Sales data processing device and bag holder

Abstract

To provide a sales data processor and a bag holding fixture capable of handling more transactions even in a limited space, as well as providing good customer convenience from payment for items to bagging.SOLUTION: A sales data processor 100 includes: a touch panel display 11 that displays an operation screen; a touch panel display 21 that is oriented in a different direction from the touch panel display 11 and displays an operation screen; a first bag holder 40a that is provided facing an operator of the touch panel display 11; and a second bag holder 40b that is provided facing an operator of the touch panel display 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales data processing device and a bag holder capable of handling a plurality of independent transactions.

Background Art

[0002] In stores such as supermarkets, sales data processing devices for registering and settling goods are installed. In order to operate efficiently, it is desirable to increase the number of installed sales data processing devices, but space is limited. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary bagging table including a rotating table, a rack for hanging a packaging bag provided on a side wall of the table, and a non-rotating table provided on an upper surface of the table for placing a packaging aid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the rotary bagging table described in the above patent document has a large occupied area and cannot achieve efficient operation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sales data processing device and a bag holder that can handle more transactions even in limited space and are convenient for customers from settlement of goods to bagging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the sales data processing device according to the present invention includes a first display unit that displays an operation screen, A second display unit that is arranged in a direction different from the first display unit and displays an operation screen, a first bag holder provided facing the operator of the first display unit, and a second bag holder provided facing the operator of the second display unit.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] ●Overview Hereinafter, a sales data processing device and a bag holder according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, plastic shopping bags and customers' own reusable bags may be collectively referred to as "bags". Also, a "shopping basket" means a basket provided by the store for customers to pack items before checkout, while a "personal basket" means a basket brought in by the customer and used by the customer instead of a plastic shopping bag or a reusable bag.

[0009] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a sales data processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment and a bag holder 40 that constitutes the sales data processing apparatus 100. The sales data processing apparatus 100 is a POS register that performs product registration and / or checkout and is operated by a customer. Note that the sales data processing apparatus 100 can be considered to constitute a registration device from the perspective of performing product registration, and can also be considered to constitute a checkout device from the perspective of performing checkout of registered products.

[0010] This sales data processing apparatus 100 includes a first operation unit 1 and a second operation unit 2. The first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are operation units corresponding to different accounting processes and execute processes independently. Thereby, the sales data processing apparatus 100 can handle accounting processes for two customers or two groups of customers simultaneously.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are each referred to as an operation unit corresponding to a different accounting process, but they may also be referred to as POS terminals. Regardless of their names, they are terminals capable of executing a series of processes that are completed only by the self-terminal. Therefore, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are each connected to devices such as a higher-level store controller or a transaction status management device via a LAN. Similarly, the sales data processing apparatus 100 can also be regarded as a single unit composed of a plurality of terminals or devices, such as the first operation unit 1, the second operation unit 2, and the change dispenser 14 connected to the first operation unit 1. It can also be regarded as a single device or a POS terminal having these plurality of terminals or devices as components.

[0012] The first operation unit 1 is an operation unit that can handle both cash settlement and non-cash settlement accounting processes, and the second operation unit 2 is an operation unit that can only handle non-cash settlement accounting processes. Note that non-cash settlement is a settlement method that does not use cash, and includes, for example, card settlement using a credit card or the like, code settlement, settlement using points, and settlement using electronic money.

[0013] The first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are installed on the upper surface of the change and ticket vending machine 14 controlled by the first operation unit 1. Specifically, on the upper surface side of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 10 that constitutes the change and ticket vending machine 14, the first operation unit 1 is disposed biased toward one end side where outlets for change and tickets are provided, and the second operation unit 2 is disposed at a position biased toward the other end side. Also, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are installed back-to-back so that the touch panel display 11 and the touch panel display 21 face opposite sides. That is, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 face the operation surfaces in different directions.

[0014] In this embodiment, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are installed back-to-back. However, as long as different customers can operate the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 respectively, the second operation unit 2 can be installed so as to face obliquely with respect to the first operation unit 1.

[0015] In this way, by utilizing the space on the upper surface of the change and ticket vending machine 14 having a certain size in terms of mechanism and arranging the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 back-to-back, a more effective space-saving can be achieved, which is different from simply arranging independent POS terminals back-to-back. Also, regarding the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2, by making the touch panel displays 11 and 21 described later thin and integrating the scanner 12 and the printing unit 15 compactly, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 themselves become compact and can be arranged on the upper surface of the change and ticket vending machine 14.

[0016] Note that the sales data processing device 100C shown in FIG. 6 is configured by appropriately selecting and combining the components included in the sales data processing device 100 according to the present embodiment and the sales data processing device 100A according to a modification example described later. Different from the sales data processing device 100 and the sales data processing device 100A, the sales data processing device 100C is provided with a handy scanner 22-2 for the second operation unit 2 and columns that support the first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 on the floor surface. Otherwise, that is, the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the functional units that make up the sales data processing device 100C are basically the same as those of the sales data processing device 100 and the sales data processing device 100A, and may be appropriately referred to in the following description.

[0017] ● First operation unit 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the first operation unit 1 includes a touch panel display 11, a scanner 12, a card payment unit 13, a change dispenser 14, a printing unit 15, a notification unit 16, and a camera 17. These can communicate with each other via a bus with functional units such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk, and communication unit.

