Merchandise sales system

Abstract

In order to flexibly respond to the desire of a store in which a merchandise sales system is introduced, this merchandise sales system is provided with: a first server which provides a software program for realizing a kiosk function; and a kiosk which acquires a software program from the first server for execution, displays information on products sold by the store, and receives an order from a customer. The kiosk is configured to be capable of transmitting / receiving data of the products sold by the store and data of products ordered by the customer to / from one server selected from a POS server and a second server providing a POS function.

Description

Product sales system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a product sales system that sells products using a POS (Point of Sales) function.

[0002] Conventionally, various stores have been selling products using POS functions. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a POS system including client devices such as handheld terminals, kiosk terminals, and kitchen terminals, and a server device. A customer operates a kiosk terminal at the store entrance to reserve a seat, and after sitting down, orders products using a handheld terminal. Information about the ordered products is displayed on the kitchen terminal, and cooking begins.

[0003] Patent No. 2003-217030

[0004] In conventional technology, the server and client devices used in a store are prepared according to the POS system. When a store introduces a new POS system, it is necessary to update all functions of the existing server and client devices or replace the devices themselves. In some cases, peripheral devices currently in use in the store were prepared exclusively for the existing POS system and could not be used with the new POS system. With conventional POS systems, it is sometimes impossible to accommodate a store's desire to continue using some of the existing devices at the time of introduction.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the conventional technology including the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a product sales system that can flexibly respond to the needs of stores at the time of implementation.

[0006] The product sales system of the present disclosure comprises a first server that provides a software program that realizes a kiosk function, and a kiosk that obtains and executes the software program from the first server, displays information about products sold by the store, and accepts orders from customers, and the kiosk transmits and receives data about products sold by the store and products ordered by customers between a POS server and a second server that provides the POS function, selected from the two servers.

[0007] In the above configuration, products may be sold by the kiosk in any one of the following patterns selected from a first pattern including the first server, the second server, and the kiosk, a second pattern including the first server, the second server connected to a POS server, and the kiosk, and a third pattern including the first server, the POS server, and the kiosk.

[0008] In the above configuration, in the first pattern, the second server executes processes related to product management and processes related to sales management; in the second pattern, the second server executes processes related to product management, and the POS server that acquires sales information from the second server executes processes related to sales management; and in the third pattern, the POS server executes processes related to product management and processes related to sales management.

[0009] In the above configuration, the first server may provide software programs corresponding to each of multiple companies including a first company and a second company, and the same device may operate as a kiosk for the first company when it executes the software program corresponding to the first company, and operate as a kiosk for the second company when it executes the software program corresponding to the second company.

[0010] In the above configuration, the first server may further provide a software program for operating a device connected to the kiosk, and the kiosk may operate the device by obtaining from the first server and executing a software program corresponding to the device connected to the kiosk.

[0011] In the above configuration, the first server may further provide a first software program that realizes the function of a first display that informs a store clerk of the products ordered by the customer, and a second software program that realizes the function of a second display that informs the customer of the progress of processing related to the products ordered by the customer, and the product sales system may further include at least one of a first device that operates as the first display by obtaining and executing the first software program from the first server, and a second device that operates as the second display by obtaining and executing the second software program from the first server.

[0012] In the above configuration, the kiosk may acquire data on the product from an external server that sells the product that cannot be purchased at the store, and display information on the product to accept orders.

[0013] In the above configuration, the kiosk may divide the display area into multiple areas including a first area and a second area, and in the first area, display information about products available for purchase at the store and accept orders, and in the second area, display information about products available for purchase on the external server via the kiosk and accept orders.

[0014] In the above configuration, the software program may be updated by the first server, thereby updating the functions of a plurality of kiosks that operate by obtaining the software program from the first server all at once.

[0015] In the above configuration, by updating the product data in the second server, product displays may be updated collectively in a plurality of kiosks that acquire and display product data from the second server.

[0016] The product sales system according to the present disclosure can flexibly accommodate the needs of a store when the system is introduced into the store. For example, even after introducing the new product sales system, the store can continue to use the POS server and peripheral devices that were used in the previous system.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a product sales system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of devices constituting the product sales system. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a product sales system of a first pattern. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a product sales system of a second pattern. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a product sales system of a third pattern. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a product sales system used by multiple stores. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of use of a kiosk. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of the configuration of a product sales system. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining yet another example of the configuration of a product sales system.

