Registration devices, programs, and accounting systems

Abstract

To provide a registration device, a program, and an accounting system for enabling announcement of information with a simple configuration to a customer deemed to require the information.SOLUTION: A registration device of an embodiment is a registration device for use in an accounting system having a registration device that registers commodity information on a commodity to be purchased by a customer by an operation performed by a shop clerk, and an accounting device that executes accounting processing based on the commodity information registered by the registration device by an operation performed by a customer, the registration device including: an operation accepting unit that accepts an operation of inputting instruction information for instructing the accounting device about announcement to the customer, the information being set in correspondence to one transaction; and an output unit that in a case in which the operation accepting unit accepts the operation of inputting the instruction information, outputs transaction information on the one transaction and the instruction information in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a registration device, a program, and an accounting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known accounting systems in which customers who purchase goods or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods") perform operations and make payments themselves. Examples of this type of accounting system include self-checkout systems in which customers themselves perform operations related to product registration and accounting, and semi-self-service POS (Point of Sales) systems that have a registration device in which a store clerk performs operations related to product registration and an accounting device in which the customer performs operations related to accounting.

[0003] With these accounting systems, some customers forget to take their change or receipts, or don't understand how to operate them. For example, elderly customers and customers with children who operate the system while paying close attention to their children tend to forget to take their change or receipts.

[0004] To prevent customers from forgetting to take their receipts, a self-checkout system has been proposed that uses various sensors on the accounting device operated by the customer to detect if a receipt has been left behind and notify the customer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, this system has the drawback of being large and expensive. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration device, a program, and an accounting system that can provide information to customers who are likely to need that information with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The registration device of the embodiment is used in a transaction system having a registration device that registers product information of products purchased by customers through operation by a store clerk, and a transaction device that executes transaction processing based on the product information registered by the registration device through operation by the customer, and the registration device is used in a transaction system having a registration device that registers product information of products purchased by customers through operation by a store clerk ... the registration device. Execute after the above accounting process is completed The system includes an operation reception unit that receives input operation of instruction information that instructs the accounting device to notify the customer, and an output unit that, when the operation reception unit receives the input operation of the instruction information, outputs the transaction information of the transaction in association with the instruction information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire checkout system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the registration device and the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the registration device and the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transfer screen in the registration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition in the checkout device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a screen transition in the checkout device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of registration processing by the control unit of the registration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification processing by the control unit of the checkout apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data configuration of a notification information management table stored in the storage unit of the transaction device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transfer screen in the registration device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of registration processing by the control unit of the registration device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification processing by the control unit of the transaction device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following describes a registration device, a program, and a transaction system according to an embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For example, in the following embodiments, notification information output by the transaction device is described as being output as audio, but it may also be displayed.

[0009] In the embodiment described below, the accounting device receives transaction information for processing the transaction from a registration device and processes the transaction, but this is not limited to this. For example, the accounting device may read a transaction code from an accounting ticket printed by the registration device, obtain transaction information related to the transaction code from a store server, etc., and process the transaction (hereinafter also referred to as an "account ticket system").

[0010] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire checkout system 101 according to the embodiment. The checkout system 101 is used in stores such as supermarkets. As shown in Figure 1, the checkout system 101 is a so-called semi-self-service POS system that has multiple registration devices 102 operated by an operator O, who is a store clerk, and multiple checkout devices 103 operated by customers C.

[0011] The registration device 102 is placed on a horizontally long table-shaped workbench 104. Each registration device 102 and each accounting device 103 is electrically connected to each other via a network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Note that the number of registration devices 102 and accounting devices 103 is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0012] Two accounting devices 103 are provided for each registration device 102. In the example of FIG. 1, accounting devices 1 and 2 are connected to registration device A. Furthermore, accounting devices 3 and 4 are connected to registration device B. Each accounting device 103 is installed adjacent to and linearly aligned with the work table 104 on which the corresponding registration device 102 is installed. In this embodiment, an aisle for customer C is formed between the multiple work tables 104.

[0013] The checkout device 103 can be switched between use as a semi-self-service POS checkout device and use as a self-service POS terminal. The store can use the checkout device 103 as a self-service POS terminal depending on its operation. Here, a self-service POS terminal is a device that allows customer C, who purchases products, to perform operations related to product registration and checkout processing.

[0014] The operation of the accounting system 101 is outlined below. When a customer C brings a product to be purchased to a workbench 104 on which a registration device 102 is installed, an operator O operates the registration device 102 to register the product. Product registration involves, for example, reading a product code from a barcode attached to the product and storing product information (product name, price, etc.) obtained based on the read product code.

