Label printing device, system, program

Abstract

To achieve discount more suitably.SOLUTION: Provided is a label issuance device that issues a commodity label, including: receiving means for receiving information about a commodity for which a commodity label is to be issued; and issuance means for issuing a commodity label at least including a commodity name of the commodity, a sales price of the commodity, and a consumption time limit or a freshness date of the commodity. The receiving means can receive information about discount. In a case in which the information about discount is received by the receiving means, the issuance means issues, in a region different from a region in which the consumption time limit or the freshness date of the commodity is printed, a commodity label on which a sales limit of the commodity and discount notification information that notifies a customer of a fact that discount is performed has been printed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a label issuing device, a system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A technology for printing information related to price discounts on product labels is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement regarding price discounts.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology for more suitably realizing price discounts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is a label issuing device that issues product labels, including: a receiving unit that receives information related to a product for which a product label is to be issued; and an issuing unit that issues a product label including at least the product name of the product, the selling price of the product, and the expiration date or shelf life of the product. The receiving unit is capable of receiving information related to price discounts, and when information related to price discounts is received by the receiving unit, the issuing unit issues a product label in which the selling expiration date of the product and price discount notification information for notifying that a price discount is being made are printed in a region different from the region where the expiration date or shelf life of the product is printed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of a network used to explain the sales system and the like in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an example of a product label. [Figure 3] This is an example of a display on a display device. [Figure 4] This is an example of a file used in a sales system. [Figure 5] This is an example of a file used in a sales system. [Figure 6] This is an example of a file used in a sales system. [Figure 7] This is an example of a file used in a sales system. [Figure 8] This is an example of a file used in a sales system. [Figure 9] This is a diagram explaining discounts. [Figure 10] This is an example of a project settings screen. [Figure 11] This is an example of a label printing device display. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how a label printing device operates. [Figure 13] This is a diagram explaining barcodes. [Figure 14] This is an example of a file used in a sales system. [Figure 15] This is an example of a display on a registration and payment device. [Figure 16] This is an example of how it looks on a mobile device. [Figure 17] This is an example of how it looks on a mobile device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the network illustrating the sales system 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is an example of a product label. Figure 3 is an example of the display of the display device 60.

[0009] The sales system 1 shown in Fig. 1(A) includes a server 10, a store controller 20 (for example, a server or the like), a label printing device 30, a transaction status management device 40 (for example, a personal computer or the like), a registration settlement device 50, a display device 60 (for example, a signboard or the like), and a mobile terminal 70.

[0010] The store controller 20, the label printing device 30, the transaction status management device 40, the registration settlement device 50, and the display device 60 are communicably connected via a LAN 19 (which may be wired or wireless). The store controller 20 is communicable with the server 10. The sales system 1 can be introduced into various stores (such as supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, home centers, home appliance量贩stores, etc.).

[0011] In Fig. 1, the number of each device (terminal) is an illustration. For example, in Fig. 1, although "..." is illustrated on the right side of the registration settlement device 50, the number of the registration settlement devices 50 may be one or more.

[0012] The sales system 1 provides services in modes such as a customer registering and settling goods using the registration settlement device 50, and a customer registering goods using the mobile terminal 70 and settling using the registration settlement device 50. Although not shown in the figure, the sales system 1 can also provide services in modes such as a store clerk registering goods using a registration device (not shown) and a customer settling using a settlement device (not shown).

[0013] Server 10 is installed outside the store (e.g., at the head office, data center, etc.) and is a server that manages the entire sales system 1. Server 10 stores, for example, various types of information necessary for the operation of each service (e.g., product master (product file), customer master, various files), and performance information of services in the store (e.g., sales performance information, product sales performance information, etc.). Server 10 communicates with each device (e.g., label printing device 30, transaction status management device 40, registration and settlement device 50, display device 60) within LAN 19 via (or without) store controller 20. Server 10 may be composed of multiple servers.

[0014] Store controller 20 is a device that controls the part of sales system 1 related to the store. Store controller 20 communicates with server 10 and each device within LAN 19. For example, store controller 20 transmits the information stored in server 10 to each device within LAN 19.

[0015] Label printing device 30 is installed, for example, in the backyard and is used by store employees. The label printing device mainly prints and issues product labels for products manufactured within the store (e.g., boxed lunches, prepared dishes, etc.). Label printing device 30 prints and issues product labels as shown in, for example, FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D). The details of FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) will be described later.

[0016] Label printing device 30 includes, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, display unit, printing unit, and communication unit. The display unit may be, for example, a liquid crystal display capable of accepting touch operations.

[0017] The label printing device 30 may also be a weighing device (weighing and pricing device) having the appearance shown in Figure 1(B). In other words, the label printing device 30 (weighing device) may weigh the product and, after weighing, print and issue a product label for the product. The label printing device (weighing device) 30 may, for example, include a CPU, ROM, RAM, display unit (reference numeral 302 in Figure 1(B)), printing unit (reference numeral 303 in Figure 1(B)), communication unit, and weighing unit (reference numeral 301 in Figure 1(B)).

[0018] The label printing device 30 may also be a packaging device (weighing and labeling packaging device) having the appearance shown in Figure 1(C). In other words, the label printing device 30 (packaging device) may weigh the product placed on the packaged item (foam tray, clear tray, etc.), wrap the product with film (vinyl chloride, polypropylene film, etc.) after weighing, print and issue a product label, and affix it to the film. The label printing device (packaging device) 30 may, for example, include a CPU, ROM, RAM, display unit (reference numeral 312 in Figure 1(C)), printing unit, communication unit, weighing unit, and packaging unit.

[0019] The label printing device 30 may further include a scanner unit capable of reading barcodes (e.g., employee codes), an operating unit with one or more buttons, and a hard disk (or SSD (Solid State Drive)).

[0020] The transaction status management device 40 is used by store employees and is primarily responsible for managing each device within the LAN 19. For example, the transaction status management device 40 communicates with each device within the LAN 19 and monitors the processing status, operating status (operational status), etc., of each device within the LAN 19. The transaction status management device 40 also communicates with the server 10 via (or without) the store controller 20.

[0021] The registration and settlement device 50 is a so-called fully self-service POS register primarily used by customers. The registration and settlement device 50 includes, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk (or SSD), scanner unit, display unit, settlement unit, printing unit, communication unit, imaging unit, and signpost. The registration and settlement device 50 also includes a non-cash (card) settlement unit as its settlement unit. The registration and settlement device 50 may also include a cash settlement unit as its settlement unit, either in place of or in addition to the non-cash settlement unit.

[0022] The display device 60 is installed in the store and primarily displays various information (for example, product discount information) to customers. The display device 60 displays product discount information, for example, as shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(E). Details of Figures 3(A) to 3(E) will be described later.

[0023] The mobile terminal 70 is a terminal used by customers to register products at the product display area. In addition to communication functions and imaging functions (camera), the mobile terminal 70 is equipped with recognition functions that recognize various codes (barcodes, 2D codes, etc.). For example, the mobile terminal 70 recognizes barcodes attached to products. For example, the mobile terminal 70 may extract feature points in the captured image (image acquired as a through image (live view)) captured by the imaging function and recognize objects (various codes). The mobile terminal 70 may be owned by the individual customer (or corporation) or may be lent by the store.

[0024] The discount according to the embodiment will be described below. For the sake of explanation, the business hours of the store that has introduced sales system 1 will be as follows.

[0025] (Store hours) The store's operating hours shall be 12 hours, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. (Manufacturing of products to which product labels are affixed) The store will manufacture products (bento boxes, prepared foods, etc.) twice a day, attach labels to the manufactured products, and display them in the store. Specifically, the process will be: start of manufacturing → completion of manufacturing → printing, issuing, and attaching labels → display in the store. For the first batch, at 11:00 a.m., before noon, the products will be labeled and displayed in the store as products that were completed at that time (11:00 a.m.). For the second batch, at 4:00 p.m., the products will be labeled and displayed in the store as products that were completed at that time (4:00 p.m.). (The length of the expiration date on the product to which the product label is attached) The store will manufacture two types of products with different shelf lives (time from manufacturing (display) to expiration date). Specifically, it will manufacture a product with a shelf life of 12 hours and a product with a shelf life of 24 hours. (Expiration date, sales date) At this store, products with an expiration date will be sold up to two hours before the expiration date. Products that expire outside of business hours (10 p.m. to 10 a.m.) will be sold during business hours (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

[0026] Figures 4 to 8 show examples of files used in sales system 1. Figure 4 shows an example of a sales management type file. The sales management type file shown in Figure 4 stores the contents for each sales management type. A sales management type is a type of product that is grouped according to the combination of manufacturing time and shelf life. Sales management type "01" is the type of product (group) manufactured at 11:00 (before noon) with a shelf life of 12 hours. Sales management type "02" is the type of product (group) manufactured at 11:00 (before noon) with a shelf life of 24 hours. Sales management type "03" is the type of product (group) manufactured at 16:00 (evening) with a shelf life of 12 hours. Sales management type "04" is the type of product (group) manufactured at 16:00 (evening) with a shelf life of 24 hours. The sales management type file shown in Figure 4 stores the contents described above for each sales management type.

[0027] Figure 5 shows an example of a product master (product file). Prior to printing and issuing product labels, information about the products (products to be manufactured) for which product labels will be printed and issued is registered in the product master. The device used to register this information in the product master is not particularly limited. The product master shown in Figure 5 stores the product name, sales price (excluding tax), expiration date, etc., associated with the product code. In addition to the product master for products purchased from manufacturers (products with barcodes), a separate product master may be prepared to store information about the products for which product labels will be printed and issued.

[0028] Figure 6 shows an example of a file that associates expiration dates with sales dates. The file shown in Figure 6 stores expiration dates and sales dates in association. For example, the file shown in Figure 6 stores the expiration date "Today at 5 PM" and the sales date "Today at 3 PM" in association (symbol a in Figure 6). This stored information indicates that the sales date for a product with an expiration date of "Today at 5 PM" is "Today at 3 PM" (meaning that the sales date for a product with an expiration date of "Today at 5 PM" is "Today at 3 PM").

[0029] According to the expiration date / sale date correspondence information file shown in Figure 6, the sale date for a product with an expiration date of "23:00 today" is "21:00 today" (symbol b in Figure 6). In other words, the sale date is set at "21:00 today," two hours before the expiration date of "23:00 today." Also, the sale date for a product with an expiration date of "1:00 the next day" is "22:00 today" (symbol c in Figure 6). In other words, since two hours before the expiration date of "1:00 the next day" is "23:00 today (outside business hours)," the sale date is moved up to "22:00 today." Also, the sale date for a product with an expiration date of "4:00 the next day" is "22:00 today" (symbol d in Figure 6). In other words, since two hours before the expiration date of "4:00 the next day" is "2:00 the next day (outside business hours)," the sale date is moved up to "22:00 today." Also, the sale date for a product with an expiration date of "11:00 the next day" is "22:00 today" (symbol e in Figure 6). In other words, since two hours before the expiration date of "11:00 the next day" is "9:00 the next day (outside business hours)", the sales deadline is moved up to "22:00 today". Also, the sales deadline for products with an expiration date of "12:00 the next day" is "22:00 today" (symbol f in Figure 6). In other words, since two hours before the expiration date of "12:00 the next day" is "10:00 the next day (opening time)" (because the products will be collected at opening time), the sales deadline is moved up to "22:00 today". Also, the sales deadline for products with an expiration date of "16:00 the next day" is "14:00 the next day" (symbol g in Figure 6). In other words, the sales deadline is set to "14:00 the next day", which is two hours before the expiration date of "16:00 the next day".