[0018] The touch panel display 11 constitutes a display unit in terms of displaying an operation screen, and also constitutes an input unit in terms of receiving input of predetermined information from a customer. On the touch panel display 11, for example, in addition to screens for customer operations such as a product registration screen and a settlement screen, screens for store clerk operations and confirmations such as an operation history, change balance, and maintenance history (connected communication history) are displayed.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel display 11 is a thin type with a short depth and is a vertically long wide display corresponding to a resolution of 1920×1080. However, it may be a horizontally long wide display corresponding to a resolution of 1024×768, etc., and the shape and size are not limited as long as it does not prevent the touch panel display 11 and the touch panel display 21 from being installed back to back on the change dispenser 14.

[0020] Scanner 12 is a functional unit that optically reads various types of information. In this embodiment, it is composed of a fixed scanner 12-1 realized by a CCD camera or the like and a handy scanner 12-2. This scanner 12 can optically read barcodes and two-dimensional codes (such as product codes) attached to products. In this case, the scanner 12 constitutes one of the registration means for registering products. Also, the scanner 12 is also used for reading processes in point-based payments and code-based payments. In this case, the scanner 12 constitutes one of the payment means.

[0021] The fixed scanner 12-1 is provided in the same direction as the touch panel display 11. As a result, customers can perform the operation of having the fixed scanner 12-1 read products without significantly moving their line of sight or changing their body posture from the touch panel display 11.

[0022] In addition to the above, the scanner 12 can also read codes (such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes) printed on accounting vouchers (registered trademarks), vouchers (product vouchers, coupon vouchers, discount vouchers), and various cards (for example, membership cards, point cards, etc.). However, product registration is not limited to registration by reading codes with the scanner 12. For example, by displaying a preset key (a button for ordering a product) corresponding to the product on the touch panel display 11 and having the preset key operated (pressed) by the customer, it is also possible to register the product. Also, in this embodiment, the scanner 12 is composed of the fixed scanner 12-1 and the handy scanner 12-2. Nevertheless, it can also be composed of either the fixed scanner 12-1 or the handy scanner 12-2.

[0023] The card payment unit 13 is a payment terminal for various cards (such as credit cards, prepaid cards like transportation cards, and point cards), and constitutes one of the payment means corresponding to IC cards, magnetic cards, etc. The card payment unit 13 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, an operation unit, and the like. The card recognition unit reads information on various cards magnetically or electrically. The read information is used for settlement of purchased goods. Note that the card recognition unit can also recognize information used for settlement of the current purchased goods, for example, when using the points held on a point card. Also, the card recognition unit can recognize information not used for settlement of the current purchased goods, for example, when adding points to a point card.

[0024] This card payment unit 13 is provided in the same direction as the touch panel display 11, whereby a customer can operate the card payment unit 13 without significantly moving their line of sight or changing their body posture from the touch panel display 11.

[0025] Note that the card payment unit 13 of the present embodiment includes a card recognition unit, a display unit, and an operation unit, but is not limited thereto, and it suffices if it includes at least a card recognition unit. Also, the card recognition unit of the present embodiment corresponds to contact-type cards (IC cards, magnetic cards), but is not limited to this in other embodiments. For example, the card recognition unit may correspond to non-contact-type cards (IC cards) instead of or in addition to contact-type cards.

[0026] The change and receipt issuing machine 14 constitutes a deposit and withdrawal unit for performing cash deposit and withdrawal, has an inlet for bills and coins and an outlet for bills and coins, and performs payment by cash. This change and receipt issuing machine 14 is provided in the housing 10 below the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2, and functions according to the control of the first operation unit 1. Therefore, the cash inlet and outlet of the change and receipt issuing machine 14 are directed towards the customer or the store clerk operating the first operation unit 1. The change and ticket vending machine 14 has a sensor for detecting bills and coins inserted into the insertion slot. The sensor detects the insertion of bills and coins into the insertion slot and also detects the number of each denomination. As a result, when the change and ticket vending machine 14 receives various operations and the insertion of cash from a customer, it calculates the amount of money inserted from the insertion slot. When calculating the change amount, which is the difference between the inserted amount and the purchase amount, it discharges the change and tickets from the discharge port.

[0027] The printing unit 15 prints and outputs various information, such as settlement-related information like the purchased goods and the settlement amount, or registration data of registered goods, on various media (receipts, accounting vouchers, etc.).

[0028] The notification unit 16 is a light-emitting unit that emits light according to the status of the first operation unit 1 and notifies the status to the outside by a predetermined blinking pattern or color. This notification unit 16 is, for example, a sign lamp composed of a lamp or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and can be lit in a predetermined color and a predetermined blinking pattern. The notification unit 16 is provided at the highest position of the first operation unit 1, and it is possible for a store clerk not around the first operation unit 1 to recognize the lighting pattern. Examples of the status include various situations assumed during the use of the first operation unit 1, such as being in a standby state, in the process of registration, in the process of settlement, forgetting to take the change, near the end of the change, calling the store clerk, multiplication registration of goods by the customer, and request for age authentication. Note that the status information is transmitted to a higher-level transaction status management device or the like, and the store clerk can grasp this information in real time through a predetermined monitor or the like installed at the sales floor.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a camera 17 (to be described later) is attached to the notification unit 16, and this camera 17 extends toward the first operation unit 1 side. The notification unit 26 is configured in the same manner. This makes it easy to intuitively grasp which of the notification units 16 and 26 provided between the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 corresponds to the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2. Also, in this way, the notification units 16 and 26 may be tilted toward the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2 side, for example, so that it is easier to intuitively grasp which of the notification units 16 and 26 corresponds to the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2.

[0030] Also, the notification unit 16 of the first operation unit 1 and the notification unit 26 of the second operation unit 2 are provided on the front right side of the touch panel displays 11 and 21, respectively, so that the notification units 16 and 26 do not interfere with each other. In this example, the notification units 16 and 26 are provided on the front right side of the touch panel displays 11 and 21, respectively, but they may be provided on the front left side, and as long as they do not interfere with each other, they may be provided at other positions.

