terminal device

Abstract

A terminal device (10) is used to perform a subject process, which is at least one of a product registration process and a settlement process, and is provided with a first support portion (300), a first display (130), a second support portion (200), and an interlocking portion (400). The first support portion (300) supports an input device (120), which is operated by a user of the terminal device (10), rotatably in a horizontal direction. The first display (130) faces the user of the terminal device (10). The second support portion (200) supports the first display (130) rotatably in the horizontal direction. The interlocking portion (400) interlocks the first support portion (300) and the second support portion (200) to rotate the input device (120) and the first display (130) in the same direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Retail stores and the like use terminal devices, such as POS terminals, that perform at least one of product registration processing and payment processing.

[0003] Meanwhile, general-purpose personal computers have become widespread in recent years. Such personal computers are usually used together with a display and a keyboard. Patent Document 1 describes an automatic display rotation device that controls the orientation of the display to match the orientation of the keyboard. Patent Document 2 describes a device that rotatably connects a display stand on which a keyboard is installed to a display stand on which a keyboard is installed.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes that in a television having a rotating base, an image is captured from a position directly facing the screen, and this image is used to rotate the rotating base so that the screen is positioned directly facing the viewer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-378984 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-290560 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-94723 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a terminal device that performs at least one of product registration processing and checkout processing, the preferred orientation of the display and input device varies depending on the user of the terminal device. Furthermore, the preferred orientation of the display and the preferred orientation of the input device are often linked. One example of an object of the present invention is to reduce the effort required of a user when adjusting the orientation of the display and input device in the above-mentioned terminal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device including: a first support portion that supports an input device operated by a user so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction; a first display facing the user; and a second support portion that supports the first display so that the first display can rotate horizontally; a linking means for linking the first support portion and the second support portion to rotate the input device and the first display in the same direction; Equipped with A terminal device is provided that is used when performing target processing, which is at least one of product registration processing and payment processing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a terminal device that performs at least one of product registration processing and payment processing, the effort required of a user when adjusting the orientation of a display and an input device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The above-mentioned objects, as well as other objects, features and advantages, will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a processing unit inside a housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal device 10 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the terminal device 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the main parts of the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 is used, for example, in a store, and performs at least one of product registration processing and payment processing. When this processing is performed, the terminal device 10 is located between a store clerk and a customer. An example of the terminal device 10 is a POS terminal. The terminal device 10 is placed, for example, at a checkout counter.

[0013] The terminal device 10 includes a first support unit 300, a first display 130, and a second support unit 200. The first support unit 300 supports an input device 120 operated by a user of the terminal device 10 so that the input device 120 can rotate horizontally. In the example shown in this figure, the first support unit 300 is integrated with the input device 120, but the first support unit 300 and the input device 120 may be physically separate. The input device 120 is, for example, a keyboard. The first display 130 faces the user who operates the input device 120. The second support unit 200 supports the first display 130 so that the first display 130 can rotate horizontally. As shown in FIG. 3 , the terminal device 10 further includes an interlocking unit 400. The interlocking unit 400 interlocks the first support unit 300 and the second support unit 200, causing the input device 120 and the first display 130 to rotate in the same direction. The terminal device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0014] The terminal device 10 has a housing 110. The housing 110 houses a processing unit. The processing unit performs at least one of product registration processing and payment processing, for example, both. The processing unit may perform part or all of the product registration processing, or part or all of the payment processing. The processing unit may also control the first display 130, as well as the second display 140 and the third display 150 described below.

[0015] Customer input devices 172 and 174 are disposed on one surface, for example, the top surface, of housing 110. Because customer input devices 172 and 174 are operated by customers, they are located closer to the customer than the center of the top surface of housing 110 in a plan view. An example of customer input device 172 is a numeric keypad, and an example of customer input device 174 is a reading device that reads information from a medium. The medium used here may be, for example, a card with an IC chip, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or paper with a code printed on it. The code used here may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Customer input device 174 may read information from the medium by generating an image, acquire information by short-range wireless communication with the medium, or acquire information from a magnetic medium within the medium. Customer input device 174 may also have the function of writing information to the medium.

[0016] In the example shown in this figure, the input device 120 and the first display 130 face the store clerk, and the second display 140 and the third display 150 face the customer.