[0015] Once registration device 102 has completed product registration for all items purchased by a customer, it calculates the total price of the items and generates transaction information for the transaction. The transaction information is information used to process the transaction at checkout device 103, and includes product information and the total price for the items involved in the transaction. Note that the transaction information does not have to include the total price. In this case, the total price is calculated at checkout device 103. Registration device 102 transmits the generated transaction information to the corresponding checkout device 103. Operator O informs customer C of the number of the checkout device 103 to which the transaction information was transmitted. Customer C makes the payment at the checkout device 103 with the provided number.

[0016] At this time, the registration device 102 sends instruction information associated with the transaction information to the checkout device 103 as necessary. The instruction information instructs the checkout device 103 to notify notification information. Notification information is information notified to specific targets, and in this embodiment, it is a message (hereinafter also referred to as a "warning about leaving things behind") aimed at elderly customers and customers C with children, instructing them to be careful not to forget to pick up their change or receipts. An example of a warning about leaving things behind is a message such as "Did you leave anything behind? Please check again."

[0017] The notification information is not limited to warning customers not to forget to pick up items, and can be set by the store as desired. For example, it may be a message (hereinafter also referred to as "operation support") related to assistance with operating the checkout device 103 targeted at physically disabled customers C or elderly people. An example of operation support is a message such as "Please speak to a store staff member if you experience any inconvenience." The notification information may also be a message related to advertising targeted at seniors (hereinafter also referred to as "targeted advertising"). An example of targeted advertising is a message such as "It's Senior Day on XX month, and all products are discounted by XX%."

[0018] Whether or not the registration device 102 sends instruction information to the checkout device 103 is decided by the operator O who operates the registration device 102. This eliminates the need to equip the checkout device 103 with various sensors that determine whether or not notification information is required for customer C. In other words, by focusing on the unique situation of semi-self-service POS systems in which the registration device 102 is operated by a store clerk and using the judgment of the store clerk, notification information can be sent to specific targets at the checkout device 103 with a simple configuration.

[0019] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the registration device 102 and the accounting device 103. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the registration device 102 and the accounting device 103.

[0020] 2, the registration device 102 includes a computer-configured control unit 150 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (none of which are shown). The control unit 150 executes various processes by the CPU operating in accordance with programs stored in the ROM or a storage unit 136 (described later) and loaded into the RAM.

[0021] The CPU is an example of a processor, and performs overall control of each unit of the registration device 102. The ROM stores various programs. The RAM is a workspace where programs and various data are expanded.

[0022] The control unit 150 controls I / O devices such as the scanner 111, touch panel 113, display 114, operation unit 115 such as a keyboard, printer 116, customer side display 117, and memory unit 136 via the I / O (Input / Output) device control unit 139 and bus 138, and controls the entire registration device 102.

[0023] The scanner 111 optically or by imaging recognizes a code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product purchased by customer C. The scanner 111 then decodes the recognized code symbol and reads the product code indicated by the code symbol. Note that the decoding of the code symbol recognized by the scanner 111 may be performed by the control unit 150.

[0024] The touch panel 113 is provided on the surface of the display device 114, and inputs information according to the touched position to the control unit 150. The touch panel 113 functions as an input device for inputting information based on an operation by the operator O.

[0025] The display 114 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information to the operator O who operates the registration device 102. The display 114 displays, for example, product information for registered products, a transfer screen which is an operation screen for sending transaction information to the accounting device 103 after product registration, and the like.

[0026] The operation unit 115 is configured, for example, with a keyboard. The operation unit 115 is equipped with various keys such as a subtotal key for declaring the end of product registration for one transaction, number keys for inputting product codes, amounts, etc., and a clear key for clearing input. The operation unit 115 functions as an input device for inputting information based on operations by the operator O.

[0027] When a payment process is performed on the registration device 102 by an operator O, for example, when a customer C pays with a voucher, the printer 116 issues a receipt on which transaction information and the like for one transaction are printed.

[0028] The customer side display 117 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information to the customer C. The customer side display 117 displays, for example, product information of registered products.

[0029] The storage unit 136 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, etc., and maintains its stored contents even when power is cut off. The storage unit 136 stores a program 137 executable by the CPU of the control unit 150 and a product master F1.

[0030] The product master F1 is a master file that stores a unique product code assigned to each product, in association with information about the product, such as the product's name, price, and product classification. The product master F1 is transmitted from a store server (not shown). When the scanner 67 identifies the product code using general object recognition, the product master F1 also stores feature values, such as color and surface irregularities, read from the product image. Since the products handled by the store change daily, the product master F1 is updated as appropriate.