[0030] In addition, the expiration date / sale date correspondence information file shown in Figure 6 stores the sale date for every hour from "17:00 today (code a)" to "16:00 the next day (code g)". However, the expiration date / sale date correspondence information file only needs to store the sale date for at least four different expiration dates: 23:00 today (code b), 4:00 the next day (code d), 11:00 the next day (code e), and 16:00 the next day (code g). In other words, as mentioned above, since products are manufactured twice a day (11 AM and 4 PM) and there are two types of shelf life (12-hour products and 24-hour products), the shelf life / sales deadline information file may store sales deadlines for four different shelf lifes: 11 PM today (shelf life for products manufactured at 11 AM with a 12-hour shelf life), 4 AM the next day (shelf life for products manufactured at 4 PM with a 12-hour shelf life), 11 AM the next day (shelf life for products manufactured at 11 AM with a 24-hour shelf life), and 4 PM the next day (shelf life for products manufactured at 4 PM with a 24-hour shelf life).

[0031] Figure 7 shows an example of a plan setting file that stores the settings for a discount plan (hereinafter referred to as a discount plan). The plan setting file shown in Figure 7 stores the plan name and plan details in association with the plan code. The plan code is identification information that identifies the discount plan. The plan name is the name of the discount plan. The plan details are the details (setting information) of the discount plan.

[0032] Let's explain the details of the discount promotion with a specific example. For example, the promotion code "00001" has the following details: "3 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline: 15% off" and "2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline: 20% off" (symbol a in Figure 7). This promotion indicates that a 15% discount will be applied to the 1 hour of business between the point when there are 3 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline and the point when there are 2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline, and a 20% discount will be applied to the 2 hours of business between the point when there are 2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline and the point when there are 0 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline (sales deadline) (these are the respective settings).

[0033] In other words, for example, if the sales deadline for a certain product is 9 PM today (for example, the case of symbol b in Figure 6), then the product will be discounted by 15% for one hour of business time between 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline (6 PM today) and 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (7 PM today), and for two hours of business time between 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (9 PM today), the sales deadline will be 0 hours remaining until the sales deadline (9 PM today), which is the sales deadline, and 20% for the product. Furthermore, if a product's sales deadline is 2 PM the following day (for example, the case of symbol g in Figure 6), the product will be discounted by 15% for one hour of business time between 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline (11 AM the following day) and 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (12 PM the following day), and by 20% for two hours of business time between 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (12 PM the following day) and 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (the sales deadline, 2 PM the following day).

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the details of the promotion code "00004" are "5% discount for the remaining 5 hours of business until the sales deadline," "10% discount for the remaining 4 hours of business until the sales deadline," "30% discount for the remaining 3 hours of business until the sales deadline," and "50% discount for the remaining 2 hours of business until the sales deadline" (symbol b in Figure 7). The details of this promotion indicate that a 5% discount will be applied to the hour of business between the point when there are 5 hours of business until the sales deadline and the point when there are 4 hours of business until the sales deadline, a 10% discount will be applied to the hour of business between the point when there are 4 hours of business until the sales deadline and the point when there are 3 hours of business until the sales deadline and the point when there are 2 hours of business until the sales deadline, and a 50% discount will be applied to the 2 hours of business between the point when there are 2 hours of business until the sales deadline and the point when there are 0 hours of business until the sales deadline (sales deadline) (each of which is set accordingly).

[0035] In other words, for example, if the sales deadline for a certain product is 9 PM today (for example, in the case of symbol b in Figure 6), the product will be discounted by 5% for one hour of business time between 5 hours remaining until the sales deadline (4 PM today) and 4 hours remaining until the sales deadline (5 PM today), and for one hour of business time between 4 hours remaining until the sales deadline (5 PM today) and 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline (6 PM today), the discount will be applied to the product. The store has indicated that it will offer a 10% discount on the product, a 30% discount for one hour of business between 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline (6 PM today) and 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (7 PM today), and a 50% discount for two hours of business between 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (7 PM today) and 0 hours remaining until the sales deadline (9 PM today, the sales deadline). Furthermore, if the sales deadline for a certain product is 2 PM the following day (for example, the case of symbol g in Figure 6), the product will be discounted by 5% for one hour of business between 5 hours remaining until the sales deadline (9 PM today) and 4 hours remaining until the sales deadline (10 PM today), and for one hour of business between 4 hours remaining until the sales deadline (10 AM the following day) and 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline (11 AM the following day), The product will be discounted by 10%, and for one hour of business hours between 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline (11am the next day) and 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (12pm the next day), the product will be discounted by 30%, and for two hours of business hours between 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline (12pm the next day) and 0 hours remaining until the sales deadline (14pm the next day), the product will be discounted by 50%.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the details of the project code "00005" are "5 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline: set as appropriate", "4 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline: set as appropriate", "3 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline: set as appropriate", and "2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline: set as appropriate" (symbol c in Figure 7). This project details indicate that the discount rates for each of the following periods of business will be set as appropriate (not predetermined): 1 hour of business between 5 hours remaining until the sales deadline and 4 hours remaining until the sales deadline, 1 hour of business between 4 hours remaining until the sales deadline and 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline, 1 hour of business between 3 hours remaining until the sales deadline and 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline, and 2 hours of business between 2 hours remaining until the sales deadline and 0 hours remaining until the sales deadline (sales deadline).

[0037] Figure 8(A) is an example of a sales management type mark setting file that stores the settings for marks (codes, images, etc.) for sales management types. The sales management type mark setting file shown in Figure 8(A) stores sales management type marks associated with sales management types. The sales management type mark for sales management type "01" (products manufactured at 11:00 with a shelf life of 12 hours) is "A". The sales management type mark for sales management type "02" (products manufactured at 11:00 with a shelf life of 24 hours) is "B". The sales management type mark for sales management type "03" (products manufactured at 16:00 with a shelf life of 12 hours) is "C". The sales management type mark for sales management type "04" (products manufactured at 16:00 with a shelf life of 24 hours) is "B".

[0038] Figure 8(B) shows an example of a project mark setting file that stores the settings for project marks (codes, images, etc.). The project mark setting file shown in Figure 8(B) stores project marks in association with project codes. The project mark setting file may store the project marks themselves, or it may store information that identifies the project marks. The same applies to the product label issuance file (described later) and the discount schedule file (described later).

[0039] In the project mark setting file shown in Figure 8(B), chopsticks are set (stored) as the project mark for project code "00001" (Project 1) (symbol a in Figure 8(B)), a spoon is set as the project mark for project code "00002" (Project 2) (symbol b in Figure 8(B)), a fork is set as the project mark for project code "00003" (Project 3) (symbol c in Figure 8(B)), a knife is set as the project mark for project code "00004" (Project 4) (symbol d in Figure 8(B)), and a cup is set as the project mark for project code "00005" (Project 5) (symbol e in Figure 8(B)).

[0040] Each file shown in Figures 4 to 8 may be stored in any device used by the store staff, as long as it is accessible from each device (label printing device 30, transaction status management device 40, registration and settlement device 50, display device 60, mobile terminal 70). However, devices used by customers (registration and settlement device 50, mobile terminal 70) will not display the entire information even if they access each file (they will only inquire about the contents of the file). The same applies to the product label issuance file (described later) and the discount schedule file (described later).

[0041] Figure 9 is a diagram explaining discounts. Specifically, Figure 9(A) shows the schedule for sales management type "01" (products manufactured at 11:00 with a shelf life of 12 hours). Figure 9(B) shows the schedule for sales management type "02" (products manufactured at 11:00 with a shelf life of 24 hours). Figure 9(C) shows the schedule for sales management type "03" (products manufactured at 16:00 with a shelf life of 12 hours). Figure 9(D) shows the schedule for sales management type "04" (products manufactured at 16:00 with a shelf life of 24 hours).

[0042] In Figures 9(A) to 9(D), "No Promotion" indicates that no discount promotion will be applied. "Promotion 1" indicates that Promotion 1 with promotion code "00001" will be applied. "Promotion 2" indicates that Promotion 2 with promotion code "00002" will be applied. "Promotion 3" indicates that Promotion 3 with promotion code "00003" will be applied. "Promotion 4" indicates that Promotion 4 with promotion code "00004" will be applied. "Promotion 5" indicates that Promotion 5 with promotion code "00005" will be applied.

[0043] In Figures 9(A) to 9(D), the "discount mark" is a mark related to discounts. The discount mark is a combination of the promotion mark (Figure 8(B)) and the sales management type mark (Figure 8(A)). The discount mark is printed on the product label of the product to which the discount promotion applies (Figure 2). The discount mark is displayed on the display device 60 when a discount is being applied (Figure 3).

[0044] (Product with sales management type "01") The sales management type mark for sales management type "01" is "A". As mentioned above, the discount mark is a combination of the promotion mark and the sales management type mark. The promotion mark for promotion 1 is chopsticks, the promotion mark for promotion 2 is a spoon, the promotion mark for promotion 3 is a fork, the promotion mark for promotion 4 is a knife, and the promotion mark for promotion 5 is a cup. Therefore, when promotion 1 is applied to a product with sales management type "01", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "A". In other words, when promotion 1 is applied to a product with sales management type "01", a discount mark combining the promotion mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "A" will be printed on the product label. In Figure 9(A), "Chopsticks + A" in the promotion 1 column indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the promotion mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "A". When promotion 2 is applied to a product with sales management type "01", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "spoon" and the sales management type mark "A". In other words, when applying plan 2 to a product with sales management type "01", a discount mark combining the plan mark "spoon" and the sales management type mark "A" is printed on the product label. In Figure 9(A), "Spoon + A" in the plan 1 column indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "spoon" and the sales management type mark "A". When applying plan 3 to a product with sales management type "01", the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "fork" and the sales management type mark "A". In other words, when applying plan 3 to a product with sales management type "01", a discount mark combining the plan mark "fork" and the sales management type mark "A" is printed on the product label. In Figure 9(A), "Fork + A" in the plan 1 column indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "fork" and the sales management type mark "A". When applying plan 4 to a product with sales management type "01", the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "knife" and the sales management type mark "A". In other words, when applying plan 4 to a product with sales management type "01", a discount mark combining the plan mark "knife" and the sales management type mark "A" is printed on the product label.In Figure 9(A), the column for Plan 1, "Knife + A," indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "Knife" and the sales management type mark "A." When Plan 5 is applied to a product with sales management type "01," the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "Cup" and the sales management type mark "A." In other words, when Plan 5 is applied to a product with sales management type "01," a discount mark combining the plan mark "Cup" and the sales management type mark "A" will be printed on the product label. In Figure 9(A), the column for Plan 1, "Cup + A," indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "Cup" and the sales management type mark "A."

[0045] Also, as shown at the bottom of Figure 9(A), the expiration date for products with sales management type "01" is 23:00 today. The sales deadline is 21:00 today. The purchase period is 10 hours (11:00 today to 21:00 today). Therefore, the time when there are 5 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 16:00 today. The time when there are 4 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 17:00 today. The time when there are 3 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 18:00 today. The time when there are 2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 19:00 today.