[0031] The camera 17 is an imaging means for continuously imaging the operation status of an operator such as a customer or a store clerk as a video or a still image. In the present embodiment, this camera 17 is integrally attached to the notification unit 16 in the front upper right of the touch panel display 11 as viewed from the customer side. This camera 17 images, for example, the operation status of a customer at the time of settlement. Specifically, the camera 17 images the operation status of cash deposit and withdrawal, such as banknotes, coins, and change dispensing tickets 14 held by the customer and the movement of the customer's hand, during cash deposit and withdrawal. Also, the camera 17 images the operation status of a customer at the time of registering a product. Further, the camera 17 can also image a bag hung on the bag holder 40 provided beside the sales data processing device 100 or the inside of a shopping basket (products) on the mounting table, as well as the operation status of a customer at the time of registration.

[0032] Note that the imaging by the camera 17 may be executed at all times, or may be started at the timing when the sales data processing device 100 receives an operation from a customer. Alternatively, it may be started at the timing when a customer standing in front of the sales data processing device 100 is detected by a separately provided human sensor. In addition, the captured image by the camera 17 can also be displayed on the screen of the touch panel display 11 together with the product registration screen and the settlement screen.

[0033] In addition to these functional units, the first operation unit 1 may also include an audio output unit that outputs voice guidance, warning sounds, etc., and a key operation unit composed of various keys (hardware keys, buttons).

[0034] ● Second operation unit 2 As shown in FIG. 2, the second operation unit 2 includes a touch panel display 21, a scanner 22, a card settlement unit 23, a printing unit 25, a notification unit 26, and a camera 27, and these can communicate with each other via a bus with functional units such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk, and communication unit.

[0035] Note that the touch panel display 21, scanner 22, card settlement unit 23, printing unit 25, notification unit 26, and camera 27 that constitute the second operation unit 2 are respectively functional units similar to the touch panel display 11, scanner 12, card settlement unit 13, printing unit 15, notification unit 16, and camera 17 provided in the first operation unit 1. In this embodiment, the scanner 22 is composed only of a fixed scanner corresponding to the fixed scanner 12-1, but a handy scanner corresponding to the handy scanner 12-2 may be provided. Similar to the first operation unit 1, the scanner 22 and the card settlement unit 23 are provided facing the same direction as the touch panel display 21. As a result, the customer can perform the operation of having the scanner 22 read the product or operating the card settlement unit 23 without significantly moving the line of sight or changing the body posture from the touch panel display 21.

[0036] On the other hand, unlike the first operation unit 1, the second operation unit 2 does not include a functional unit corresponding to the change vending machine 14 and does not support cash settlement. Also, the second operation unit 2 is oriented in a direction different from that of the first operation unit 1. For example, the touch panel display 21 and the scanner 22 are arranged in a direction opposite to that of the touch panel display 11 and the fixed scanner 12-1. Similar to the above-described first operation unit 1, in addition to these functional units, the second operation unit 2 may also include an audio output unit that outputs voice guidance, warning sounds, etc., and a key operation unit composed of various keys (hardware keys, buttons).

[0037] As described above, as a result of the single sales data processing device 100 including a plurality of independent operation units, namely the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2, it is possible to handle more transactions even in a limited space. Also, the electrical wiring associated with the installation of the sales data processing device 100 can be simplified.

[0038] ● Bag holder 40 On the left and right side surfaces of the housing 10 of the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2, a first mounting table 3 and a second mounting table 4 extending in the horizontal direction are fixed. Both the first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 are plate-like members having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and chamfered corners in an arc shape. The first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 are located at a position higher than the floor surface and are provided at a position suitable for a customer to place a shopping basket or store the loading part of a shopping cart. Also, the first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 have a length in the direction from the first operation unit 1 side to the second operation unit 2 side. The space closer to the first operation unit 1 from the center is provided for the customer operating the first operation unit 1, and the space closer to the second operation unit 2 from the center is provided for the customer operating the second operation unit 2. Note that the first mounting table 3 may be attached so as to be at the same height as the second mounting table 4 attached to the other end side, or may be attached at a different height. Also, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 may be provided with columns that support them from the bottom surface side onto the floor surface.

[0039] The first placement table 3 is for placing a shopping basket containing the goods purchased by the customer or the goods themselves. On the placement surface of this first placement table 3, a partition portion 31 that divides the placement surface into a first operation unit 1 side and a second operation unit 2 side is provided at approximately the center in the length direction. The partition portion 31 is a rod-shaped member attached in an inverted U shape on the placement surface, and is provided one by one on the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side at a distance from each other at approximately the center of the placement surface. As a result, the personal space for each operation unit can be clearly distinguished, and the customer can visually grasp such a personal space. Therefore, among the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2, the customer on one operation unit side can comfortably shop in their personal space without worrying about the other customers on the opposite operation unit side.

[0040] The partition portion 31 also serves as a stopper when the customer stores the loading part of the shopping cart on the first placement table 3 or places the shopping basket. That is, when storing the loading part of the shopping cart on the first placement table 3 or placing the shopping basket from the first operation unit 1 side or the second operation unit 2 side, the partition portion 31 restricts the loading part of the shopping cart or the shopping basket from protruding to the second operation unit 2 side or the first operation unit 1 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the shopping carts or shopping baskets stored on the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side from hitting each other, or from narrowing the space on the placement surface of each of the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side.