[0031] The control unit 150 is also connected to the communication I / F 140 via the bus 138. The communication I / F 140 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the checkout apparatus 103 and a store server (not shown) via the network NT. The control unit 150 can communicate with these external devices via the communication I / F 140.

[0032] 4, the accounting device 103 is equipped with a computer-based control unit 50 that includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (none of which are shown). The control unit 50 executes various processes by the CPU operating in accordance with programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 36 ​​(described below) and loaded into the RAM.

[0033] The CPU is an example of a processor, and performs overall control of each unit of the accounting device 103. The ROM stores various programs. The RAM is a workspace where programs and various data are expanded.

[0034] The control unit 50 controls I / O devices such as the touch panel 62, display 61, scanner 67, card reader / writer 63, printer 64, speaker 65, change machine 66, and memory unit 36 ​​via the I / O device control unit 39 and bus 38, and controls the entire accounting device 103.

[0035] The touch panel 62 is provided on the surface of the display device 61, and inputs information according to the touched position to the control unit 50. The touch panel 113 functions as an input device for inputting information based on the customer C's operation.

[0036] The display 61 is configured, for example, with an LCD panel, and displays various information to the customer C operating the checkout device 103. For example, the display 61 displays a checkout screen on which the customer C performs operations related to checkout processing. The checkout screen displays product information for the product to be purchased, payment method selection buttons, and the like. The display 61 also displays a confirmation screen once the customer C has completed payment. Furthermore, the display 61 displays a standby screen when it is not being used by the customer C, in other words, when it has not received any transaction information from the registration device 102.

[0037] When customer C makes a two-dimensional code payment, scanner 67 reads the two-dimensional code from customer C's information terminal. Furthermore, when checkout device 103 is used as a self-service POS terminal, scanner 67 reads product codes from code symbols such as barcodes attached to products. The method by which scanner 67 reads product codes is the same as that of scanner 111 of registration device 102. Note that scanner 67 may also be designed to read product codes when used as a semi-self-service POS checkout device 103. In this way, even after product registration has been completed in registration device 102, customer C can easily purchase additional products by registering them in checkout device 103.

[0038] The card reader / writer 63 reads information from the point card or credit card of customer C. The card reader / writer 63 may be a magnetic card reader that reads information from a magnetic card, or an IC card reader that reads information from a card with a built-in IC chip.

[0039] When payment is completed by the operation of customer C, the printer 64 issues a receipt on which transaction information and the like for one transaction are printed.

[0040] The speaker 65 outputs sound as needed. For example, in response to an instruction from the control unit 50, the speaker 65 outputs sound to alert the customer C that he or she has forgotten to pick up the item.

[0041] When customer C pays in cash, change dispenser 66 accepts, separates, and stores inserted bills and coins. Then, change dispenser 66 dispenses change according to instructions from control unit 50.

[0042] The storage unit 36 ​​is configured with a hard disk drive, flash memory, etc., and maintains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 36 ​​stores a program 37 executable by the CPU of the control unit 50, a product master F1, and notification information X.

[0043] The product master F1 is the same as the product master F1 stored in the registration device 102. The notification information is information indicating a message to be emitted from the speaker 65. The notification information can be set arbitrarily by the store. In this embodiment, a message to warn customers not to forget to pick up items is stored.

[0044] The control unit 50 is also connected to a communication I / F 40 via a bus 38. The communication I / F 40 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the registration device 102 and a store server (not shown) via a network NT. The control unit 50 can communicate with the external devices via the communication I / F 40.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of registration device 102 and accounting device 103. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of registration device 102 and accounting device 103. First, registration device 102 will be described.

[0046] The control unit 150 of the registration device 102 functions as a registration unit 1021, an operation reception unit 1022, an output unit 1023, and a display control unit 1024 by the CPU operating in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 136. Note that each of these functions may be configured by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0047] The registration unit 1021 executes product registration. Specifically, when the scanner 111 reads a product code, the registration unit 1021 refers to the product master F1, reads out product information corresponding to the product code, and stores the information.

[0048] The operation reception unit 1022 receives input operations for instruction information, which is information set in correspondence with one transaction and instructs the checkout device 103 to notify customer C. The instruction information instructs the checkout device 103 to output a message to warn that the customer has forgotten to pick up the item. The instruction information is input by operating the touch panel 113 at the discretion of the operator O, who has confirmed the characteristics of customer C (elderly, customer with child, etc.).