[0046] Therefore, when applying Plan 1 to a product of sales management type "01", as shown in the Plan 1 column of Figure 9(A), the product will be sold at a 15% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 19:00 to 21:00 today. When applying Plan 2 to a product of sales management type "01", as shown in the Plan 2 column of Figure 9(A), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 16:00 to 17:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, at a 15% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 19:00 to 21:00 today. When applying Promotion 3 to a product with sales management type "01", as shown in the Promotion 3 column of Figure 9(A), the product will be sold at a 30% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 19:00 to 21:00 today. When applying Promotion 4 to a product with sales management type "01", as shown in the Promotion 4 column of Figure 9(A), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 16:00 to 17:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, at a 30% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 19:00 to 21:00 today. When applying Plan 5 to a product with sales management type "01", the discount rates for each of the following time slots are undetermined, as shown in the Plan 5 column of Figure 9(A): 1 hour from 16:00 to 17:00 today, 1 hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, 1 hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, and 2 hours from 19:00 to 21:00 today. In other words, Plan 5 is a plan that allows discounts to be set after the product is displayed and sales have been observed. Plan 5 allows for flexible responses based on the sales situation of the product after it has been displayed.

[0047] (Product with sales management type "02") The sales management type mark for sales management type "02" is "B". Therefore, when applying plan 1 to a product with sales management type "02", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "B". In other words, when applying plan 1 to a product with sales management type "02", a discount mark combining the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "B" will be printed on the product label. In Figure 9(B), "chopsticks + B" in the column for plan 1 indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "B". Similarly, as shown in Figure 9(B), when applying plan 2 to a product with sales management type "02", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "spoon" and the sales management type mark "B". When applying plan 3 to a product with sales management type "02", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "fork" and the sales management type mark "B". When applying Promotion 4 to a product with sales management type "02", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "knife" and the sales management type mark "B". When applying Promotion 5 to a product with sales management type "02", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "cup" and the sales management type mark "B".

[0048] Also, as shown at the bottom of Figure 9(B), the expiration date for products with sales management type "02" is 11:00 the following day. The sales deadline is 22:00 today. The purchase period is 11 hours (11:00 today to 22:00 today). Therefore, the time when there are 5 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 17:00 today. The time when there are 4 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 18:00 today. The time when there are 3 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 19:00 today. The time when there are 2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 20:00 today.

[0049] Therefore, when applying Plan 1 to a product of sales management type "02", as shown in the Plan 1 column of Figure 9(B), the product will be sold at a 15% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Plan 2 to a product of sales management type "02", as shown in the Plan 2 column of Figure 9(B), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, at a 15% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Promotion 3 to a product with sales management type "02", as shown in the Promotion 3 column of Figure 9(B), the product will be sold at a 30% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Promotion 4 to a product with sales management type "02", as shown in the Promotion 4 column of Figure 9(B), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, at a 30% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Plan 5 to a product of sales management type "02", the discount rates for each of the following time slots are undetermined, as shown in the Plan 5 column of Figure 9(B): 1 hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, 1 hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, 1 hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and 2 hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today (for example, discounts will be set after observing sales after the product is displayed).

[0050] (Product with sales management type "03") The sales management type mark for sales management type "03" is "C". Therefore, when applying plan 1 to a product with sales management type "03", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "C". In other words, when applying plan 1 to a product with sales management type "03", a discount mark combining the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "C" will be printed on the product label. In Figure 9(C), "chopsticks + C" in the plan 1 column indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "C". Similarly, as shown in Figure 9(C), when applying plan 2 to a product with sales management type "03", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "spoon" and the sales management type mark "C". When applying plan 3 to a product with sales management type "03", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "fork" and the sales management type mark "C". When applying Promotion 4 to a product with sales management type "03", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "knife" and the sales management type mark "C". When applying Promotion 5 to a product with sales management type "03", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "cup" and the sales management type mark "C".

[0051] As shown at the bottom of Figure 9(C), the expiration date for products with sales management type "03" is 4:00 AM the following day. The sales deadline is 10:00 PM today. The purchase period is 6 hours (16:00 to 22:00 today). Therefore, the time when there are 5 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 17:00 today. The time when there are 4 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 18:00 today. The time when there are 3 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 19:00 today. The time when there are 2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 20:00 today.

[0052] Therefore, when applying Plan 1 to a product of sales management type "03", as shown in the Plan 1 column of Figure 9(C), the product will be sold at a 15% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Plan 2 to a product of sales management type "03", as shown in the Plan 2 column of Figure 9(C), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, at a 15% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Promotion 3 to a product with sales management type "03", as shown in the Promotion 3 column of Figure 9(C), the product will be sold at a 30% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Promotion 4 to a product with sales management type "03", as shown in the Promotion 4 column of Figure 9(C), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, at a 30% discount for one hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today. When applying Plan 5 to a product of sales management type "03", the discount rates for each of the following time slots are undetermined, as shown in the Plan 5 column of Figure 9(C): 1 hour from 17:00 to 18:00 today, 1 hour from 18:00 to 19:00 today, 1 hour from 19:00 to 20:00 today, and 2 hours from 20:00 to 22:00 today (for example, discounts will be set after observing sales after the product is displayed).

[0053] (Product with sales management type "04") The sales management type mark for sales management type "04" is "D". Therefore, when applying plan 1 to a product with sales management type "04", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "D". In other words, when applying plan 1 to a product with sales management type "04", a discount mark combining the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "D" will be printed on the product label. In Figure 9(D), "chopsticks + D" in the plan 1 column indicates that the discount mark is a combination of the plan mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "D". Similarly, as shown in Figure 9(D), when applying plan 2 to a product with sales management type "04", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "spoon" and the sales management type mark "D". When applying plan 3 to a product with sales management type "04", the discount mark will be a combination of the plan mark "fork" and the sales management type mark "D". When applying Promotion 4 to a product with sales management type "04", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "knife" and the sales management type mark "D". When applying Promotion 5 to a product with sales management type "04", the discount mark will be a combination of the promotion mark "cup" and the sales management type mark "D".

[0054] As shown at the bottom of Figure 9(D), the expiration date for products with sales management type "04" is 4 PM the following day. The sales deadline is 2 PM the following day. The purchase period is 10 hours (4 PM today to 10 PM today, and 10 AM the following day to 2 PM the following day). Therefore, the point at which there are 5 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 9 PM today. The point at which there are 4 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 10 AM the following day. The point at which there are 3 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 11 AM the following day. The point at which there are 2 hours of business remaining until the sales deadline is 12 PM the following day.

[0055] Therefore, when applying Plan 1 to a product of sales management type "04", as shown in the Plan 1 column of Figure 9(D), the product will be sold at a 15% discount for one hour from 11:00 to 12:00 the next day, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 12:00 to 14:00 the next day. When applying Plan 2 to a product of sales management type "04", as shown in the Plan 2 column of Figure 9(D), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 21:00 to 22:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 10:00 to 11:00 the next day, at a 15% discount for one hour from 11:00 to 12:00 the next day, and at a 20% discount for two hours from 12:00 to 14:00 the next day. When applying Plan 3 to a product with sales management type "04", as shown in the Plan 3 column of Figure 9(D), the product will be sold at a 30% discount for one hour from 11:00 to 12:00 the following day, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 12:00 to 14:00 the following day. When applying Plan 4 to a product with sales management type "04", as shown in the Plan 4 column of Figure 9(D), the product will be sold at a 5% discount for one hour from 21:00 to 22:00 today, at a 10% discount for one hour from 10:00 to 11:00 the following day, at a 30% discount for one hour from 11:00 to 12:00 the following day, and at a 50% discount for two hours from 12:00 to 14:00 the following day. When applying Plan 5 to a product of sales management type "04", the discount rates for each of the following time slots are undetermined, as shown in the Plan 5 column of Figure 9(D): 1 hour from 9 PM to 10 PM today, 1 hour from 10 AM to 11 AM the next day, 1 hour from 11 AM to 12 PM the next day, and 2 hours from 12 PM to 2 PM the next day (for example, discounts will be set after observing sales after the product is displayed).

[0056] Figure 10 shows an example of a promotion setting screen. The promotion setting screen is where store employees set discount promotions, etc. The promotion setting screen is displayed, for example, on the label printing device 30. In addition to or instead of the label printing device 30, other devices (for example, the transaction status management device 40, the registration and settlement device 50, the server 10, and other servers (not shown) that can communicate with the server 10, etc.) may also display the promotion setting screen. In the following description, the label printing device 30 will be described as the device that displays the promotion setting screen.

[0057] The project setting screen shown in Figure 10 includes fields for work category, project code, start date, end date, project name, and project mark. Furthermore, the project setting screen in Figure 10 includes discount condition area 1 (symbol a in Figure 10), discount condition area 2 (symbol b in Figure 10), discount condition area 3 (symbol c in Figure 10), and discount condition area 4 (symbol d in Figure 10), each of which includes a time field and a discount field. Additionally, the project setting screen in Figure 10 includes a project mark button BT01, an add condition button BT02, a cancel button BT03, and a complete button BT04.

[0058] (New discount promotion setting) When setting up a new discount promotion, the employee enters "1" in the work category field. When setting up a new discount promotion (when "1" is entered in the work category field), the employee enters an unused 5-digit number (a 5-digit number not registered as a promotion code for an already set-up discount promotion) in the promotion code field as the promotion code for the new promotion. When setting up a new discount promotion, the label printer 30 may display a 5-digit number currently in use (a 5-digit number registered as a promotion code for an already set-up discount promotion) and prompt the employee to enter an unused 5-digit number. Alternatively, when setting up a new discount promotion, the label printer 30 may display (automatically input) an unused 5-digit number (for example, the smallest unused 5-digit number) in the promotion code field. When setting up a new discount promotion, the employee enters the start date of the new promotion in the start date field and the end date in the end date field. Note that if you are setting up a new discount promotion to be applied from today, you may leave the "Start Date" field blank. Also, if you are not setting an end date for the new discount promotion, you may leave the "End Date" field blank. When setting up a new discount promotion, the employee should enter the name of the new promotion in the "Promotion Name" field.

[0059] When a store employee sets up a new discount promotion, they select a promotion mark for the new promotion. Specifically, the employee operates the promotion mark button BT01. When the promotion mark button BT01 is operated, the label printing device 30 displays a list of unused marks (marks not selected as promotion marks for set discount promotions) from among several pre-prepared marks on a small screen (not shown). The employee selects a mark from the small screen displayed after operating the promotion mark button BT01. When a mark is selected from the small screen, the label printing device 30 displays the selected mark in the promotion mark field. Alternatively, when the promotion mark button BT01 is operated, the label printing device 30 may display an unused mark from among several pre-prepared marks in the promotion mark field (automatic selection).

[0060] When a store employee sets up a new discount promotion, they input the details of the new promotion. Specifically, the employee inputs the details of the new promotion into the discount condition area (time field, discount field). If there are insufficient conditions, the employee operates the condition addition button BT02. Each time the condition addition button BT02 is operated, the label printing device 30 displays additional discount condition areas (if it cannot be displayed on one page, it will be displayed on the next page).

[0061] The store clerk operates the Complete button BT04 if they wish to set up a new discount plan based on the information displayed in each field. If the store clerk does not wish to set up a new discount plan, they operate the Cancel button BT03. When the Complete button BT04 is operated, the label printing device 30 erases the information displayed in each field and sets up a new discount plan.