[0041] Note that regardless of this example, by appropriately setting the position where the partition portion 31 is provided, it is possible to correspond to the shape or type of the shopping cart used in the store, or the size and orientation of the shopping basket. Also, regarding the shape of the partition portion 31, as long as it can partition the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side, it can also be configured in other shapes or the like.

[0042] On the second placement table 4, a cash register bag, a my bag, or a my basket brought by a customer for storing products that have been registered by scanners 12, 22, etc. is placed. A bag holder 40 is attached to the second placement table 4 at approximately the center in the length direction.

[0043] The bag holder 40 is a member for holding bags such as a cash register bag and a my bag, and is composed of a first bag holding part 40a provided facing the customer who operates the first operation part 1 and a second bag holding part 40b provided facing the customer who operates the second operation part 2 in a direction opposite to the direction of the first bag holding part 40a. As shown in FIG. 6(b), in this embodiment, the first bag holding part 40a and the second bag holding part 40b are provided in a straight line in a side view. Note that this can also be expressed as the first bag holding part 40a and the second bag holding part 40b being provided back to back.

[0044] This bag holder 40 has a base 41 attached to the second placement table 4, a pair of support columns 42 standing up from the ends of the base 41, an arm 43 attached to the support columns 42, a cross member 44 spanned between the pair of support columns 42, and a temporary placement table 45 and a chopstick rest box 46 installed on the upper part of the support columns 42. Note that the bag holder 40 may be detachably attached to the second placement table 4 or may be fixedly attached non - detachably. In any case, in this embodiment, the bag holder 40 constitutes the sales data processing device 100 integrally with the first operation part 1 and the second operation part 2. Thus, different from the case where the bag holder 40 for holding a bag is provided independently of the sales data processing device 100, the efficiency from the settlement of goods to bagging is good.

[0045] In this embodiment, the base 41 is a rod - shaped member having an L - shaped side view and has a length substantially the same as the width of the placement surface of the second placement table 4. This base 41 is attached at approximately the center of the placement surface of the second placement table 4 such that its length direction coincides with the width direction of the placement surface.

[0046] The pair of support columns 42 are rod - shaped members attached so as to stand up from both ends in the width direction of the base 41. Above the pair of support columns 42, a pair of arms 43 are attached to each of the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side. The arm 43 extends parallel to the placement surface of the second placement table 4 toward the first operation unit 1 side or the second operation unit 2 side, and a substantially U-shaped first hook 431 is provided at the tip thereof in an upward direction substantially orthogonal to the arm 43. Outside the first hook 431, a substantially U-shaped second hook 432 formed to curve outward is provided.

[0047] The first hook 431 is for locking the arms of the cash register bag. By locking the pair of arms of the cash register bag to the first hook 431 respectively, the cash register bag can be held in an open state. The second hook 432 is for locking the arms of the my bag. By locking the pair of arms of the my bag to the second hook 432 respectively, the my bag can be held in an open state. In this state, the registered goods can be stored in the cash register bag or the my bag. Regardless of this embodiment, only one of the first hook 431 and the second hook 432 may be provided to lock the arms of the cash register bag and the my bag respectively. Also, the usage methods of the first hook 431 and the second hook 432 are not limited to the above examples. The arms of the my bag may be locked to the first hook 431, or the arms of the cash register bag may be locked to the second hook 432.

[0048] Between the pair of support columns 42, a plurality of rod-shaped cross members 44 are spanned. This cross member 44 stabilizes the bag holder 40 attached on the second placement table 4 and prevents wobbling. Also, the cross member 44 constitutes one of the partition parts that partitions the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side. Thereby, it is possible to regulate the bags and the like from popping out from the first operation unit 1 side or the second operation unit 2 side to the other operation unit side through between the pair of support columns 42. Also, the personal space for each operation unit can be clearly distinguished, and the customer can visually grasp such a personal space. Therefore, among the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2, the customer on one operation unit side can comfortably shop in his or her personal space without worrying about the other customers on the opposite operation unit side.

[0049] On the upper horizontal portion 44, hooks 441 are provided at approximately the center in the length direction thereof. These hooks 441 are for locking a bundle of unused plastic shopping bags, and one hook is provided on each of the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side.

[0050] Regardless of this embodiment, the horizontal portion 44 may be constituted by a plate-shaped member. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the bag holder 40 from wobbling and the like, and it is possible to partition the space between the pair of support columns 42 into the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side.

[0051] The temporary placing bases 45 are provided one by one toward the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 respectively. This temporary placing base 45 is a base for temporarily storing lightweight products such as bread and egg cartons registered by the scanners 12 and 22, products that are easily deformed or damaged, or soft and large containers, etc., so as not to store them at the bottom, and adjusting the storage order.

[0052] The chopstick box 46 is arranged at a position intermediate between the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2, and is provided so that a customer operating the first operation unit 1 and a customer operating the second operation unit 2 can share it. This chopstick box 46 is partitioned into a plurality of boxes, and small items such as disposable chopsticks and spoons that customers can take home are stored in each box. The chopstick box 46 also constitutes one of the partition portions that partition the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side in the middle between the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2.

[0053] Regardless of this embodiment, the chopstick box 46 can also be provided separately on the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side. Examples of the mode when the chopstick box 46 is provided separately on the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side include a case where a partition plate is provided in the chopstick box 46 to divide it into two regions, and a case where two chopstick boxes 46 are prepared and arranged in each region. Furthermore, the chopstick rest box 46 is not provided on the temporary placing table 45. Instead, several spaces for installing the chopstick rest box are separately provided on the exit direction side of the accounting area where a plurality of sales data processing devices 100 are installed. Customers who have completed the registration and settlement of goods may leave the store via the above installation space when leaving the store. In this case, since there will be no partitions on the temporary placing table 45, separate partitions may be provided. When providing separate partitions, in the example of attaching the panel 5-3 described later, the lower end of the panel 5-3 may be arranged in contact with the temporary placing table 45 to divide the area.