[0018] The product sales system according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The type of store using the product sales system and the type of products sold by the store to customers are not particularly limited. The products sold using the product sales system may include the provision of services. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a store provides customers with food prepared in-store.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a product sales system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of devices constituting the product sales system 1.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1(a), the product sales system 1 includes a first server 10, a second server 20, and a kiosk 100. Although Fig. 1(a) shows one kiosk 100, the number of kiosks 100 used in the product sales system 1 is not limited. The product sales system 1 may include multiple kiosks 100 installed in one store, or may include one or multiple kiosks 100 installed in each of multiple stores.

[0021] The first server 10 and the second server 20 are cloud servers. By connecting an operation terminal to the first server 10 and the second server 20 and operating it, it is possible to check information managed by each server 10, 20 and confirm or change settings. The operator who operates the first server 10 and the second server 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the operator may be a store clerk, a person in charge of the company to which the store belongs, or a person in charge of the management company that manages each server.

[0022] The first server 10 provides software programs for realizing the functions and operations of the devices included in the product sales system 1. For example, a software program having the configuration shown in Fig. 1(a) is provided from the first server 10 to each device.

[0023] The software programs include software programs that execute the respective processes of a user interface 110, transaction data processing 120, product data processing 130, data conversion processing 140, peripheral device control processing 150, and external device control processing 160. Specifically, the user interface 110 refers to a software program that realizes the user interface. The transaction data processing 120 refers to a software program that executes transaction data processing. Similarly, the product data processing 130, data conversion processing 140, peripheral device control processing 150, and external device control processing 160 refer to software programs that execute product data processing, data conversion processing, peripheral device control processing, and external device control processing, respectively. The functions realized by each software program will be described below. Note that, although these are referred to as software programs in this embodiment, each part may be referred to by other names such as software, program, application, protocol, driver, or bridge depending on its function.

[0024] 1(a), a device including a touch panel type liquid crystal display device acquires a software program for the kiosk from a first server 10 and executes it, thereby functioning as a kiosk 100. The kiosk 100 is a device that displays information about products sold by a store and accepts orders from customers.

[0025] 2, devices that operate by receiving software programs provided from the first server 10 include a kiosk 100, a digital menu board 200, a kitchen display 300, and an order-ready board 400. There is no particular limit to the number of devices 200, 300, and 400 used in a store. A store may not use the digital menu board 200, the kitchen display 300, or the order-ready board 400, or may use multiple devices. Each of the devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 can execute processes in cooperation with the second server 20, which will be described later.

[0026] The digital menu board 200, like the kiosk 100, is installed in an area where products are sold to customers and displays information about the products. The kitchen display 300 is installed in a kitchen area where products are prepared and displays information about the products ordered by customers at the kiosk 100. The order-ready board 400 is installed in a product delivery area where customers receive their products and displays information about the progress of product preparation. For example, when a product is ready to be served to a customer, the order-ready board 400 displays the order number assigned to the customer when they placed their order at the kiosk 100 so that the customer can know that the product is ready to be served.

[0027] The first server 10 provides software programs that realize the functions and operations of the kiosk 100, the digital menu board 200, the kitchen display 300, and the order-ready board 400. The software programs provided to each device from the first server 10 can be specified by operating the first server 10.

[0028] A device that acquires and executes a software program for a digital menu board from the first server 10 operates as a digital menu board 200. A device that acquires and executes a software program for a kitchen display from the first server 10 operates as a kitchen display 300. A device that acquires and executes a software program for an order-ready board from the first server 10 operates as an order-ready board 400.

[0029] For example, depending on the software program provided by the first server 10, the same device can operate as a digital menu board 200, a kitchen display 300, or an order ready board 400.

[0030] The first server 10 can update the software programs of each device. The operator of the first server 10 can update the software programs of all devices connected to the first server 10 simply by preparing the software program for update on the first server 10. For example, if the first server 10 updates the software program for a kiosk, the functions of all kiosks 100 connected to the first server 10 can be updated all at once.

[0031] The first server 10 can provide the software program of the peripheral device control process 150 to each of the devices 100, 200, 300, and 400. Each of the devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 controls and uses the peripheral device by the software program of the peripheral device control process 150.

[0032] For example, the kiosk 100 shown in Figure 1 can control peripheral devices to process settlements for transactions with customers and issue receipts. The kiosk 100 controls an electronic payment device using a software program obtained from the first server 10 and settles the price of products through electronic payment. Electronic payment processing is performed using conventionally known technologies such as electronic money, credit cards, and debit cards. Similarly, the kiosk 100 can control a printer using a software program obtained from the first server 10 and issue a receipt on which information about the products ordered by the customer is printed.