[0062] For example, in the project setting file shown in Figure 7, the project details for Project 1 (small discount, normal start), identified by project code "00001", are set (stored) as "3 hours remaining until the sales deadline: 15% discount" and "2 hours remaining until the sales deadline: 20% discount" (symbol a in Figure 7). In the project mark setting file shown in Figure 8(B), chopsticks are set (stored) as the project mark for project code "00001" (symbol a in Figure 8(B)). These settings were stored in the project setting file and project mark setting file by the label printing device 30 when the complete button BT04 was operated while the project setting screen shown in Figure 10 displayed work category "1", project code "00001", project name "Project 1 (small discount, normal start)", project mark "chopsticks", discount condition 1 as time "3" and discount "15", and discount condition 2 as time "2" and discount "20".

[0063] For example, in the project setting file shown in Figure 7, the project details for project 4 (Big Discount Early Start), identified by project code "00004", are set (stored) as "5 hours remaining until sales deadline: 5% discount", "4 hours remaining until sales deadline: 10% discount", "3 hours remaining until sales deadline: 30% discount", and "2 hours remaining until sales deadline: 50% discount" (symbol b in Figure 7). In the project mark setting file shown in Figure 8(B), a knife is set (stored) as the project mark for project code "00004" (Figure 8(B)). (D) The settings are recorded by the label printing device 30 in the plan setting file and plan mark setting file when the complete button BT04 is pressed while the plan setting screen shown in Figure 10 is displaying the following: work category "1", plan code "00004", plan name "Plan 4 (Big Discount Early Start)", plan mark "knife", discount condition 1 with time "5" and discount "5", discount condition 2 with time "4" and discount "10", discount condition 3 with time "3" and discount "30", and discount condition 4 with time "2" and discount "50".

[0064] For example, in the project setting file shown in Figure 7, the project details for project 5 (start, discount rate undecided), identified by project code "00005", are set (stored) as "5 hours remaining until sales deadline: set as appropriate", "4 hours remaining until sales deadline: set as appropriate", "3 hours remaining until sales deadline: set as appropriate", and "2 hours remaining until sales deadline: set as appropriate" (symbol c in Figure 7), and in the project mark setting file shown in Figure 8(B), a cup is set (stored) as the project mark for project code "00005" (symbol e in Figure 8(B)), The settings are what the label printing device 30 stores in the plan setting file and plan mark setting file when the complete button BT04 is pressed, while the plan setting screen shown in Figure 10 displays the following: work category "1", plan code "00005", plan name "Plan 5 (start, discount rate undecided)", plan mark "cup", discount condition 1 time "5" and discount "(blank)", discount condition 2 time "4" and discount "(blank)", discount condition 3 time "3" and discount "(blank)", and discount condition 4 time "2" and discount "(blank)".

[0065] (Revision of discount plan) When a store clerk modifies a discount plan, they enter "2" in the work category field. When a store clerk modifies a discount plan (when they enter "2" in the work category field), they enter the plan code of the discount plan to be modified in the plan code field. When a discount plan is modified, the label printing device 30 displays (automatically inputs) the start date of the discount plan to be modified (the discount plan with the plan code entered in the plan code field) in the start date field, displays (automatically inputs) the end date of the discount plan to be modified in the end date field, displays (automatically inputs) the plan name in the plan name field, displays (automatically inputs) the plan mark in the plan mark field, and displays (automatically inputs) the content in the discount conditions area. The store clerk makes the necessary modifications and operates the complete button BT04. If the store clerk does not wish to make any modifications, they operate the cancel button BT03. If the complete button BT04 is operated after modifications, the label printing device 30 erases the information displayed in each field and modifies the discount plan.

[0066] (Removal of discount promotion) When a store clerk wants to delete a discount promotion, they enter "3" in the work category field. When a store clerk deletes a discount promotion (by entering "3" in the work category field), they enter the promotion code of the discount promotion to be deleted in the promotion code field. When a discount promotion is deleted, the label printer 30 displays (automatically inputs) the start date of the promotion to be deleted (the discount promotion with the promotion code entered in the promotion code field) in the start date field, the end date in the end date field, the promotion name in the promotion name field, the promotion mark in the promotion mark field, and the details in the discount conditions area. When a store clerk wants to delete the discount promotion, they operate the complete button BT04. If the store clerk does not want to delete it, they operate the cancel button BT03. When the complete button BT04 is operated, the label printer 30 erases the information displayed in each field and deletes the discount promotion.

[0067] (Inquiry about discount promotions) When a store clerk inquires about a discount promotion, they enter "4" in the work category field. When a store clerk inquires about a discount promotion (when they enter "4" in the work category field), they enter the promotion code of the discount promotion they want to inquire about in the promotion code field. When a discount promotion is inquired about, the label printing device 30 displays (automatically inputs) the start date of the discount promotion to be inquired about (the discount promotion with the promotion code entered in the promotion code field) in the start date field, displays (automatically inputs) the end date of the discount promotion in the end date field, displays (automatically inputs) the promotion name in the promotion name field, displays (automatically inputs) the promotion mark in the promotion mark field, and displays (automatically inputs) the details in the discount conditions area. When a store clerk finishes the inquiry, they operate, for example, the complete button BT04. When the complete button BT04 is operated, the label printing device 30 clears the information displayed in each field.

[0068] Figure 11 shows an example of the display of the label printing device 30. Specifically, Figure 11 is an example of the label printing and issuing screen displayed when a label printing device 30 (weighing device, packaging device) equipped with a weighing unit prints and issues product labels. Note that in the label printing and issuing screen displayed by a label printing device 30 that is not equipped with a weighing unit, the fields related to weighing (tare field, weight field, etc.) may be omitted.

[0069] The label printing and issuance screen shown in Figure 11 has fields for current date and time, product name, product code, tare weight, weight, unit price, price, and sales management type at the top (part of the code a in Figure 11). The label printing and issuance screen shown in Figure 11 also has a label image area, a processing date and time area, an expiration date area, a sales expiration date management area, and a discount planning area in the center (part of the code b in Figure 11). Furthermore, the label printing and issuance screen shown in Figure 11 has a cancel button BT13 and a print button BT14. The label image area is for displaying the image of the product label that will be printed and issued after the print button BT14 is pressed.

[0070] The processing date and time area includes a field for the date and time of product processing, and an arrow button to display a small screen (a small screen where the date and time can be selected) as an input aid for the date and time field. The expiration date area includes a field for the expiration date and time, and an arrow button to display a small screen (a small screen where the date and time can be selected) as an input aid for the date and time field. The sales deadline management area includes a field for whether or not sales deadline management is being performed, and a change button to change the status in the presence / absence field (i.e., change from "yes" to "no," or from "no" to "yes"). Note that sales deadline management is set to "yes" by default. The discount plan area includes a field for whether or not a discount plan is being performed, a change button to change the status in the presence / absence field, a plan code field, and an arrow button to display a small screen (a small screen where the discount plan can be selected) as an input aid for the plan code field.

[0071] The label printing device 30 displays a label printing and issuing screen based on a predetermined operation by a store employee (for example, the operation of the label issuing button on the menu screen (not shown)).

[0072] As mentioned above, prior to printing and issuing product labels, information regarding the products (products to be manufactured) for which product labels are to be printed and issued is already registered in the product master (Figure 5).

[0073] When the label printing screen is displayed, the label printing device 30 displays the current date and time in the current date and time field and the processing date and time in the processing date and time field. If the current date and time is 10:55 on July 27, 2021, the label printing device 30 displays "202107271055" in the current date and time field and "2021072711" in the processing date and time field, as shown in Figure 11. In addition, when the label printing screen is displayed, the label printing device 30 initially displays "Yes" in the presence / absence field of the sales deadline management area.

[0074] The store clerk enters the product code of the product for which a product label is to be issued into the product code field. Alternatively, arrow buttons may be provided to display a small screen (a small screen where the product code (or product name) for which a product label is to be issued can be selected) to assist with entering the product code into the product code field.

[0075] When a product code is entered into the product code field, the label printing device 30 refers to the product master, etc., and displays the product name of the product with that product code in the product name field, the sales price of the product with that product code in the price field, the sales management type in the sales management type field, and the expiration date in the date and time field of the expiration date area. In the example shown in Figure 11, the label printing device 30 displays the product name of the product with that product code, "Seasonal Nigiri Sushi," in the product name field, the sales price of the product with that product code, "631," in the price field, the sales management type, "01," in the sales management type field, and the expiration date, "2021072723," in the date and time field of the expiration date area. The shelf life of this product (Seasonal Nigiri Sushi) is 12 hours (Figure 5), and since a product with a shelf life of 12 hours is manufactured at 11:00, the sales management type is "01" (Figure 4).

[0076] The store clerk enters "Yes" in the "Presence of Discount Promotion Area" field if they are running a discount promotion for the product, and "No" in the "Presence of Discount Promotion Area" field if they are not running a discount promotion for the product. If the store clerk is running a discount promotion (i.e., they entered "Yes" in the "Presence of Discount Promotion Area" field), they enter the promotion code in the "Promotion Code" field of the discount promotion area. In the example shown in Figure 11, "Yes" is entered in the "Presence of Discount Promotion Area" field, and "00001" for promotion 1 is entered in the "Promotion Code" field of the discount promotion area.

[0077] The store clerk operates the print button BT14 if there are no problems with the input. The label printing device 30 displays the print button BT14 as operable only when there are no problems with the input. In other words, the label printing device 30 does not display the print button BT14 as operable if there are problems with the input. For example, if "Yes" is entered in the "Presence of discount promotion area" field, but no promotion code is entered in the "Promotion code" field of the discount promotion area, or if the entered promotion code does not exist, the label printing device 30 will not display the print button BT14 as operable because there is insufficient information (for example, it will be hidden or grayed out).

[0078] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the label printing device 30. Specifically, Figure 12(A) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the label printing device 30. Figure 12(B) is an example of a small screen displayed by the label printing device 30.

[0079] Step S1: The label printing device 30 displays a label printing and issuing screen based on the operation. For example, the label printing device 30 displays a label printing and issuing screen based on the operation of the label issuing button on the menu screen (not shown). Step S2: The label printing device 30 displays each item on the label printing and issuance screen based on the operation, etc. As an example, when the label printing device 30 accepts the input of a product code in the product code field, it displays the product code in the product code field, the product name of the product with that product code in the product name field, the sales price of the product with that product code in the price field, the sales management type in the sales management type field, and the expiration date in the date and time field of the expiration date area. Step S3: The label printer 30 determines whether the input content is consistent. In other words, the label printer 30 checks if there are any problems with the content on the label printing screen. If the input content is consistent (Step S3: YES), proceed to Step S4. If the input content is not consistent (Step S3: NO), return to Step S2.

[0080] Step S4: The label printing device 30 displays the print button BT14 in an operable state. Then proceed to step S5. Step S5: The label printing device 30 accepts operation of the print button BT14. Then proceed to step S6. Step S6: The label printing device 30 determines whether or not to implement a discount promotion. In other words, the label printing device 30 determines whether or not the "Presence or Absence of Discount Promotion Area" column is "Yes". If the discount promotion is to be implemented (Step S6: YES), that is, if the "Presence or Absence of Discount Promotion Area" column is "Yes", proceed to Step S7. If the discount promotion is not to be implemented (Step S6: NO), that is, if the "Presence or Absence of Discount Promotion Area" column is "No", proceed to Step S10.