[0017] The input device 120 is operated by a store clerk. An example of the input device 120 is the keyboard as described above, but other input devices may also be used.

[0018] The first display 130 displays an operation screen for the store clerk, and also displays at least one of information relating to product registration processing and information relating to payment processing. Various operation screens can be displayed on the first display 130.

[0019] Third display 150 is smaller than second display 140. For example, the height direction width of third display 150 is 0.5 to 0.8 times the height direction width of second display 140. Second display 140 and third display 150 face in the same direction. For example, the angle formed between the normal to third display 150 and the normal to second display 140 is, for example, 30° or less, or even 15° or less.

[0020] One of the second display 140 and the third display 150 displays information related to the payment process for the product, such as the registered product name, price, total payment amount, payment method, and change amount. The other of the second display 140 and the third display 150 displays an advertisement. However, the information displayed by the second display 140 and the third display 150 may be reversed.

[0021] 2, the first display 130, the second display 140, and the third display 150 are supported by a second support unit 200. In detail, the second support unit 200 has a support portion 250, holding portions 210 and 230, and rotating portions 220 and 240.

[0022] Support part 250 is columnar or cylindrical, and stands up from the upper surface of housing 110. To the upper part of support part 250, holding part 210 is fixed via rotating part 220, and holding part 230 is fixed via rotating part 240.

[0023] Holding unit 210 is fixed to the back surface of first display 130. Rotating unit 220 attaches holding unit 210 to the upper part of support unit 250 in a state in which holding unit 210 can rotate both vertically and horizontally. Therefore, first display 130 can rotate relative to housing 110 both vertically and horizontally.

[0024] The holding unit 230 is fixed to the rear surface of the second display 140 and the rear surface of the third display 150. The rotating unit 240 attaches the holding unit 230 to the upper part of the support unit 250 in a state in which the holding unit 230 can rotate both vertically and horizontally. Therefore, the second display 140 and the third display 150 can rotate relative to the housing 110 in both vertically and horizontally.

[0025] In the example shown in this figure, the second display 140 and the third display 150 are integrated by the holding unit 230. Therefore, the orientations of the second display 140 and the third display 150 change simultaneously. However, the second display 140 and the third display 150 may be configured to rotate independently of each other in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0026] The interlocking unit 400 interlocks the orientation of the first support unit 300 with the horizontal orientation of the rotation unit 220. Specifically, when the first support unit 300 rotates rightward, the interlocking unit 400 rotates the rotation unit 220 rightward, and when the first support unit 300 rotates leftward, the interlocking unit 400 rotates the rotation unit 220 leftward. Furthermore, when the first display 130 and the rotation unit 220 rotate rightward, the interlocking unit 400 rotates the first support unit 300 rightward, and when the first display 130 and the rotation unit 220 rotate leftward, the interlocking unit 400 rotates the first support unit 300 leftward. This interlocking may be performed using a mechanical mechanism or electronic control. In the latter case, at least a part of the electronic functions of the interlocking unit 400 may be realized by a processing unit in the housing 110. Furthermore, the interlocking unit 400 may simultaneously change the orientation of the first support unit 300 and the horizontal orientation of the rotation unit 220 in accordance with an input indicating a change in the orientation of the input device 120 and the first display 130. This input is made by the user, for example, via the input device 120 or the first display 130 as a touch panel.

[0027] Furthermore, when viewed from the store clerk or customer, the support column 250 of the second support unit 200, the center of the housing 110, and the customer input devices 172, 174 are aligned in this order. In this manner, there is no need to provide wiring or the like for connecting the customer input devices 172, 174 to the processing unit inside the housing 110 in the area located on the support column 250 side. Therefore, this area can accommodate a mechanism and control unit for interlocking the rotating unit 220 and the first support unit 300.

[0028] Furthermore, the interlocking unit 400 may be capable of disengaging the interlocking between the first support unit 300 and the rotating unit 220. As an example, the terminal device 10 has a switch for determining whether or not to interlock the first support unit 300 and the rotating unit 220. A user of the terminal device 10, such as a store clerk, operates this switch to determine whether or not to interlock the first support unit 300 and the rotating unit 220. This switch may be a mechanical switch or an electronic switch. In the latter case, this switch may be realized using the first display 130 as, for example, a touch panel.