[0049] Furthermore, the operation accepting unit 1022 accepts various information based on operations on the touch panel 113 and the operation unit 115. For example, the operation accepting unit 1022 accepts an input operation of information indicating the completion of product registration for one transaction by operating the subtotal key.

[0050] When the operation receiving unit 1022 receives an input operation for instruction information, the output unit 1023 outputs the transaction information of one transaction in association with the instruction information. Specifically, when the operation receiving unit 1022 receives an input operation for instruction information, the output unit 1023 transmits the transaction information of one transaction in association with the instruction information to the checkout device 103.

[0051] It should be noted that the destination to which the output unit 1023 outputs the transaction information and instruction information is not limited to the checkout device 103. For example, when the checkout device 103 processes the transaction using a checkout ticket, the output unit 1023 sends the transaction information to a store server (not shown) and outputs a transaction code that identifies the transaction information and a code that indicates the instruction information to the printer 116.

[0052] The display control unit 1024 displays various information on the display 114 and the customer-side display 117. For example, the display control unit 1024 displays product information for registered products on the display 114 and the customer-side display 117. After product registration for a transaction is complete, the display control unit 1024 also displays a transfer screen on the display 114 for sending transaction information and instruction information to the checkout device 103.

[0053] Furthermore, the display control unit 1024 displays a first operator for accepting an input operation of instruction information and a second operator for instructing output of transaction information on the same screen of the display device 114. Specifically, the display control unit 1024 displays the first operator and the second operator on the transfer screen.

[0054] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the checkout device 103. The control unit 50 of the checkout device 103 functions as an input unit 1031, a checkout processing unit 1032, a display control unit 1033, and a notification unit 1034, as the CPU operates according to programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 36. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0055] Various types of information are input to the input unit 1031. For example, the input unit 1031 receives transaction information and instruction information output by the output unit 1023 of the registration device 102.

[0056] The accounting processing unit 1032 executes accounting processing based on the transaction information input to the input unit 1031. Accounting processing refers to processing for making payment for the products purchased by customer C. Specifically, accounting processing refers to processing for calculating and displaying change, instructing the change dispenser 66 to issue change, and issuing a receipt on which information related to the transaction (product information, total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) is printed. When customer C pays by cashless payment, the accounting processing unit 1032 executes processing necessary for the cashless payment, such as communication with the payment server.

[0057] The display control unit 1033 displays various information on the display 61. For example, the display control unit 1033 displays a checkout screen for customer C to perform operations related to checkout processing and a confirmation screen to confirm that payment has been completed on the display 61. Furthermore, when the checkout device 103 is not being used by customer C and no payment-related processing is being performed, the display control unit 1033 displays a standby screen on the display 61.

[0058] When the notification unit 1034 receives transaction information and instruction information for one transaction, the notification unit 1034 makes a notification based on the instruction information. Specifically, when instruction information associated with transaction information for one transaction is input to the input unit 1031, the notification unit 1034 reads out the notification information X stored in the memory unit 36 ​​and outputs it as voice from the speaker 65. In this embodiment, the notification unit 1034 notifies the customer C by outputting a message from the speaker 65 to warn them about leaving something behind. More specifically, the notification unit 1034 outputs a voice message such as "Did you leave anything behind? Please check again" from the speaker 65.

[0059] As mentioned above, the information notified by the notification unit 1034 is not limited to a warning about forgetting to pick up the item, but may also be operation support or target advertisement.

[0060] In this way, the notification unit 1034 notifies customer C when the operator O determines that notification is necessary or desirable based on the characteristics of customer C. In other words, the notification unit 1034 does not notify customer C for whom the operator O determines that notification is not necessary. This prevents customers C who do not require notification from being detained at the checkout device 103 more than necessary, which can lead to poor customer service.

[0061] Next, the operation screens of the registration device 102 and the accounting device 103 configured as above will be described.

[0062] 4 is a diagram showing the transfer screen of the registration device 102. The transfer screen is displayed on the display 114 after product registration for one transaction is complete. The transfer screen displays a total amount display section 1141, a discount button 1142, a discount button 1143, a payment method selection button 1144, a back button 1145, a payment machine information button 1146, a payment machine information display section 1147, and a re-notification button 1148.

[0063] The total amount display section 1141 displays the number of items purchased in one transaction and the total amount. The discount button 1142 is operated when a predetermined amount is to be discounted from the total amount. For example, it is operated when customer C uses a discount coupon. The discount button 1143 is operated when a predetermined percentage is to be discounted from the total amount. For example, it is operated when customer C uses a discount coupon. The back button 1145 is an operation button for returning to the product registration screen when registering products after operating the subtotal key.