[0081] Step S7: The label printing device 30 notifies the user about the discount promotion to be implemented (i.e., the discount promotion with the promotion code entered in the promotion code field). For example, the label printing device 30 may display a small screen showing the schedule of the discount promotion to be implemented in front of the label printing and issuing screen. The process then proceeds to step S8.

[0082] Figure 12(B) is an example of a small screen SG01 that appears in front of the label printing screen when a store employee operates the print button BT14 on the label printing screen shown in Figure 11. The expiration date "Today at 23:00" on the small screen SG01 is based on "2021072723" in the date and time field of the expiration date area on the label printing screen shown in Figure 11. The sales deadline "Today at 21:00" on the small screen SG01 is based on "2021072723" in the date and time field of the expiration date area on the label printing screen shown in Figure 11 and the information in the expiration date / sales deadline correspondence file shown in Figure 6 (symbol b in Figure 6). The schedule for the small screen SG01 (11am-4pm (5 hours) today at the regular price, 4pm-5pm (1 hour) today at the regular price, 5pm-6pm (1 hour) today at the regular price, 6pm-7pm (1 hour) today at a 15% discount, 7pm-9pm (2 hours) today at a 20% discount) is based on "01" in the sales management type column of the label printing and issuance screen shown in Figure 11 and "00001" in the project code column of the project code area (see the project 1 column in Figure 9(A)).

[0083] Step S8: The label printing device 30 determines whether the change button has been operated on the small screen SG01. If the change button has been operated (Step S8: YES), the small screen SG01 is cleared and the device returns to Step S2. If the change button has not been operated (Step S8: NO), the device proceeds to Step S9. The store clerk will operate the change button, for example, if the schedule of the discount promotion that was confirmed is different from what was intended (for example, if the product label in Figure 2(B) is issued, the regular price sales period is 1 hour, but the store clerk did not intend for the regular price sales period to be 1 hour).

[0084] Step S9: The label printing device 30 determines whether the OK button on the small screen SG01 has been pressed. If the OK button has been pressed (Step S9: YES), the small screen SG01 is cleared and the process proceeds to Step S10. If the OK button has not been pressed (Step S9: NO), the process returns to Step S8.

[0085] Step S10: The label printing device 30 refers to various files and prints and issues product labels. Then proceed to step S11.

[0086] (Details of Step S10) Step S10 will be explained in detail. As shown in Figures 2(A) to 2(D), the label printing device 30 issues product labels that include the product name, processing date and time, expiration date, price excluding tax, price including tax, as well as a barcode (symbol a in Figure 2), a date mark (symbol c in Figure 2), and a discount mark (symbol b in Figure 2). The date mark indicates the date (including the day of the week) to which the product's sales deadline falls.

[0087] (Barcode to be printed on the product label) Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a barcode. The label printing device 30 prints a barcode on the product label as shown in Figure 13. The structure of the barcode (barcoded information; barcode information) is, for example, as follows: The first 13 digits from the left (code a in Figure 13) are the product code. The next digit (code b in Figure 13) indicates whether a discount promotion is being implemented. "0" means not implemented, and "9" means implemented. The next 5 digits (code c in Figure 13) are the promotion code. If the discount promotion is not implemented, it is "00000". The next digit (code d in Figure 13) indicates whether expiration date management is being implemented. "0" means not implemented, and "1" means implemented. The next 7 digits (code e in Figure 13) are the expiration date (YMMDDHH). For example, July 27, 2021 at 23:00 would be "1072723". Furthermore, at 4:00 AM on July 28, 2021, the value becomes "1072804". The expiration date is referenced when managing sales deadlines and implementing discount promotions. The following single digit (code f in Figure 13) is the check digit.

[0088] (Product label in Figure 2(A)) When selling "Seasonal Nigiri Sushi (Shelf Life of 12 Hours)" manufactured on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM (before noon) under the discount promotion (Promotion 1), the label printing device 30 will print and issue a product label as shown in Figure 2(A). Note that in the product label in Figure 2(A), the 13-digit product code and the 1-digit check digit of the barcode are set to "X" (the same applies to the barcodes on the product labels in Figures 2(B) to 2(D)).

[0089] The product label shown in Figure 2(A) has a discount mark printed on it that combines the promotion mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "A" (the "chopsticks + A" mark for promotion 1 in Figure 9(A)). In other words, the promotion mark for promotion 1 (promotion code "00001") is "chopsticks" (Figure 8(B)), and the sales management type mark for a product with a shelf life of 12 hours manufactured at 11:00 (before noon) (sales management type "01" as shown in Figure 4) is "A" (Figure 8(A)). Therefore, the label printing device 30 displays "chopsticks + A" as the discount mark (symbol b in Figure 2(A)).

[0090] The product label shown in Figure 2(A) has "27th (Tue)" printed as a date mark. In other words, since the expiration date for this product is 9pm today (Figure 9(A)), the label printing device 30 displays "27th (Tue)" as a date mark (symbol c in Figure 2(A)). As shown in Figure 2(A), the date mark "27th (Tue)" is printed in a different area (location, position) than the area where the expiration date "21.7.27 11pm" is printed. The same applies to other product labels as shown in Figures 2(B) to 2(D).

[0091] Furthermore, according to the first column of the plan in Figure 9(A), the schedule for the products related to the product label in Figure 2(A) is as follows: Tuesday, July 27, 2021, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Regular price 15% off from 6 PM to 7 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. 20% off from 7 PM to 9 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

[0092] (Product label in Figure 2(B)) If the "meatballs (with a shelf life of 12 hours)" manufactured on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 4 PM are to be sold under the discount promotion (Promotion 2), the label printing device 30 will print and issue a product label as shown in Figure 2(B).

[0093] The product label shown in Figure 2(B) has a discount mark printed on it that combines the promotion mark "spoon" and the sales management type mark "C" (the "spoon + C" mark for promotion 2 in Figure 9(C)). In other words, the promotion mark for promotion 2 (promotion code "00002") is "spoon" (Figure 8(B)), and the sales management type mark for a product with a shelf life of 12 hours manufactured at 4pm (evening) (sales management type "03" as shown in Figure 4) is "C" (Figure 8(A)), so the label printing device 30 displays "spoon + C" as the discount mark (symbol b in Figure 2(B)).

[0094] The product label shown in Figure 2(B) has "27th (Tue)" printed as a date mark. In other words, since the expiration date for this product is 10pm today (Figure 9(C)), the label printing device 30 displays "27th (Tue)" as a date mark (symbol c in Figure 2(B)).

[0095] Furthermore, according to the two planning columns in Figure 9(C), the product schedule for the product label shown in Figure 2(B) is as follows: Tuesday, July 27, 2021, 4 PM - 5 PM: Regular price 5% off from 5 PM to 6 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. 10% off on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, from 6 PM to 7 PM. 15% off on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, from 7 PM to 8 PM. 20% off from 9 PM to 10 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

[0096] (Product label in Figure 2(C)) If the "Assorted Salad (with a shelf life of 24 hours)" manufactured on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 4 PM is sold under the discount promotion (Promotion 1), the label printing device 30 will print and issue a product label as shown in Figure 2(C).

[0097] The product label shown in Figure 2(C) has a discount mark printed on it that combines the promotion mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "D" (the "chopsticks + D" mark for promotion 1 in Figure 9(D)). In other words, the promotion mark for promotion 1 (promotion code "00001") is "chopsticks" (Figure 8(B)), and the sales management type mark for a product with a shelf life of 24 hours manufactured at 4pm (evening) (sales management type "04" as shown in Figure 4) is "D" (Figure 8(A)), so the label printing device 30 displays "chopsticks + D" as the discount mark (symbol b in Figure 2(C)).

[0098] The product label shown in Figure 2(C) has "28th (Wed)" printed as a date mark. In other words, since the expiration date for this product is 2 PM the following day (Figure 9(D)), the label printing device 30 displays "28th (Wed)" as a date mark (symbol c in Figure 2(C)).

[0099] Furthermore, according to the first column of the plan in Figure 9(D), the schedule for the products related to the product label in Figure 2(C) is as follows: Tuesday, July 27, 2021, 4 PM - 10 PM: Regular price Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Regular price 15% off from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. 20% off on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 12:00 to 14:00.

[0100] (Product label in Figure 2(D)) If the "Assorted Salad (with a shelf life of 24 hours)" manufactured on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 11:00 (noon) is sold under the discount promotion (Promotion 1), the label printing device 30 will print and issue a product label as shown in Figure 2(D).

[0101] The product label shown in Figure 2(D) has a discount mark printed on it that combines the promotion mark "chopsticks" and the sales management type mark "B" (the "chopsticks + B" mark for promotion 1 in Figure 9(B)). In other words, the promotion mark for promotion 1 (promotion code "00001") is "chopsticks" (Figure 8(B)), and the sales management type mark for a product with a shelf life of 24 hours manufactured at 11:00 (before noon) (sales management type "02" as shown in Figure 4) is "B" (Figure 8(A)), so the label printing device 30 displays "chopsticks + B" as the discount mark (symbol b in Figure 2(D)).

[0102] The product label shown in Figure 2(D) has "28th (Wed)" printed as a date mark. In other words, since the expiration date for this product is 10pm today (Figure 9(B)), the label printing device 30 displays "28th (Wed)" as a date mark (symbol c in Figure 2(D)).

[0103] Furthermore, according to the first column of the plan in Figure 9(B), the schedule for the product related to the product label in Figure 2(D) is as follows: Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Regular price 15% off on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 7 PM to 8 PM. 20% off from 8 PM to 10 PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

[0104] Return to the flowchart in Figure 12. Step S11: The label printing device 30 stores information regarding the issuance of product labels. This flowchart then ends.

[0105] (Details of Step S11) Step S11 will be explained in detail. Figure 14 shows an example of a file used in sales system 1. Specifically, Figure 14(A) is an example of a product label issuance file related to printed and issued product labels. Figure 14(B) is an example of a discount schedule file that stores the schedule of discount promotions registered to be executed.

[0106] As shown in Figure 14(A), the product label issuance file stores the number of product labels issued (i.e., the number of units of the product sold), the date mark and discount mark (combination of date mark and discount mark) printed on the product label, associated with the barcode information of the barcode printed on the issued product label.

[0107] As shown in Figure 14(B), the discount schedule file stores schedule information regarding discounts for products on product labels printed with date marks and discount marks, associating them with the date marks and discount marks.

[0108] The label printing device 30 may, for example, perform the following (1)(2) as the process in step S11. (1) The label printing device 30 updates the product label issuance file. Specifically, the label printing device 30 refers to the product label issuance file, and if the barcode information of the barcode printed on the issued product label is not stored in the product label issuance file, it stores the barcode information, the number of labels issued "1", the date mark, and the discount mark in the product label issuance file. Note that if there is no discount promotion, the date mark and discount mark do not exist and are therefore not stored. On the other hand, if the barcode information of the barcode printed on the issued product label is already stored in the product label issuance file, the label printing device 30 counts up the number of labels issued corresponding to that barcode information in the product label issuance file. (2) The label printing device 30 updates the discount schedule file. Specifically, the label printing device 30 refers to the discount schedule file and, if the date mark and discount mark printed on the issued product label are not stored in the discount schedule file, it stores the date mark and discount mark in association with the schedule information in the discount schedule file. On the other hand, if the date mark and discount mark printed on the issued product label are already stored in the discount schedule file, the label printing device 30 does not update the discount schedule file.