[0029] When the interlocking unit 400 interlocks the first support unit 300 and the rotation unit 220 electronically, the trigger for rotating the first support unit 300 and the rotation unit 220 may be a user rotating the first support unit 300 or the rotation unit 220, or may be a result of detecting the position of the user. In the latter case, the interlocking unit 400 controls the orientation of the first support unit 300 and the rotation unit 220 so that the input device 120 and the first display 130 face the user.

[0030] The user's position, for example, the position of a store clerk, is identified by image processing. The image used here may be generated by, for example, a surveillance camera installed in the store, or may be generated by an imaging unit 190 attached to the terminal device 10. The imaging unit 190 is attached to, for example, the first display 130. The user's position may also be identified using the detection results of a human presence sensor. The process of identifying the user's position may be performed by, for example, an arithmetic processing unit inside the housing 110, or may be performed by a device external to the terminal device 10.

[0031] Furthermore, when the interlocking unit 400 interlocks the first support unit 300 and the rotation unit 220 electronically, the interlocking unit 400 may have a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the interlocking unit 400 controls the orientation of the first support unit 300 and the rotation unit 220 using the detection result of the user's position. In the second mode, when the orientation of one of the input device and the first display changes due to an external force, for example, when the user changes the orientation of this one, the interlocking unit 400 changes the orientation of the other of the input device and the first display.

[0032] In addition, imaging unit 160 is attached to second display 140. The image generated by imaging unit 160 includes the customer. This image is used, for example, when selecting an advertisement to be displayed on third display 150 or second display 140. Note that imaging unit 160 may be attached to third display 150.

[0033] In the example shown in this figure, both the second display 140 and the third display 150 are vertically oriented. However, at least one of the second display 140 and the third display 150, for example, the third display 150, may be horizontally oriented.

[0034] The terminal device 10 further includes a code reader 180. The code reader 180 reads at least one of a barcode and a two-dimensional code that is attached to a product. In the example shown in the figure, the code reader 180 includes a support 182 and a reading unit 184. The support 182 stands upright from the top surface of the housing 110. The reading unit 184 extends diagonally upward from the top of the support 182 and has a mechanism for reading codes on its underside. Because the reading unit 184 extends diagonally upward, the code readable area of ​​the code reader 180 extends diagonally downward from the bottom surface of the reading unit 184. Therefore, the code reader 180 can place larger products in its readable area compared to when the reading unit 184 extends horizontally.

[0035] 2, if the width of the housing 110 in the depth direction of the housing 110, i.e., the direction connecting the customer side and the store clerk side, is L, the distance w from the customer side end of the housing 110 to the center of the support pillar 182 is at least L / 3 and at most 2L / 3 from the customer side. The reading unit 184 extends from the support pillar 182 toward the side of the housing 110 that faces neither the customer nor the store clerk. Therefore, both the store clerk and the customer can use the code reader 180.

[0036] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the arithmetic processing unit inside the housing 110. This arithmetic processing unit has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0037] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0038] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0039] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0040] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM). The storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize the various functions of the arithmetic processing unit. The processor 1020 loads these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing the various functions corresponding to the program modules.

[0041] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the arithmetic processing unit with various input / output devices. For example, the arithmetic processing unit communicates with the first display 130, the second display 140, the third display 150, the customer input devices 172 and 174, and the code reader 180 via the input / output interface 1050.

[0042] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the arithmetic processing unit to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, the terminal device 10 performs at least one of a product registration process and a checkout process. When the orientation of one of the input device 120 and the first display 130 changes, the orientation of the other also changes. This reduces the effort required of the user when adjusting the orientation of the display and the input device.