[0064] The checkout machine information button 1146 is an operation button for sending transaction information to the checkout device 103 and displaying the number of the checkout device 103 that sent the transaction information. The checkout machine information button 1146 is an example of a second operator for instructing the output of transaction information.

[0065] When the payment machine information button 1146 is operated, the registration device 102 sends the transaction information to the payment device 103. At this time, if the re-notification button 1148 is operated before operating the payment machine information button 1146, the registration device 102 associates instruction information with the transaction information and sends it to the payment device 103. The registration device 102 obtains status information of the corresponding payment device 103, automatically selects an available payment device 103, and sends the transaction information.

[0066] The registration device 102 then displays the number of the accounting device 103 selected as the destination of the transaction information in a pop-up on the transfer screen shown in Figure 4. The operator O can then guide the customer C to the accounting device 103 with the number displayed in the pop-up.

[0067] The payment machine information display unit 1147 displays status information of the payment machine 103 corresponding to the registered device 102. For example, if the registered device 102 is registered device A shown in Figure 1, the payment machine information display unit 1147 displays status information of payment machine 1 and payment machine 2.

[0068] The re-notification button 1148 is an operation button for inputting instruction information to instruct the checkout device 103 to make an announcement. In this embodiment, the content displayed on the display 61 after the checkout device 103 has completed the transaction (noting that the customer should not forget to take the change and receipt) is announced again by the speaker 65, and therefore the operation button is the re-notification button 1148. The announcement to be instructed does not have to be a re-notification. The re-notification button 1148 is an example of a first operator for receiving an input operation for instruction information.

[0069] Next, we will explain the display on the checkout device 103 after receiving transaction information. When customer C has completed payment, the checkout device 103 displays a confirmation screen, and then a standby screen. Figure 5 shows an example of the transition of the display unit 61, etc., when the checkout device 103 has not received instruction information, and Figure 6 shows an example of the transition of the display unit 61, etc., when the checkout device 103 has received instruction information. Note that Figures 5 and 6 show examples when customer C has paid in cash.

[0070] When the payment is completed by customer C, the display 61 displays a confirmation screen. The confirmation screen displays a message display area 611, a transaction amount display area 612, a guidance display area 613, and a store clerk call button 614.

[0071] The message display unit 611 displays a message to inform the customer C. In this embodiment, a message to warn the customer C not to forget to pick up the item is displayed. Specifically, the message display unit 611 displays the message "Please take your receipt and change."

[0072] The transaction amount display unit 612 displays the total price of the purchased items, the amount inserted by customer C into the checkout device 103, and the amount of change. The guidance display unit 613 displays an image or illustration of the checkout device 103, indicating the positions where change and receipts will be dispensed. By checking the guidance display unit 613, customer C can recognize the positions where change and receipts will be dispensed. The store clerk call button 614 is an operation button for calling a store clerk.

[0073] After customer C has completed payment and the confirmation screen is displayed, the display 61 transitions from the confirmation screen to a standby screen after a predetermined time has passed, or when it detects that customer C has removed their change or receipt. The standby screen displays the words "Welcome" across the entire surface of the display 61. If change and / or a receipt remain in the checkout device 103 when the confirmation screen transitions to the standby screen, the checkout device 103 may emit an error sound from the speaker 65.

[0074] On the other hand, if the checkout device 103 has received instruction information associated with the transaction information, notification information is announced before the screen transitions from the confirmation screen to the standby screen, as shown in Figure 6. Specifically, a voice message saying "Did you leave anything behind? Please check again." is output from the speaker 65. The display 61 then displays the standby screen.

[0075] Next, we will explain the processing performed by the registration device 102 and the accounting device 103 to make a re-notification at the discretion of the operator O. First, we will explain the registration processing performed by the registration device 102. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the registration processing by the control unit 150 of the registration device 102.

[0076] The control unit 150 determines whether a product code has been input to the registration unit 1021 (step S1), and if not (N in step S1), returns to the process of step S1 and waits. If a product code has been input (Y in step S1), the registration unit 1021 registers the product based on the input product code (step S2).

[0077] The control unit 150 determines whether product registration for one transaction is complete (step S3), and if not (N in step S3), returns to the processing of step S1. The control unit 150 determines that product registration is complete when the subtotal key is operated to declare the completion of product registration for one transaction.

[0078] When product registration is complete (Y in step S3), the display control unit 1024 causes the display 114 to display the transfer screen shown in Figure 4 (step S4). Next, the control unit 150 determines whether or not the transfer input of transaction information has been performed (step S5). When the payment machine information button 1146 is operated on the transfer screen, the control unit 150 determines that the transfer input of transaction information has been performed.