[0109] Furthermore, in (1) above, if the product label issuance file is stored in the label printing device 30, the label printing device 30 updates the product label issuance file within its own device. On the other hand, if the product label issuance file is stored in another device (for example, the server 10), the label printing device 30 sends the information necessary for the other device to update the product label issuance file to the other device. The same applies to the discount schedule file in (2) above.

[0110] (Example of display on display device 60) If the product labels shown in Figures 2(A) to 2(C) are printed and issued on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 (i.e., the product label for Figure 2(A) is printed and issued at 11:00 AM on the same day, and the product labels for Figures 2(B) and 2(C) are printed and issued at 4:00 PM on the same day), the display device 60 will refer to the discount schedule file and display (notify) information regarding the discount promotion as shown in Figure 3. It is assumed that the relevant products (products for which the product labels for Figures 2(A) to 2(C) were printed and issued) are not sold out.

[0111] Figure 3(A) shows, for example, the display content at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. According to the discount schedule file shown in Figure 14(B), at 5:30 PM, the date mark "Tuesday, July 27" and the discount mark "Spoon + C" are discounted by 5%. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3(A), the display device 60 displays "5% OFF at the register" in association with the date mark "Tuesday, July 27" and the discount mark "Spoon + C" to indicate that there is a 5% discount.

[0112] The aspect ratio of the display screen of the display device 60 shown in Figure 3(A) is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to the aspect ratio shown. In other words, it may be landscape, portrait, or square as shown. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the size of the display screen (screen size) or the ratio of the display screen to the display information (size of the display information relative to the display screen). The same applies to Figures 3(B) to 3(E). When installing multiple display devices 60 in a store, multiple display devices 60 with different aspect ratios and screen sizes may be installed.

[0113] Figure 3(B) shows, for example, the display content at 6:30 PM on the same day. In other words, according to the discount schedule file shown in Figure 14(B), at 6:30 PM, the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A" are discounted by 15%, and the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Spoon + C" are discounted by 10%. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3(B), the display device 60 displays "15% OFF at the register" corresponding to the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A" to indicate a 15% discount, and displays "5% OFF at the register" corresponding to the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Spoon + C" to indicate a 10% discount.

[0114] Similarly, Figure 3(C) shows the display content at, for example, 7:30 PM on the same day. Figure 3(D) shows the display content at, for example, 8:30 PM on the same day. Figure 3(E) shows the display content at, for example, 9:30 PM on the same day.

[0115] The display content (information regarding discount promotions) on the display device 60 described above is based on the product label issuance file (Figure 14(A)) and the discount schedule file (Figure 14(B)). However, the display device 60 itself may control its own display content, or another device (for example, the server 10, the transaction status management device 40) may control the display content of the display device 60. In other words, the display device 60 may control its display content by referring to the product label issuance file and the discount schedule file, or another device may control the display content of the display device 60 by referring to the product label issuance file and the discount schedule file.

[0116] Furthermore, the display device 60 will not display any information regarding a particular "date mark and discount mark" if all products with that mark have sold out. If a product with a product label printed with the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A" (in this example, it is seasonal nigiri sushi, but this also includes products other than seasonal nigiri sushi) sells out at the regular price (i.e., it sells out before the discount from the promotion is applied), the display device 60 will not display the discount information for the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A". Also, if the product sells out after the discount information for the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A" has been displayed, the display device 60 will erase the discount information for the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A". Note that this control may be performed by the display device 60 itself or by another device.

[0117] Furthermore, although it was explained that the relevant products (products with the product labels printed and issued in Figures 2(A) to 2(C)) are not sold out, in reality they may be sold out (due to the time lag between adding an item to the shopping cart and completing the checkout), so the display device 60 may notify the user of the possibility of the product being sold out. For example, it may display a message such as "The product with the relevant label may not be available."

[0118] (Example of display for the registered payment device 50) Figure 15 shows an example of the display of the registration and settlement device 50. If the product labels shown in Figures 2(A) to 2(C) are printed and issued on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 (that is, if the product label in Figure 2(A) is printed and issued at 11:00 on the same day, and the product labels in Figures 2(B) and 2(C) are printed and issued at 16:00 on the same day), the registration and settlement device 50 will refer to the product label issuance file and the discount schedule file and register the products as shown in Figure 15.

[0119] For example, if the registration and settlement device 50 reads the barcode "XXXXXXXXXXXXX90000111072723X" printed on the product label in Figure 2(A) at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, it will register the product on the product label in Figure 2(A) (seasonal nigiri sushi) with a 15% discount, as shown in Figure 15. In other words, the registration and settlement device 50 refers to the product label issuance file and obtains the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A" as the date mark / discount mark corresponding to the read barcode "XXXXXXXXXXXXX90000111072723X" (Figure 14(A)). Next, the registration and settlement device 50 refers to the schedule information and obtains a discount rate of "15%" corresponding to the current time "18:30 on Tuesday, July 27, 2021" from the schedule information of the date mark "27th (Tue)" and the discount mark "Chopsticks + A" (Figure 14(B)), and registers the product with a 15% discount.

[0120] (Mobile device 70) First, we will briefly explain the process of registering products using the mobile terminal 70. Although it was explained that the server 10 may consist of multiple servers, we will assume that the server 10 mainly consists of a headquarters server 10A that communicates with the store controller 20 and a cloud server 10B that supports product registration by the mobile terminal 70. The cloud server 10B has a transaction information file (also called a cart file) that stores the registration information of each mobile terminal 70.

[0121] When the mobile terminal 70 reads a barcode attached to a product (including barcodes on product labels printed and issued by the label printing device 30), it transmits the barcode information to the cloud server 10B.

[0122] The cloud server 10B, upon receiving barcode information from the mobile terminal 70, identifies the product by referring to the product master (Figure 5). The cloud server 10B also refers to the product label issuance file (Figure 14(A)) to determine whether or not the product is eligible for a discount promotion. For example, the cloud server 10B determines that the product is eligible for a discount promotion if a date mark / discount mark is stored in association with the barcode information. If the cloud server 10B determines that the product is eligible for a discount promotion, it refers to the discount schedule file (Figure 14(B)) to determine whether or not a discount is currently being offered, and if a discount is currently being offered, it obtains the discount rate.

[0123] If the cloud server 10B determines that a product identified from the barcode information is not eligible for a discount promotion, or if it determines that a product identified from the barcode information is eligible for a discount promotion but is not currently discounted, it adds the product information (product name, price, etc.) of the product to the cart file of the mobile terminal 70 and transmits the product information to the mobile terminal 70.

[0124] If the cloud server 10B determines that a product identified from the barcode information is eligible for a discount promotion and is currently discounted, it adds the product information and discount rate of that product to the cart file of the mobile terminal 70, and also transmits the product information and discount rate to the mobile terminal 70.

[0125] If a discount is applied to a discounted product that was not discounted when the barcode information was received (when the product information was registered in the cart file), the cloud server 10B adds the discount rate to the cart file and also sends the discount rate to the mobile terminal 70.

[0126] If the discount rate for a product that is part of a discount promotion changes before the checkout process is completed, the cloud server 10B updates the discount rate of that product stored in the cart file to the new discount rate and also sends the new discount rate of that product to the mobile terminal 70.

[0127] The process until payment is completed is as follows: The mobile terminal 70 displays a payment 2D code (a 2D code that encodes information that can identify the cart file of the mobile terminal 70. For example, a 2D code that encodes a URI that can identify the location of the cart file of the mobile terminal 70 on the cloud server 10B) based on a predetermined operation (the button BT604 in Figure 16 that proceeds to checkout). The customer has the payment 2D code displayed on the mobile terminal 70 read by the registration and payment device 50. In other words, the registration and payment device 50 reads the payment 2D code displayed on the mobile terminal 70. Having read the payment 2D code, the registration and payment device 50 uses the information that can identify the cart file of the mobile terminal 70 to retrieve the information in the cart file of the mobile terminal 70 from the cloud server 10B and displays it on the product list screen (not shown). After transitioning from the product list screen (not shown) to the payment screen (not shown), the customer makes the payment using their desired payment method (cash, card, etc.). The registration and settlement device 50 sends settlement completion information (settlement completion information) to the cloud server 10B. The number of units sold for each product is determined from the settlement completion information. Therefore, related to the sold-out status mentioned above, just as the inventory quantity (number of items before display + number of items on display + number of items in the shopping cart before checkout) is determined by subtracting the number of units sold from the number of units purchased for purchased goods, the inventory quantity (if the products are displayed immediately after label issuance, the number of items on display + number of items in the shopping cart before checkout) is determined by subtracting the number of units sold from the number of labels issued in the product label issuance file for products with product labels issued by the label printing device 30. The same applies when registering products in the registration and settlement device 50. In other words, the sales system 1 can determine whether a product is sold out or not by calculation based on the number of products manufactured (number of labels issued) and the number that have passed through the register (the determining entity can be the server 10, the store controller 20, the label printing device 30, the transaction status management device 40, the registration device 50, or the display device 60). In addition, a separate device (referred to as the settlement device 51) may be provided for settling payments for goods registered via the mobile terminal 70, separate from the registration and settlement device 50.

[0128] (Example of display on mobile device 70) Figure 16 shows an example of the display on the mobile terminal 70. If the product labels shown in Figures 2(A) to 2(C) are printed and issued on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 (that is, if the product label in Figure 2(A) is printed and issued at 11:00 on the same day, and the product labels in Figures 2(B) and 2(C) are printed and issued at 16:00 on the same day), the mobile device 70 will register the products as shown in Figure 16.

[0129] For example, if mobile terminal 70 reads the barcode "XXXXXXXXXXXXX90000111072723X" printed on the product label in Figure 2(A) at 17:57 on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, it will register the product on the product label in Figure 2(A) (seasonal nigiri sushi) at its regular price, as shown in Figure 16(A). In other words, the cloud server 10B, which received the barcode information from mobile terminal 70 at 17:57 on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, will refer to the product label issuance file (Figure 14(A)) to determine that the product is eligible for the discount promotion, and will refer to the discount schedule file (Figure 14(B)), but will determine that no discount has been applied at the current time "17:57 on Tuesday, July 27, 2021". Accordingly, the cloud server 10B adds the product information (product name, price, etc.) of the product (seasonal nigiri sushi) to the cart file of the mobile terminal 70 and transmits the product information to the mobile terminal 70. As a result, the mobile terminal 70 registers the product (seasonal nigiri sushi) with the product label shown in Figure 2(A) at its regular price, as shown in Figure 16(A).

[0130] Three minutes after the scene in Figure 16(A), at 6 PM on the same day, the mobile terminal 70 displays (re-registers) the registered product (seasonal nigiri sushi) as being 15% off, as shown in Figure 16(B). In other words, at 6 PM on the same day, the product will be 15% off, so the cloud server 10B adds the discount rate for the product to the cart file and sends the discount rate to the mobile terminal 70. As a result, the mobile terminal 70 displays the product with the product label in Figure 2(A) (seasonal nigiri sushi) as being 15% off, as shown in Figure 16(B). In the example shown in Figure 16(B), the mobile terminal 70 displays message MS01 indicating that the product is discounted as part of the discount promotion. The mobile terminal 70 may also clear message MS01 (and message MS02) based on a predetermined operation (for example, touching the area of ​​the speech bubble displaying the message), or it may clear message MS01 (and message MS02) based on a predetermined time elapsed from the start of display (for example, 5 seconds) without any operation. Furthermore, if the discount rate changes, the mobile terminal 70 may also display message MS02 (not shown) indicating that the discount rate has changed for the products covered by the discount promotion.