[0054] The sales data processing device 100 configured as described above is preferably configured for the positional relationship of its members and parts such that a customer can perform the operation of packing goods from the shopping basket into a bag or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, on the first operation unit 1 side, at least a part of the scanner 12, the card settlement unit 13, and the change and ticket issuing machine 14 is provided inside the tip of the arm 43, which corresponds to the operator side end of the first bag holding unit 40a. This can also be expressed as the tip of the arm 43 being provided outside a part of the scanner 12, the card settlement unit 13, and the change and ticket issuing machine 14. When the sales data processing device 100 is viewed from the side, the scanner 12 and the card settlement unit 13 are provided inside the width from the base end of the arm 43 (the part attached to the support column 42) to the tip where the first hook 431 and the second hook 432 are provided. In particular, in this embodiment, the fixed scanner 12-1 is provided at a position close to the base end of the arm 43. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the loading part of the shopping cart stored on the first placing table 3, the space in front of the fixed scanner 12-1 (this space can also be referred to as the "product reading area"), and the openings of the bags, shopping baskets, etc. set on the second placing table 4 are arranged in a substantially straight line. As a result, when the customer reads the product with the fixed scanner 12-1 and then transfers the product into a bag or a shopping basket, the customer can directly put the product into the opening of the bag on the extension line of the flowing direction of the arm during the scanning by the fixed scanner 12-1. It is more comfortable if the shopping basket on the first placing table 3, the product reading area, and the openings of the bags, etc. are arranged in a substantially straight line. On the other hand, when the product reading area and the opening of a bag or the like are not formed in substantially a straight line, the customer has to move the arms and body back and forth, which forces unnecessary movements and postures and makes it impossible to achieve comfortable product registration.

[0055] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the end of the second placing table 4 on the operator side and the opening of a bag or the like is also important. To explain in detail, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the opening of a bag or the like and the end of the second placing table 4 on the operator side are in substantially the same position, the operator can stand in the immediate vicinity of the opening of a bag or the like and can put products into the bag or the like while maintaining an upright posture. On the other hand, when the opening of a bag or the like is located in the back direction from the end of the second placing table 4 on the operator side, the customer cannot bring the body close to the opening of a bag or the like in an upright posture and has to bend the waist and only stretch the arm to put the product into the bag or the like from the opening. In such a layout, the customer holds the product upright in front of the fixed scanner 12-1 during product registration and bends the waist and stretches the arm when putting the product into a bag or the like. As a result, there is a risk of increasing the physical burden of repeating the operations of standing upright and bending the waist. From the above, it is preferable that the end of the second placing table 4 on the operator side and the opening of a bag or the like are in substantially the same position in the vertical direction, or the opening of a bag or the like is located outside the end of the second placing table 4 on the operator side (in this case, the opening of a bag or the like is located outside the sales data processing device 100). However, if only the opening of a bag or the like protrudes outside the sales data processing device 100, the bag cannot be placed on the second placing table 4, the shape of the bag is deformed, and a spacious opening cannot be formed. Therefore, it is preferable that the opening of the bag and the end of the second placing table 4 on the operator side are in substantially the same position.

[0056] Note that the handheld scanner 12-2 is also provided at a position close to the proximal end of the arm 43, similar to the fixed scanner 12-1. The customer can take out the product from the shopping basket and read the product with the handheld scanner 12-2 in the process of transferring it into a bag or a my basket.

[0057] Also, the second operation unit 2 is configured in the same manner as the first operation unit 1 side. The scanner 22 and the card payment unit 23 are provided at least inside the tip of the arm 43, which corresponds to the end on the operator side of the second bag holding unit 40b. Therefore, when the sales data processing apparatus 100 is viewed from the side, the scanner 22 and the card payment unit 23 are provided inside the width from the base end of the arm 43 (the portion attached to the support column 42) to the tip where the first hook 431 and the second hook 432 are provided. As a result, also for the second operation unit 2, the customer can smoothly perform the operation of taking out the merchandise from the shopping basket, reading the merchandise with the scanner 22, and then transferring the merchandise into the bag or the My Basket.

[0058] ● Example of use of the sales data processing apparatus 100 by the customer An example of use of the sales data processing apparatus 100 will be described. The customer walks around the sales floor and puts the desired merchandise into the shopping basket or the shopping cart. When all the desired merchandise is gathered, the customer goes to the available sales data processing apparatus 100, places the loading part of the shopping cart on the first mounting table 3, or places the shopping basket on the first mounting table 3. Then, the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2 is operated to execute the registration of the purchased merchandise.

[0059] The merchandise registration operation is performed by having the scanner 12 read the barcode or the like of the merchandise, or by pressing the preset key of the merchandise displayed on the touch panel display 11. At this time, the customer locks the bag to the first hook 431 or the second hook 432, or places the My Basket on the second mounting table 4. Then, the merchandise in the shopping basket is sequentially taken out, the barcode or the like of the merchandise is read by the scanners 12 and 22, or registered on the screen, and then transferred into the bag or the My Basket.

[0060] When the registration of all products is completed, the customer proceeds to the settlement process by pressing an accounting button or the like to move to the settlement process. The customer designates a settlement type and executes the settlement according to a predetermined settlement type. Here, the operator of the first operation unit 1 can select either cash settlement or non-cash settlement as the settlement type, while the operator of the second operation unit 2 can only perform non-cash settlement as the settlement type. Note that, as described above, non-cash settlement includes card settlement using a credit card or the like, code settlement, settlement using points, settlement using electronic money, etc. When the customer performs non-cash settlement, the customer designates one of the plurality of non-cash settlement types prepared. When the settlement process of the purchased products is executed according to a predetermined settlement mode, a receipt is issued from the printing unit 15 and the settlement process ends.