[0079] When the transaction information transfer input is made (Y in step S5), the output unit 1023 selects an output destination for the transaction information and sends the transaction information to the accounting device 103 (step S6). At this time, the display control unit 1024 displays the number of the accounting device 103 as the destination in a pop-up display on the transfer screen. Then, the control unit 150 ends the registration process.

[0080] In the process of step S5, if the transfer input of the transaction information is not made (N in step S5), the control unit 150 judges whether or not the instruction information has been input (step S7), and if not input (N in step S7), the process returns to the process of step S5. When the re-notification button 1148 is operated on the transfer screen, the control unit 150 judges that the instruction information has been input.

[0081] When instruction information is input (Y in step S7), the output unit 1023 associates the transaction information with the instruction information and transmits the transaction information and instruction information to the selected checkout device 103 (step S8). At this time, the display control unit 1024 displays a pop-up message on the transfer screen indicating the number of the destination checkout device 103. The control unit 150 then terminates the registration process.

[0082] By the above registration process, information indicating whether or not the transaction will require the accounting device 103 to issue a re-notification to be careful not to forget to take the change or receipt can be sent to the accounting device 103.

[0083] Next, a description will be given of the notification process executed by the checkout device 103. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification process by the control unit 50 of the checkout device 103.

[0084] The control unit 50 determines whether transaction information has been entered into the input unit 1031 from the registration device 102 (step S11), and if not (N in step S11), returns to the processing of step S11 and waits. If the transaction information has been entered (Y in step S11), the display control unit 1033 causes the display 61 to display a checkout screen that allows customer C to perform operations related to the checkout process (step S12). The checkout screen displays product information for the product to be purchased, payment method selection buttons, and the like.

[0085] The transaction processing unit 1032 executes transaction processing in response to the operation of customer C (step S13). When transaction processing is completed, the display control unit 1033 causes the display unit 61 to display the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 5 (step S14).

[0086] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether there is instruction information associated with the transaction information input to the input unit 1031 (step S15). If there is instruction information (Y in step S15), the notification unit 1034 reads out the notification information X stored in the memory unit 36 ​​and outputs it as voice from the speaker 65 to make a notification (step S16).

[0087] Next, the display control unit 1033 causes the display 61 to display a standby screen (step S17). Then, the control unit 50 ends the notification process. Note that, in the process of step S15, if there is no instruction information (N in step S15), the control unit 50 skips the process of step S16 and proceeds to the process of step S17.

[0088] By the above-mentioned notification process, the operator O who operates the registration device 102 can notify the customer C of the information that he / she has determined is necessary to be notified of.

[0089] As described above, the checkout system 101 of the first embodiment can notify customers C who are deemed to need information at the checkout device 103. On the other hand, customers C who are deemed not to need information are not notified at the checkout device 103. For example, a message warning customers C about forgetting to pick up their change or receipts can be displayed only to customers C who are deemed to often forget to pick up their change or receipts.

[0090] This not only allows the necessary information to be notified to the customer C at the accounting device 103 operated by the customer C, but also prevents the customer C who does not need the notification from being tied up in the accounting device 103 more than necessary, allowing the customer C to make a smooth payment.

[0091] Furthermore, the judgment of the operator O who operates the registration device 102 is used to identify customers C who are likely to need to be notified of information at the checkout device 103. Therefore, there is no need to install a sensor or the like in the checkout device 103 operated by customer C to determine whether or not customer C needs to be notified of information. In other words, the checkout system 101 of the first embodiment focuses on the unique configuration of semi-self-service POS systems, in which a store clerk operates the registration device 102 that registers products, and by using the judgment of the store clerk, it is possible to notify specific targets of information at the checkout device 103 with a simple configuration.

[0092] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of pieces of information to be notified are prepared, and the operator O can select the information to be notified according to the customer C. Hereinafter, explanations of configurations and functions similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0093] In the second embodiment, a notification information management table Y is stored in the storage unit 36 ​​of the accounting device 103. The notification information management table Y is a data table that manages the notification information notified by the accounting device 103. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the notification information management table Y. The notification information management table Y stores instruction information numbers and notification messages in association with each other.

[0094] The instruction information No. is a number that identifies the instruction information output by the registration device 102. The notification message is the content of the message to be notified. For example, message A is a target advertising message targeted at senior customer C, and message B is an operation support message targeted at people with disabilities.