[0044] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0045] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A first support portion that supports an input device operated by a user so that the input device can be rotated horizontally; a first display facing the user; and a second support portion that supports the first display so that the first display can rotate horizontally; a linking means for linking the first support portion and the second support portion to rotate the input device and the first display in the same direction; Equipped with A terminal device used when performing target processing, which is at least one of product registration processing and payment processing. 2. In the terminal device described in 1 above, The housing and a customer input device arranged on one surface of the housing and operated by a customer; Equipped with The second support portion is a support portion located on the housing; a rotating part provided on the support part and rotatable in a horizontal direction; Equipped with the first display is attached to the support column via the rotating section; When viewed from the user, the support portion, the center of the housing, and the customer input device are arranged in this order. 3. In the terminal device described in 2 above, The terminal device, wherein the rotating part is also rotatable in the up and down directions. 4. In the terminal device according to any one of the above items 1 to 3, The linking means controls the orientation of the input device and the first display using the detection result of the user's position. 5. In the terminal device described in 4 above, The interlocking means is a first mode in which the orientation of the input device and the first display is controlled using the detection result; a second mode in which, when an orientation of one of the input device and the first display is changed due to an external force, an orientation of the other of the input device and the first display is changed; A terminal device having: 6. In the terminal device according to any one of 1 to 5 above, The interlocking means is capable of releasing the interlock between the first support portion and the second support portion. 7. In the terminal device according to any one of 1 to 6 above, The user is one of a store clerk and a customer, a second display facing the other of the store clerk and the customer; Equipped with The second support portion supports the second display of the terminal device so that the second display can be rotated. 8. In the terminal device according to 7 above, the other-facing third display; and a holding portion that integrally holds the second display and the third display, The second support portion is a terminal device that rotatably supports the holding portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10 Terminal Equipment 110 Case 120 input devices 130 1st Display 140 Second Display 150 Third Display 160 Imaging unit 172 Customer Input Devices 174 Customer Input Devices 180 Code Reader 182 Post 184 Reading unit 190 Imaging unit 200 Second support part 210 Holding part 220 Rotating part 230 Holding part 240 Rotating part 250 Post section 300 1st support part 400 Interlocking part

Claims

1. a first support portion that supports an input device operated by a user so that the input device can be rotated in a horizontal direction; a first display facing the user; and a second support portion that supports the first display so that the first display can rotate horizontally; a linking means for linking the first support portion and the second support portion to rotate the input device and the first display in the same direction; Equipped with It is used when performing target processing, which is at least one of product registration processing and payment processing, The housing and a customer input device arranged on one surface of the housing and operated by a customer; Equipped with The second support portion is a support portion located on the housing; a rotating part provided on the support part and rotatable in a horizontal direction; Equipped with the first display is attached to the support column via the rotating section; When viewed from the user, the terminal device is arranged in the order of the support portion, the center of the housing, and the customer input device.

2. In the terminal device according to claim 1, The terminal device, wherein the rotating part is also rotatable in the up and down directions.

3. A first support part that supports an input device operated by a user so that the input device can be rotated horizontally; a first display facing the user; and a second support portion that supports the first display so that the first display can rotate horizontally; a linking means for linking the first support portion and the second support portion to rotate the input device and the first display in the same direction; Equipped with It is used when performing target processing, which is at least one of product registration processing and payment processing, The linking means controls the orientation of the input device and the first display using the detection result of the user's position.

4. In the terminal device according to claim 3, The interlocking means is a first mode in which the orientation of the input device and the first display is controlled using the detection result; a second mode in which, when an orientation of one of the input device and the first display is changed due to an external force, an orientation of the other of the input device and the first display is changed; A terminal device having:

5. A first support part that supports an input device operated by a user so that the input device can be rotated horizontally; a first display facing the user; and a second support portion that supports the first display so that the first display can rotate horizontally; a linking means for linking the first support portion and the second support portion to rotate the input device and the first display in the same direction; Equipped with It is used when performing target processing, which is at least one of product registration processing and payment processing, The interlocking means is capable of releasing the interlock between the first support portion and the second support portion.

6. A first support part that supports an input device operated by a user so that the input device can be rotated horizontally; a first display facing the user; and a second support portion that supports the first display so that the first display can rotate horizontally; a linking means for linking the first support portion and the second support portion to rotate the input device and the first display in the same direction; Equipped with It is used when performing target processing, which is at least one of product registration processing and payment processing, The user is one of a store clerk and a customer, a second display facing the other of the store clerk and the customer; Equipped with The second support portion supports the second display in a rotatable manner.

7. In the terminal device according to claim 6, the other-facing third display; a holding portion that integrally holds the second display and the third display; The second support portion is a terminal device that rotatably supports the holding portion.

Images