[0061] Note that the operation of the sales data processing apparatus 100 described above is in the case of operation in a so-called full self-service mode. The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the customer executes all operations from the registration of the products to be purchased to the settlement using the sales data processing apparatus 100. However, the operation of the sales data processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment may be operated in another mode such as a so-called self-checkout mode. The self-checkout mode is an operation mode in which the customer only executes the operation of accounting (settlement) of the products to be purchased using the sales data processing apparatus 100, and the product registration is performed on a terminal or apparatus other than the sales data processing apparatus 100.

[0062] In the self - settlement mode, product registration is performed, for example, by the mobile terminal used by the customer. A predetermined application program that cooperates with the sales data processing device 100 is provided for the mobile terminal. By executing the functions of the predetermined application program, the mobile terminal can perform product registration based on reading the barcode attached to the product, selecting the product, etc. When the product registration is completed on the mobile terminal and the registration data related to the product registration is provided to the sales data processing device 100, the sales data processing device 100 calculates the accounting amount based on the registration data and executes the settlement according to a predetermined settlement method. Note that the provision of the registration data can be done by various methods such as reading the data encoded on the mobile terminal and transmitting it wirelessly.

[0063] Also, in another example, product registration can be performed by a registration machine that executes product registration. In this case, the product registration data can be provided by transmitting it from the registration machine to the sales data processing device 100 via communication, or by having the sales data processing device 100 read a predetermined code printed on the accounting slip issued by the registration machine. Note that the registration data may be transmitted directly from the mobile terminal or the registration machine to the sales data processing device 100, or may be transmitted via other upper - level devices such as a store controller or a transaction status management device.

[0064] In such a self - settlement mode, since the product registration is completed, the customer operates the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2 to perform only the settlement, and then transfers the products in the shopping cart into the bag or the shopping basket set on the second mounting table 4.

[0065] In addition, when a plurality of the sales data processing apparatuses 100 according to the above-described embodiment are installed in a predetermined area or the like within the sales floor, it is preferable to adopt a layout that takes into account the customer flow. That is, the sales data processing apparatuses 100 are installed such that the first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 of each sales data processing apparatus 100 face the entrance side and the exit side within the predetermined area, respectively. Thereby, in each sales data processing apparatus 100, a customer who enters the predetermined area from the entrance side can store a shopping cart or place a shopping basket on the first mounting table 3 in the flow of movement, and then sequentially register the merchandise and transfer it into a bag or the like. Then, the customer settles the purchased merchandise and leaves the predetermined area with a bag or the like on the second mounting table 4 on the exit side. Thereby, within the predetermined area, the customer's actions and flow are directed from the entrance side to the exit side, and it is possible to alleviate congestion and operate the sales data processing apparatus 100 efficiently.

[0066] Also, in this case, since the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 face the operation surfaces (touch panel displays 11, 21) in the same direction, a customer who desires cash settlement goes to the first operation unit 1 side, and a customer who desires non-cash settlement can be guided to the second operation unit 2 side, which is less crowded than the first operation unit 1 side. Therefore, the customer flow within the predetermined area can be arranged according to the settlement mode desired by the customer.

[0067] Also, in accordance with this, if the settlement types and operation modes of the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are set to predetermined settings according to the arrangement of the sales data processing apparatus 100, the efficiency and comfort of the customer flow can be improved. In addition, when the sales data processing apparatus 100 is installed within the sales floor, if a layout according to the settlement type or operation mode, such as cash settlement and non-cash settlement, or full self-service mode and self-checkout mode, is adopted, the customer flow can be arranged. As a result, it is possible to improve the comfort within the sales floor where the sales data processing apparatus 100 is installed and alleviate congestion. Furthermore, while only the first operation unit 1 supports cash settlement, both the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 support non-cash settlement, so an increase in the ratio of non-cash settlement can also be expected.

[0068] ●Modification Example 1 FIG. 3 shows a sales data processing apparatus 100A according to a modification example of the above-described sales data processing apparatus 100. The sales data processing apparatus 100A includes a thin plate-shaped panel 5 as one of the partition parts that partitions the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side.

[0069] The panel 5 is made of, for example, acrylic resin or polycarbonate. With this panel 5, it is possible to prevent droplets such as saliva from flying between the facing customers and operate hygienically. Also, if a colored panel 5 is adopted, it is possible to block the line of sight of the facing customers, and if a transparent one is adopted, the store clerk can easily visually recognize the operation status of the customers and the notification unit 16.

[0070] The panel 5-1 is provided standing between the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 and partitions the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2. This panel 5-1 has a size larger than that of the touch panel display 11 or the touch panel display 21 and is installed standing so as to be sandwiched between the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2. Specifically, in this example, the lateral width of the panel 5-1 is substantially equal to the widths of the touch panel displays 11 and 21, but the longitudinal length is configured to extend upward from the upper ends of the touch panel displays 11 and 21.

[0071] The panel 5-2 is provided standing substantially at the center of the placement surface of the first placement table 3 and partitions the space on the first placement table 3 into a first operation unit 1 side and a second operation unit 2 side. The size of the panel 5-2 is, for example, such that its width is substantially equal to the width of the placement surface of the first placement table 3, and its height is the height from the placement surface to the upper end of the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2 or a position slightly higher than the upper end.