[0131] If the mobile terminal 70 has unsold stock of the same product as the product whose barcode was scanned, but which is more affordable (a product whose selling price is lower than the product whose barcode was scanned because its expiration date (or sales date) is approaching), it may temporarily suspend the registration of the product whose barcode was scanned and inform the customer of the existence of the more affordable product (or recommend that the customer purchase the more affordable product).

[0132] As a concrete example, let's assume that the product label shown in Figure 2(C) was printed and issued on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, and the product label shown in Figure 2(D) was printed and issued on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. In other words, let's assume that the product label for the mixed salad (the product label in Figure 2(C)) was printed and issued at 4 PM on Tuesday, July 27, and the product label for the mixed salad (the product label in Figure 2(D)) was printed and issued at 11 AM the following day, Wednesday, July 28.

[0133] For example, if the mobile terminal 70 reads the barcode printed on the product label shown in Figure 2(D) at 13:00 on Wednesday, July 28, it will display the small screen SG02 as shown in Figure 16(C).

[0134] In other words, the mobile terminal 70 transmits the barcode information of the product on the product label in Figure 2(D) (a mixed salad manufactured at 11:00 on Wednesday, July 28) to the cloud server 10B. The cloud server 10B refers to the product label issuance file and the discount schedule file to determine whether there are any unsold products that are the same as the product read by the mobile terminal 70 (a mixed salad manufactured at 11:00 on Tuesday, July 28) but are sold at a lower price than the product read by the mobile terminal 70. If the cloud server 10B determines that there are unsold items that are the same as the item read by the mobile terminal 70 but are priced lower than the item read by the mobile terminal 70 (i.e., if it determines that a mixed salad manufactured at 4 PM on Tuesday, July 27th is currently being sold at a 20% discount (1 PM on Wednesday, July 28th)), it notifies the mobile terminal 70 of the date mark, discount mark, and discount rate printed on the product label (product label in Figure 2(C)) of the item in question (the mixed salad manufactured at 4 PM on Tuesday, July 27th). Upon receiving this notification, the mobile terminal 70 displays a small screen SG02 as shown in Figure 16(C).

[0135] If the purchase button BT605 is pressed, the mobile terminal 70 clears the small screen SG02 and registers the scanned product. For example, the mobile terminal 70 notifies the cloud server 10B that it intends to register the product, and the cloud server 10B adds the product information of the product to the cart file of the mobile terminal 70 and sends the product information to the mobile terminal 70. On the other hand, if the product change button BT606 is pressed, the mobile terminal 70 clears the small screen SG02 and cancels the scanning of the product. For example, the mobile terminal 70 notifies the cloud server 10B that it does not intend to register the product, and the cloud server 10B discards the product information of the product (does not add it to the cart file of the mobile terminal 70).

[0136] Figure 17 shows an example of the display on the mobile terminal 70. When the mobile terminal 70 takes an image of the three products on the display stand (pork steak, fried shrimp, and meatballs) as shown in Figure 17(A), it may use AR (Augmented Reality) technology to display information about each product as shown in Figure 17(B). Note that there are no discount promotions set for the pork steak and fried shrimp, but there is a discount promotion set for the meatballs. Specifically, the meatballs are assumed to have the product label shown in Figure 2(B) attached to them. The product with the product label shown in Figure 2(B) will be 20% off from 9pm to 10pm on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 (Figure 14(B)), but the current time is, for example, 9:30pm on the same day, and the 20% discount is applied.

[0137] In the example shown in Figure 17(B), the mobile terminal 70 displays the product name and regular price in AR for each product (symbols a-c). Furthermore, for the meatballs, which are part of a discount promotion and are actually 20% off, the mobile terminal 70 displays the details of the discount ("Currently 20% off the displayed price") in AR (symbol d), and also displays information to draw attention to the discount (an image showing "Great Deal!!" inside a star-shaped polygon) in AR (symbol e). The content of the AR display only needs to be stored in a location accessible to the mobile terminal 70. Note that the example shown in Figure 17 is for when multiple products are photographed, but the same applies to a single product.

[0138] Furthermore, an AR marker corresponding to each product may be printed on the product label of each product (or a label with the AR marker printed on it may be attached separately from the product label), and the mobile terminal 70 may perform AR display (codes a to e) based on the AR marker it reads. Also, for AR displays related to discounts (codes d and e), the "date mark and discount mark" may be used as the AR marker. In addition, since it is possible to identify the product and to identify the presence and content of the "date mark and discount mark" from the barcode printed on the product label (code a in Figure 13, Figure 14), the mobile terminal 70 may recognize the barcode (i.e., make the barcode function as an AR marker) and perform AR display.

[0139] The mobile terminal 70 may decide whether or not to perform AR display depending on the imaging distance. For example, if the distance to the product is within a predetermined distance (for example, if the size of the captured barcode is greater than or equal to a predetermined size), the product may be registered, and if the distance to the product is less than a predetermined distance (for example, if the size of the captured barcode is less than a predetermined size), AR display may be performed for the product as shown in Figure 17. Alternatively or in addition to the above, the mobile terminal 70 may decide whether or not to perform AR display depending on the settings (for example, setting information based on the customer's setting operations on the mobile terminal 70. The setting information may be stored in the mobile terminal 70 or in another device such as a cloud server 10B).

[0140] In Figure 17(B), a background area for text, etc. (speech bubble area, star-shaped polygon area) is displayed within the through-image, and the text, etc. is displayed within this background. However, text, etc. may also be displayed directly within the through-image. When displaying text, etc. directly within the through-image, the text, etc. may be a different color from the through-image, or the text, etc. may be outlined in a different color from the through-image. Furthermore, the AR display may be moving (scrolling text, animation, etc.).

[0141] As described above, the embodiments allow for more favorable price reductions.

[0142] (Variations, etc.) Although embodiments have been described above, the configuration of the equipment, the data configuration, the processing flow, the display and output methods, etc., can be changed as appropriate, for example, as shown in (1), (2), ... below. Furthermore, (1), (2), ... below can be combined in any way as appropriate.

[0143] (1) In the above embodiment, the expiration date is used, but the best-before date may be used instead of or in addition to the expiration date.

[0144] (2) In the above embodiment, when the label printing device 30 is implementing a discount promotion (when the "Presence or Absence of Discount Promotion Area" field is set to "Yes"), an example has been described in which the device notifies the user of the discount promotion (by displaying the small screen SG01) after receiving the operation of the print button BT14. However, instead of or in addition to notifying the user of the discount promotion after receiving the operation of the print button BT14, the device may also notify the user of the discount promotion before receiving the operation of the print button BT14 (for example, when a promotion code is entered in the promotion code field of the discount promotion area).

[0145] (3) In the above embodiment, the date mark was described as a mark indicating the date (including the day of the week) to which the product's sales deadline falls. However, the date mark may also be a mark indicating the date (including the day of the week) to which the product's expiration date falls. Furthermore, the day of the week may not be included in the date mark. Furthermore, the month may also be included in the date mark.

[0146] (4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a mark combining a project mark (Figure 8(B)) indicating a project (project code) and a sales management type mark (Figure 8(A)) indicating a sales management type was used as a discount mark. For example, in the above embodiment, a "chopsticks" mark indicating project 1 (project code "00001") and an "A" mark indicating sales management type 01 were combined to make the discount mark "chopsticks + A", and in the above embodiment, a "spoon" mark indicating project 2 (project code "00002") and a "C" mark indicating sales management type 03 were combined to make the discount mark "spoon + C". Alternatively, a mark indicating a combination of a project code and a sales management type may be used as a discount mark. For example, a "tulip" mark may be used as a discount mark to indicate a combination of project 1 (project code "00001") and sales management type 01, and a "morning glory" mark may be used as a discount mark to indicate a combination of project 2 (project code "00002") and sales management type 03. In other words, a single mark can be used as the discount mark instead of the promotion mark and the sales management type mark. If the discount mark is a combination of a promotion mark (promotion code) and a sales management type mark, store employees can relatively easily recognize the promotion and sales management type from the discount mark. On the other hand, if the discount mark is a combination of the promotion code and the sales management type, the information is consolidated and simplified, resulting in a better appearance for product labels and notifications on the display device 60.

[0147] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the date mark and the discount mark are output (printed, displayed) side by side, but as in (4) above, a single mark may be displayed instead of the date mark and the discount mark.

[0148] (6) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which multiple ongoing discount promotions are distinguished by various marks (promotion marks, sales management type marks, discount marks, date marks), but instead of marks, or in addition to marks, they may be distinguished by patterns (background patterns of the whole or part) or decorations (for example, display patterns such as frames and lines). In other words, in the above embodiment, marks are used to notify the discount information identified by the marks, but marks and other elements (frames, lines, etc.) may be used to notify the discount information identified by the marks and other elements, or other elements may be used alone to notify the discount information identified by those other elements.

[0149] (7) In the above embodiment, an example of notifying discount information using the display device 60 was described, but the device that notifies discount information is not limited to the display device 60. For example, in place of or in addition to the display device 60, discount information may be notified using one or more of the following: the transaction status management device 40, the registration device 52 (described later), the registration and settlement device 54 (described later), the registration and settlement device 55 (described later), or a smartphone or tablet terminal used by a store employee. Discount information may also be notified using a mobile terminal 70 used by a customer. For example, the mobile terminal 70 may notify discount information based on a predetermined operation. As an example, a discount information display button may be provided on the menu screen or registration screen of the mobile terminal 70, and when the discount information button is operated, the same discount information as that displayed by the display device 60 may be displayed. Discount information may also be displayed on the electronic shelf labels for each product. For example, the electronic shelf label may display the normal selling price and discount information on the same screen, or it may display the normal price and discount information alternately.

[0150] (8) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the display device 60 notifies the current discount rate as discount information, but in addition to the current discount rate, past discount rates may also be notified as discount information. In other words, the display device 60 may also notify the trend of price decreases. The display device 60 may also notify past discount rates in a way that makes it clear that they are past discount rates. For example, the display device 60 may display past discount rates in a smaller size than the display of the current discount rate, may display past discount rates in gray, or may display past discount rates with a strikethrough line such as a double line. The same applies to devices other than the display device 60 (for example, the transaction status management device 40, registration device 52, registration settlement device 54, registration settlement device 55, smartphones used by store employees, mobile terminals 70, electronic shelf labels) as described in (7) above.

[0151] (9) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the display device 60 notifies the current discount rate as discount information, but the display device 60 may also notify future discount rates as discount information. The same applies to devices other than the display device 60, as in (8) above.

[0152] (10) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the discount rate is notified for each "date mark and discount mark". However, the product (product name) corresponding to the "date mark and discount mark" may also be displayed. For example, the product (product name) may be displayed based on a predetermined operation. As shown in Figure 3(B), when multiple "date marks and discount marks" are displayed, the product(s) with product labels printed with the specified "date mark and discount mark" may be displayed (listed) based on an operation to specify one "date mark and discount mark", or the product(s) with product labels printed with each "date mark and discount mark" may simply be displayed (listed) for each "date mark and discount mark" based on a predetermined operation.