[0095] As shown in Figure 10, the transfer screen displayed by the display 114 of the registration device 102 displays a total amount display section 1141, a discount button 1142, a discount button 1143, a payment method selection button 1144, a back button 1145, a payment machine information button 1146, a payment machine information display section 1147, a first characteristic button 1149, and a second characteristic button 1150.

[0096] The total amount display section 1141, discount button 1142, discount button 1143, payment method selection button 1144, back button 1145, payment machine information button 1146, and payment machine information display section 1147 are the same as in the first embodiment, so duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0097] The first characteristic button 1149 is an operation button for inputting instruction information to instruct the checkout device 103 to notify the target advertisement. The first characteristic button 1149 displays the word "senior" which indicates the senior demographic that is the target of the target advertisement to be notified.

[0098] The second characteristic button 1150 is an operation button for inputting instruction information to instruct the checkout device 103 to notify operation support. The second characteristic button 1150 displays characters indicating the disabled persons who are the target of the target advertisement to be notified.

[0099] When registering a product on the registration device 102, the operator O checks the characteristics of the customer C, and if the customer C corresponds to the first characteristic button 1149 or the second characteristic button 1150, the operator O operates either of the characteristic buttons. In other words, the operator O determines whether the customer C is a customer C who needs to be notified of target advertising or operational support.

[0100] When the first characteristic button 1149 is operated, instruction information with instruction information No. 1 is sent to the checkout device 103. The checkout device 103 references the notification information management table Y, reads out message A corresponding to instruction information No. 1, and notifies it. In other words, the checkout device 103 notifies the message of the target advertisement.

[0101] Similarly, when the second characteristic button 1150 is operated, instruction information with instruction information No. 2 is sent to the accounting device 103. The accounting device 103 references the notification information management table Y, reads out message B corresponding to instruction information No. 2, and notifies it. In other words, the accounting device 103 notifies a message of operational support.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of the registration process executed by the registration device 102 in the second embodiment.

[0103] The processing of steps S1 to S6 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a duplicated explanation will be omitted. In step S5, if no transaction information transfer input is made (N in step S5), the control unit 150 determines whether the first characteristic button 1149 is operated and the first characteristic input is made (step S21).

[0104] When the first characteristic is input (Y in step S21), the output unit 1023 associates the transaction information with instruction information 1 and transmits them to the checkout device 103 (step S22). Then, the control unit 150 ends the registration process.

[0105] In the processing of step S21, if the first characteristic input is not made (N in step S21), the control unit 150 determines whether the second characteristic button 1150 has been operated to make the second characteristic input (step S23), and if the second characteristic input is not made (N in step S23), the process returns to step S5.

[0106] When the second characteristic is input (Y in step S23), the output unit 1023 associates the transaction information with instruction information 2 and transmits them to the checkout device 103 (step S24). Then, the control unit 150 ends the registration process.

[0107] Through the above registration process, the registration device 102 can send one of a number of pieces of instruction information to the checkout device 103 depending on the characteristics of the customer C.

[0108] Next, we will explain the notification process executed by the checkout device 103. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification process by the control unit 50 of the checkout device 103.

[0109] The processing of steps S11 to S14 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. After displaying the confirmation screen, the control unit 50 determines whether the instruction information associated with the transaction information input to the input unit 1031 is instruction information 1 (step S31).

[0110] If the instruction information is 1 (Y in step S31), that is, if the instruction information is instructing notification of a target advertisement, the notification unit 1034 makes a notification using message A (step S32). Specifically, the notification unit 1034 reads out message A corresponding to instruction information No. 1 from the notification information management table Y stored in the storage unit 36, and outputs the message A as sound from the speaker 65. Next, the display control unit 1033 causes the display 61 to display a standby screen (step S17), as in the first embodiment. Then, the control unit 50 ends the notification process.

[0111] In the processing of step S31, if the instruction information associated with the transaction information input to the input unit 1031 is not instruction information 1 (N in step S31), the control unit 50 determines whether the instruction information associated with the transaction information input to the input unit 1031 is instruction information 2 (step S33).

[0112] If the instruction information is 2 (Y in step S33), that is, if the instruction information is for instructing operation support, the notification unit 1034 makes a notification using message B (step S34). Specifically, the notification unit 1034 reads message B corresponding to instruction information No. 2 from the notification information management table Y stored in the storage unit 36, and outputs the message B by voice from the speaker 65. Then, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S17.

[0113] In the process of step S33, if the instruction information associated with the transaction information input to the input unit 1031 is not instruction information 2 (N in step S33), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S17.

[0114] Through the notification process described above, the checkout device 103 can select information suitable for the customer C at the discretion of the operator O operating the registration device 102.