[0072] Panel 5-3 is supported above the temporary placement base 45 of the bag holder 40 and the chopstick rest box 46, and divides the space on the second placement table 4 into the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side (the first bag holding unit 40a side and the second bag holding unit 40b side). For example, the size of the panel 5-3 is such that its width is substantially equal to the width of the placement surface of the second placement table 4, and its height is from slightly above the chopstick rest box 46 to the upper end of the first operation unit 1 or the second operation unit 2 or a position slightly higher than the upper end. In the illustrated example, the panel 5-3 is provided above the chopstick rest box 46. However, the chopstick rest box 46 can be divided into two at the center on the first operation unit 1 side and the second operation unit 2 side, and the panel 5-3 can also be provided so as to stand upright in the central portion.

[0073] In this example, the panels 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 are provided at three locations between the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2, at approximately the center of the first placement table 3, and at approximately the center of the second placement table 4, respectively. However, they can also be provided at only one of these locations. Also, the panels 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 can be integrally configured to form a single panel 5.

[0074] ● Modification Example 2 FIG. 4 shows a sales data processing device 100B according to another modification example of the above-described sales data processing device 100. Unlike the above-described sales data processing device 100, the sales data processing device 100B does not include a change dispenser 14, and both the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 only support non-cash settlement. Also, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are supported at a predetermined height by the support 6.

[0075] Note that FIG. 4 is a view of the sales data processing device 100B seen from the first operation unit 1 side. In this example, the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 have the same configuration, and the sales data processing device 100B also presents a similar appearance when seen from the second operation unit 2 side.

[0076] In addition, housings 10A and 20A are provided on the back sides of the touch panel displays 11 and 21. For example, on the side surfaces of these housings 10A and 20A, status indicators indicating the power state, memory access state, and network connection state, a power switch, and interfaces such as UDB and LAN may be provided. In this case, it is preferable to cover the power switch and the interfaces with a cover so that they can be opened and closed. Since such operation parts necessary for maintenance are not provided inside the housings 10A and 10B but are provided in the functional parts of each operation part, the maintainability is high. This is because if the operation parts were provided inside the housings 10A and 10B, the operation parts would be separated from the first operation part 1 or the second operation part 2, and it would be impossible to distinguish which operation part the switches and interfaces inside the housings 10A and 10B are for, thus avoiding such inconvenience.

[0077] The support 6 is composed of a base part 61 installed on the floor surface and a column 62 erected from the base part 61 and extending upward. At the upper part of the column 62, the first operation part 1 and the second operation part 2 are attached back to back with each other. Thereby, while providing the first operation part 1 and the second operation part 2 at a height that is easy for the operator to operate, the space below the first operation part 1 and the second operation part 2 can be made neat and compact, achieving space saving. Also, since the sales data processing device 100B is compact and can function independently in this way, it does not matter where it is installed and does not limit the layout of the sales floor.

[0078] In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, housings 10A and 20A are provided on the back sides of the touch panel displays 11 and 21. The bottoms and backs of these housings 10A and 20A are configured to be flat. Thereby, when the first operation part 1 and the second operation part 2 are provided back to back, there is no waste in the mounting space. Also, there is an appropriate gap between the touch panel display 11 and the touch panel display 21, and the above-described notification parts 16 and 26 can be provided in this part without interfering with each other, or the above-described panel 5 can be provided. Also, in the example of FIG. 4, although the sales data processing apparatus 100B is not provided with the notification units 16 and 26, the cameras 17 and 27, and the card settlement units 13 and 23, they may be provided.

[0079] On both the left and right side surfaces of the support 6, the above-described first mounting table 3 and second mounting table 4 are fixed. The above-described bag holder 40 is attached to the second mounting table 4 substantially at the center.

[0080] Also in this example, the scanner 12 is provided inside the tip of the arm 43, and there is a space in front of the scanner 12. As a result, similar to the sales data processing apparatus 100, when the sales data processing apparatus 100B is viewed from the side, the scanner 12 is provided inside the width from the base end where the arm 43 is attached to the support column 42 to the tip where the first hook 431 and the second hook 432 are provided. The loading portion of the shopping cart stored on the first mounting table 3, the space in front of the scanner 12, and the bags, baskets, etc. set on the second mounting table 4 are arranged in a line. Thus, also in this example, the customer can smoothly perform the operation of taking out the merchandise from the shopping basket, reading the merchandise with the scanner 12, and then transferring the merchandise into the bag.

[0081] Note that in this example, the shape of the support 6 and the like are not limited to this example, and it may be configured in other shapes such as a cylindrical shape. Also, the support 6 may be fixed to the floor surface or may be placed thereon. Further, the support 6 may be configured as a member extending so as to be suspended from the ceiling, and the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 may be provided at the lower part of the support 6. In this case, the first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 are supported by columns for independently standing the first mounting table 3 and the second mounting table 4 on the floor surface at positions corresponding to the left and right sides of the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2. Also, a hollow portion may be provided inside the support 6, and power cords, communication cables, etc. connected to the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 may be gathered in the hollow portion so that they can be routed.

[0082] Further, the first placement table 3 and the second placement table 4 may be configured as an integrated placement table connected to each other. In this case, since a placement area is also provided vertically below the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2, it can be used as a placement area when reading large items that do not fit in a shopping basket with a handy scanner 12-2 or the like. Further, it is also possible to move the shopping basket or large items placed on the first placement table 3 to the second placement table 4 while sliding them. A customer with a lot of luggage may place their luggage in the placement area.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, both the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 are configured to perform settlement of goods. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one of them can be configured as a functional unit or device used for transactions or processes different from the settlement of goods, such as an electronic money charging machine. Also, by appropriate settings, it is possible to switch the available settlement types and operation modes of the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 based on time zones, days of the week, etc., or to pause some of the first operation units 1 and the second operation units 2.

