepting registration of the product or the paid shopping bag. Product sales data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned product registration acceptance unit accepts product registration even before accepting registration for paid shopping bags, when the aforementioned shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the purchase of paid shopping bags. Product sales data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A computer that controls a product sales data processing device in which customers themselves register and pay for the products they purchase, A shopping bag purchase selection information acquisition unit acquires selection information on whether to purchase a paid shopping bag based on the customer's operation on the customer screen, If information indicating the purchase of a shopping bag is not obtained, the shopping bag registration guidance unit on the customer screen provides guidance indicating that a paid shopping bag can be registered, Until the customer instructs the payment process for the purchased goods, the unit will function as a product registration reception area, accepting registrations for the goods and the paid shopping bags. program.

Images