[0153] (11) In the above embodiment, it was explained that multiple display devices 60 may be installed, but information may be displayed according to the installation location (for example, the produce section, the fresh fish section, the meat section, the bento / prepared food section, etc.). In other words, the displayed content may differ depending on the display location of the product. Specifically, display location information (or sales area information) for each product may be managed, and if a discount is applied to a product through a discount promotion, the discount information may be displayed on a display device 60 near the product (or a display device 60 within a predetermined distance from the location of the product). Similarly, information may be displayed on the electronic shelf labels according to their installation location.

[0154] (12) In the above embodiment, Plan 5 was described as a plan that can be flexibly adapted to the sales status of the products after they are displayed, in which the discount rates for each time slot are all undecided. However, the method of flexibly adapting to the sales status is not limited to this.

[0155] For example, instead of or in addition to a plan where the discount rates for all time slots are undecided (Plan 5), a plan could be prepared in which the discount rates for some time slots (for example, the time slot with more time remaining until the sales deadline) are specifically set, while the discount rates for other time slots (for example, the time slot with less time remaining until the sales deadline, i.e., the later time slots) are undecided.

[0156] Furthermore, for example, in promotions where specific discount rates are set for each time slot (e.g., promotions 1 to 4), it may be possible to change the time and discount rate. For example, in the case of promotion 3, as shown in Figure 7, the discount rate becomes 50% two hours before the sales deadline. However, if sales are good before that time, the time at which the discount rate changes from 30% to 50% may be changed from two hours before the sales deadline to one hour before the sales deadline (the start time of the 50% discount rate may be delayed by one hour), or the discount rate applied two hours before the sales deadline may be changed from 50% to 30% (the discount rate may be maintained at 30% until the sales deadline).

[0157] As explained earlier, in sales system 1, it is possible to determine whether a product is sold out based on the number of products manufactured (number of labels issued) and the number of products that have passed through the register. Similarly, it is also possible to determine the sales status of the products. Therefore, the transaction status management device 40 (server 10, lower controller 20, label printing device 30, display device 60, registration and settlement device 50, etc.) may determine undecided discount rates for promotions such as promotion 5 based on the sales status of products for each hour, or change the time and discount rates for promotions where discount rates are specifically set for each time period. This makes it possible, for example, to automatically delay or not discount products that are selling well.

[0158] (13) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the mobile terminal 70 displays AR based on the product label, but it may also read the electronic shelf label and display AR.

[0159] (14) In the above embodiment, a discount plan has been described in which the degree of discount is shown as a percentage (for example, 10% off the regular price), but in place of or in addition to a discount plan that shows the degree of discount as a percentage, a discount plan that shows the degree of discount as a discount amount (for example, 30 yen off) may also be used.

[0160] (15) In the above embodiment, a discount plan was described in which the target product (such as a product with a short time remaining until its expiration date) is sold at a special price as a benefit to customers who purchase the target product. However, the benefit to customers who purchase the target product is not limited to selling it at a special price. For example, instead of or in addition to selling the target product at a special price, special points may be awarded on the condition that the target product is purchased, or special coupons may be issued on the condition that the target product is purchased.

[0161] (16) In the above embodiment, the store's operating hours were described as being from 10am to 10pm (12 hours), but the store's operating hours are not limited to the above (it may be open 24 hours). In the above embodiment, an example was given of manufacturing products at 11am (noon) and 4pm (evening), but the number of times products are manufactured in a day and the manufacturing times are not limited to the above. In the above embodiment, an example was given of manufacturing products with a shelf life of 12 hours or 24 hours, but the shelf life of the products manufactured is not limited to the above (it does not have to be two types). In the above embodiment, an example was given of setting the discount promotion schedule in one-hour increments, but it may be in one-minute increments.

[0162] (17) In the above embodiments, the sales deadline was described as depending on the time of manufacture and the length of the shelf life for each product (Figures 4, 5, and 6). However, the sales deadline may be set to the closing time on the day of manufacture, regardless of the time of manufacture or the type of product. In other words, if there is no problem in terms of shelf life as long as any product manufactured at any time is sold by the closing time on the day of manufacture (for example, if the product with the shortest shelf life manufactured at opening time is sold at closing time, there is still a certain amount of time until its expiration date), the closing time on the day of manufacture may be set as the sales deadline for products that must be sold on the day.

[0163] (18) In the above embodiment, the registration and settlement device 50 and settlement device 51 were described as POS registers installed in the store in the sales system 1, but other types of POS registers may be installed. For example, instead of or in addition to the registration and settlement device 50 and settlement device 51, one or more of the following may be installed: a device for store employees to register products (registration device 52), a device for settlement of products registered by store employees (products registered with registration device 52) (settlement device 53), and a device for store employees to register and settle products (registration and settlement device 54). A device (registration and settlement device 55) may be installed that has multiple operating modes (operating mode as registration and settlement device 50, operating mode as registration device 52, operating mode as settlement device 53, etc.) and operates in one switchable operating mode.

[0164] (19) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a customer registers products using a mobile terminal 70 at the display location. However, any mobile (portable) device capable of registering products at the product display location does not have to be a mobile terminal 70. For example, a tablet terminal (owned by the customer (or corporation), or a tablet terminal lent by the store) or a shopping cart equipped with a display unit (or a display unit that can be attached to or detached from the shopping cart) may be used to register products. The shopping cart may be equipped with an electronic tag recognition unit that recognizes information from electronic tags. The shopping cart may also be equipped with a power storage unit that stores power to supply to the display unit and a charging unit that charges power to the power storage unit.

[0165] (20) Some or all of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of the label printing device 30 in the above embodiment may be implemented in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function. For example, as processing of the label printing device 30, at least some of the processing described using Figure 12(A) may be executed by the store controller 20 or the server 10 instead of the label printing device 30. In connection with the above, the label printing device 30 may function as a so-called thin client specialized in input / output interfaces including sensor inputs. The same applies to the registration and settlement device 50, settlement device 51, registration device 52, settlement device 53, registration and settlement device 54, registration and settlement device 55, and display device 60.

[0166] <Summary of Embodiments> [Technical field] This invention relates to a label issuing device. [Background technology] A technique for printing discount information on product labels is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-185731 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, there is room for improvement regarding price reductions. This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that can more effectively achieve price reductions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0167] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a label issuing device (e.g., label printing device 30) for issuing product labels, comprising: a receiving means (e.g., a display unit capable of receiving touch operations) for receiving information about a product for which a product label is to be issued; and an issuing means (e.g., a printing unit) for issuing a product label (e.g., see Figure 2) that includes at least the product name of the product, the selling price of the product, and the expiration date or best-before date of the product, wherein the receiving means is capable of receiving information about discounts (e.g., see Figure 11). ) The label issuing device is characterized in that, when the issuing means has received information regarding a discount, it issues a product label (see, for example, Figure 2) printed with the product's expiration date (for example, "27th (Tue)" indicated by symbol c in Figure 2(A), "28th (Wed)" indicated by symbol c in Figure 2(C), etc.) and discount notification information indicating that a discount will be applied (for example, "Chopsticks + A" indicated by symbol b in Figure 2(A), "Spoon + C" indicated by symbol b in Figure 2(B), etc.) in an area different from the area where the product's expiration date or best-before date is printed. According to the configuration of (1), discounts can be implemented more effectively. For example, the burden on store staff can be reduced by printing the expiration date and discount information on the product label.

[0168] (2) The label issuing device according to (1) is characterized in that the issuing means issues a product label on which the discount notification information corresponding to the time of day for issuing the product label is printed (for example, "A" in "Chopsticks + A" and "C" in "Spoon + C" are related to the time of day for issuing the product label (Figures 4 and 8(A))). According to the configuration of (2), discounts can be implemented more effectively. For example, product labels with appropriate discount information can be automatically issued.

[0169] (3) The label issuing device according to (1) or (2) is characterized in that the issuing means issues a product label on which the discount notification information corresponding to the expiration date or best-before date is printed (for example, "A" in "chopsticks + A" and "C" in "spoon + C" are related to the expiration date (Figure 4, Figure 8(A))). According to the configuration of (3), discounts can be implemented more effectively. For example, product labels with appropriate discount information can be automatically issued.

[0170] (4) The label issuing device according to any one of (1) to (3) is characterized in that the issuing means issues a product label on which the discount notification information corresponding to the content of the discount (for example, the promotion code) is printed (for example, the "chopsticks" in "chopsticks + A" and the "spoon" in "spoon + C" are related to the promotion code (Figure 8(B))). According to the configuration of (4), discounts can be implemented more effectively. For example, product labels with appropriate discount information can be automatically issued.

[0171] (5) The label issuing device according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the discount notification information is a discount notification image that notifies that a discount will be applied. According to the configuration of (5), discounts can be implemented more effectively. For example, it becomes easier to intuitively understand the discount.

[0172] (6) The label issuing device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that the sales deadline is a deadline based on the expiration date or best-before date and business hours. According to the configuration of (6), discounts can be more effectively implemented. For example, discounts can be implemented based on a reasonable sales deadline.

[0173] Furthermore, the processing of each of the above-described devices (server 10, store controller 20, label printing device 30, transaction status management device 40, registration and settlement device 50, settlement device 51, etc.) may be performed by recording the program for realizing the functions of each device on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "loading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Also, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the recording medium includes internal or external recording media that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in an executable format on the terminal device. In other words, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in an executable format on the terminal device, the format in which it is stored on the distribution server is irrelevant. Furthermore, the program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times and then combined on the terminal device, and each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Moreover, the above program may be intended to implement only a part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0174] 1…Sales system 10… Server 20…Store Controller 30…Label printing device 40... Transaction status management device 50...Registration and settlement device 60…Display device 70… Mobile devices

Claims

1. A label issuing device that issues product labels based on the actions of a store employee, A means of receiving orders from store staff, Based on the operation of a store clerk to issue a product label for a product received by the aforementioned receiving means, an issuing means issues a product label printed with at least the product name, the selling price of the product, the expiration date or best-before date of the product, and discount notification information indicating that a discount will be applied. Equipped with, The issuing means is, A product label is issued with the aforementioned discount notification information printed on it, corresponding to the time of day the product label is issued. A label issuing device characterized by the following features.

2. The issuing means is A product label is issued in which the discount notification information is printed in an area different from the area where the expiration date or best-before date of the product is printed. The label issuing device according to feature 1.

3. A system including a label issuing device that issues product labels based on the actions of a store employee, The label issuing device is A means of receiving orders from store staff, Based on the operation of a store clerk to issue a product label for a product received by the aforementioned receiving means, an issuing means issues a product label printed with at least the product name, the selling price of the product, the expiration date or best-before date of the product, and discount notification information indicating that a discount will be applied. Equipped with, The issuing means is, A product label is issued with the aforementioned discount notification information printed on it, corresponding to the time of day the product label is issued. A system characterized by the following features.

4. Includes a display device, The aforementioned display device is The aforementioned discount notification information can be displayed. The system according to claim 3.

5. A program to make a label issuing device that issues product labels based on the actions of a store employee function as a computer, The aforementioned computer, A means of receiving orders from store staff. Based on the operation of a store employee to issue a product label for a product received by the aforementioned receiving means, an issuing means issues a product label printed with at least the product name, the selling price of the product, the expiration date or best-before date of the product, and discount notification information indicating that a discount will be applied. To make it function as, The issuing means is, A product label is issued with the aforementioned discount notification information printed on it, corresponding to the time of day the product label is issued. A program characterized by the following features.

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