[0084] Further, the sales data processing devices 100, 100A, 100B, or the first operation unit 1 and the second operation unit 2 do not necessarily have to have all functions. For example, a program for realizing functions required for each operation mode is acquired from an external device (for example, an upper store controller, a transaction status management device, or a server outside the store) and set to an executable state, and a program for realizing functions unnecessary for each operation mode is held, then the program may be set to a non-executable state (for example, erased).

[0085] Further, the computer program for realizing the functions constituting the sales data processing devices 100, 100A, 100B can be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media such as a CD-ROM and provided.

[0086] In addition, these software resources can be distributed or aggregated to any of the hardware resources according to an appropriate design, and the hardware resources can also be configured as a physically integrated device or a separate device. ● Summary of Embodiments

[0087] The present invention relates to a sales data processing device and a bag holder capable of handling a plurality of independent transactions.

[0088] In stores such as supermarkets, sales data processing devices for registering and settling goods are installed. In order to operate efficiently, it is desirable to increase the number of installed sales data processing devices, but there is a limit to the space. In this regard, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-34765 discloses a rotary bagging table including a rotating table, a rack for hanging a packaging bag provided on a side wall of the table, and a non-rotating table provided on an upper surface of the table for placing a packaging aid.

[0089] However, if a bag holder for holding bags such as shopping bags is provided independently of the sales data processing device, the flow from the settlement of goods to bagging deteriorates, and efficient operation cannot be achieved.

[0090] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sales data processing device and a bag holder that can handle more transactions even in a limited space and that are convenient for customers from the settlement of goods to bagging.

[0091] To achieve the above object, a sales data processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first display unit that displays an operation screen, a second display unit that is arranged in a direction different from that of the first display unit and displays an operation screen, a first bag holding unit provided facing an operator of the first display unit, and a second bag holding unit provided facing an operator of the second display unit.

[0092] A first reading unit provided in the same direction as the first display unit, and a second reading unit provided in the same direction as the second display unit, and the first reading unit and the second reading unit may each be provided inside the end on the operator side of the first bag holding unit or the second bag holding unit.

[0093] A first settlement unit provided in the same direction as the first display unit, and a second settlement unit provided in the same direction as the second display unit, and the first settlement unit and the second settlement unit may each be provided inside the end on the operator side of the first bag holding unit or the second bag holding unit.

[0094] The first bag holding unit and the second bag holding unit may be provided in a straight line in a side view.

[0095] It may include a partition unit that partitions between the first bag holding unit and the second bag holding unit side.

[0096] The bag holder according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first bag holding unit provided in one direction and a second bag holding unit provided in a direction opposite to the one direction, and the first bag holding unit and the second bag holding unit may be provided in a straight line in a side view.

[0097] According to the sales data processing apparatus according to the above embodiment of the present invention, as a result of the sales data processing apparatus including a plurality of independent operation units, namely, a first operation unit and a second operation unit, even in a limited space, it is possible to handle more transactions. In addition, the electrical wiring associated with the installation of the sales data processing apparatus can be simplified. Also, even in a limited space, since a bag holding unit is provided for each operation unit, the customer can transfer the merchandise from the shopping basket to a bag or the like while registering and settling the merchandise, and the operation of transferring the merchandise from the shopping basket to a bag or the like can also be performed efficiently. Furthermore, regarding the first operation unit and the second operation unit that constitute the sales data processing device, since the placement table for placing the shopping basket and the bag holder for holding bags and the like are provided on the same side, the customer flow line is organized, and it is possible to improve the comfort in the sales floor and relieve congestion.

Explanation of Signs

[0098] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C: Sales data processing device 1: First operation unit 2: Second operation unit 10, 10A, 20A: Housing 11, 21: Touch panel display 12, 22: Scanner 13, 23: Card payment unit 14: Change dispensing machine 15, 25: Printing unit 16, 26: Notification unit 17, 27: Camera 3: First placement table 4: Second placement table 40: Bag holder 40a: First bag holding part 40b: Second bag holding part 5: Panel 6: Support

Claims

1. A first display unit that displays an operation screen; A second display unit that is arranged to face a direction different from that of the first display unit, displays an operation screen, and functions as a settlement unit dedicated to non-cash settlement; A change dispensing machine used for cash settlement of transactions by the first display unit; A housing having a top surface that houses the change dispensing machine and on which the first display unit and the second display unit are placed; A first bag holding unit provided for a first customer who is an operator of the first display unit; A second bag holding unit provided for a second customer who is an operator of the second display unit, The first bag holding unit and the second bag holding unit are arranged back to back with a partition portion separating the first bag holding unit side and the second bag holding unit side as a boundary, and the partition portion serving as the boundary between the first bag holding unit and the second bag holding unit is arranged inside the width in a side view of the housing. A sales data processing device.

2. A first reading unit provided in the same direction as the first display unit; A second reading unit provided in the same direction as the second display unit, The first reading unit and the second reading unit are respectively Provided inside the end on the operator side of the first bag holding unit or the second bag holding unit. The sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. A first settlement unit provided in the same direction as the first display unit; A second settlement unit provided in the same direction as the second display unit, The first settlement unit and the second settlement unit are respectively Provided inside the end on the operator side of the first bag holding unit or the second bag holding unit. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first bag holding part and the second bag holding part are provided on one base and are provided in a straight line in side view. The sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A partition part that partitions between the first bag holding part and the second bag holding part side, A chopstick rest box shared by a first customer who is an operator of the first display part and a second customer who is an operator of the second display part. The sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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