[0115] As described above, the transaction system 101 of the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, can use a simple configuration to notify specific target individuals of notification information at the transaction device 103. In addition, since multiple pieces of notification information can be prepared, more effective information notification can be achieved.

[0116] As described above, the registration device 102 in each of the above embodiments is used in a checkout system 101 having a registration device 102 that registers product information for products purchased by customer C through operation by a store clerk, and a checkout device 103 that executes checkout processing based on the product information registered by the registration device 102 through operation by customer C. The registration device 102 is equipped with an operation reception unit 1022 that receives input operation for instruction information that is set corresponding to a transaction and instructs the checkout device 103 to notify customer C, and an output unit 1023 that, when the operation reception unit 1022 receives input operation for the instruction information, outputs the transaction information of the transaction in association with the instruction information.

[0117] This allows the registration device 102 to issue notification instructions to the accounting device 103 at the discretion of the store clerk operating the registration device 102. This makes it possible, with a simple configuration, to notify customer C who is thought to need the information at the accounting device 103.

[0118] Furthermore, the output unit 1023 of the registration device 102 of the first embodiment outputs instruction information that instructs the re-notification of the warning to be displayed on the display 61 of the checkout device 103 during the checkout process.

[0119] This allows the store to more effectively warn customer C. The matters that are brought to the attention of the display 61 at the time of payment, such as forgetting to take change or receipts, are important matters for the store, and it is useful for the store to be able to re-notify these matters to customers C who may need them.

[0120] Furthermore, the registration device 102 in each of the above embodiments further includes a display control unit 1033 that displays a first operator for accepting input operation of instruction information and a second operator for instructing output of transaction information on the same screen of the display 61.

[0121] This allows the store clerk operating the registration device 102 to see the first operator when operating the second operator to instruct output of transaction information, thereby preventing the clerk from forgetting to input instruction information.

[0122] Additionally, in the registration device 102 of the second embodiment, the display control unit 1024 displays a plurality of first operators, and the output unit 1023 outputs instruction information corresponding to a selected first operator.

[0123] This allows the checkout device 103 to notify any of the multiple notification information provided, allowing the operator O operating the registration device 102 to select the information appropriate for the customer C.

[0124] In addition, the program 137 that operates the registration device 102 and the program 37 that operates the accounting device 103 are provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0125] The programs 37 and 137 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The programs 37 and 137 may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0126] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied 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 modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 101 Accounting System 102 Registration device 103 Accounting Device 114 Display 1022 Operation reception section 1023 Output Unit 1024 Display control unit 1034 Announcement Department [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0128] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-191938

Claims

1. A registration device for use in a checkout system having a registration device that registers product information of products purchased by customers through operation by a store clerk, and a checkout device that executes checkout processing based on the product information registered by the registration device through operation by the customer, an operation reception unit that receives input of instruction information that is set in correspondence with one transaction and instructs the accounting device to notify the customer after the transaction process is completed; an output unit that, when the operation receiving unit receives an input operation of the instruction information, outputs transaction information of the one transaction and the instruction information in association with each other; A registration device comprising:

2. the output unit outputs instruction information instructing the re-notification of the warning to be displayed on the display of the accounting device during the transaction. The registration device according to claim 1 .

3. a display control unit that displays a first operator for receiving an input operation of the instruction information and a second operator for instructing output of the transaction information on the same screen of a display device; 3. The registration device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the display control unit displays a plurality of the first operators; the output unit outputs instruction information corresponding to the selected first operator. The registration device according to claim 3 .

5. A program for computer-controlled registration device used in a transaction system including a registration device that, when operated by a store clerk, registers product information for products purchased by customers, and a transaction device that, when operated by a customer, executes transaction processing based on the product information registered by the registration device, comprising: The computer an operation reception unit that receives input of instruction information that is set in correspondence with one transaction and instructs the accounting device to notify the customer after the transaction process is completed; an output unit that, when the operation receiving unit receives an input operation of the instruction information, outputs transaction information of the one transaction and the instruction information in association with each other; A program that makes it work.

6. A checkout system having a registration device that is operated by a store clerk to register product information of products purchased by customers, and a checkout device that is operated by a customer to execute checkout processing based on the product information registered by the registration device, The registration device an operation reception unit that receives input of instruction information that is set in correspondence with one transaction and instructs the accounting device to notify the customer after the transaction process is completed; an output unit that, when the operation receiving unit receives an input operation of the instruction information, outputs transaction information of the one transaction in association with the instruction information, The accounting device a notification unit that, when receiving the transaction information of the one transaction and the instruction information, makes a notification based on the instruction information; An accounting system that includes:

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