[0033] In addition, the kiosk 100 can control various peripheral devices by acquiring and executing a software program for the peripheral device control processing 150 from the first server 10. For example, when using a reading device that reads information from graphic codes such as barcodes or cards such as IC cards, the kiosk 100 acquires a software program corresponding to the reading device from the first server 10 and executes a process for reading information from various media. When using a cash processing device called a change dispenser, the kiosk 100 acquires a software program corresponding to the change dispenser from the first server 10 and executes a deposit process for receiving product payments in cash and a withdrawal process for dispensing change as needed. Note that peripheral devices such as an electronic payment device, a printer, a reading device, and a cash processing device that are provided independently of the kiosk 100 may be connected to the kiosk 100 for use, or the peripheral devices may be built into the kiosk 100. In this embodiment, a single device that incorporates an information processing device that performs the main function of a kiosk by displaying a menu on a touch panel LCD display and accepting product orders, and peripheral devices connected to the information processing device, may be referred to as kiosk 100.

[0034] The first server 10 can provide the software program of the external device control processing 160 to each of the devices 100, 200, 300, and 400. Each of the devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 controls and uses the external device by the software program of the external device control processing 160.

[0035] For example, if the kiosk 100 is installed in a car wash and controls a car wash machine to start washing the car when a transaction with a customer is made, a software program for controlling the car wash machine is provided from the first server 10. The kiosk 100 controls the car wash machine to start washing the car when a transaction is made.

[0036] For example, if the kiosk 100 is installed at a gas station and controls a fuel dispenser to start refueling at the time of a transaction with a customer, a software program for controlling the fuel dispenser is provided from the first server 10. The kiosk 100 can control the fuel dispenser to start refueling at the time of the transaction.

[0037] The second server 20 cooperates with multiple devices, such as the kiosk 100, included in the product sales system 1 to execute processing related to the POS function in order to conduct transactions with customers.

[0038] The kiosk 100 acquires product data from the second server 20 using a software program in the product data processing 130. The kiosk 100 converts data such as the name, image, and price of each product included in the product data using a software program in the data conversion processing 140, and performs optimization processing to fit the display device equipped in the kiosk 100. The optimization processing includes converting the data format and the image resolution. For example, the optimization processing may include changing at least one of the data format, resolution, display size, and display color of at least one of the text, buttons, product images, and background of product names and prices displayed on the menu screen to fit the screen of the kiosk 100. The optimization processing may include at least one of the following: dividing a menu displayed on a single screen into multiple screens; integrating menus displayed on multiple screens into a single screen; and changing the layout of the text, buttons, and product images on the menu screen. The kiosk 100 displays a menu screen that displays product information and accepts orders using a software program in the user interface 110. The kiosk 100 transmits transaction data, including the type, price, and quantity of the product ordered by the customer, to the second server 20 using the software program of the transaction data processing 120 .

[0039] The kitchen display 300 acquires product data from the second server 20 and displays the type and quantity of the product that the customer has ordered at the kiosk 100. In the kitchen area, cooking of the product can be started according to the product order displayed on the kitchen display 300. For example, when an operation indicating that cooking is complete is performed on the kitchen display 300, which is made up of a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, product data indicating that the product is ready is sent to the second server 20.

[0040] The order-ready board 400 obtains product data from the second server 20 and displays information indicating that the product ordered by the customer is ready. In the product delivery area, the customer, who has confirmed that the product is ready by the display on the order-ready board 400, can collect the product. For example, by the kitchen display 300 and the order-ready board 400 functioning in conjunction with the second server 20, the order number of the product whose cooking has finished is displayed on the order-ready board 400 at approximately the same time as the operation to finish cooking on the kitchen display 300 is performed.

[0041] Devices used in stores, such as the kiosk 100, menu board 200, kitchen display 300, and order ready board 400, can acquire software programs and data necessary for operation in the store, store them in the device's internal memory, and execute them.

[0042] For example, the kiosk 100 can operate independently even if communication with the first server 10 and the second server 20 becomes impossible during business hours by acquiring software programs and data from the first server 10 and the second server 20 at a predetermined timing, such as before the store opens. The kiosk 100 can display menus and accept orders, and store and manage transaction data related to sales in a memory unit within the device. When the kiosk 100 is able to communicate with the first server 10 and the second server 20, it can acquire and update software programs and data from the first server 10 and the second server 20 and send the transaction data managed in the memory unit to the second server 20.

[0043] Like the kiosk 100, the menu board 200, the kitchen display 300, and the order-ready board 400 are also standalone devices that can operate independently by acquiring the necessary software programs and data from the first server 10 and the second server 20 and storing them in a memory unit. This allows the store to continue operating using the kiosk 100, etc., even if a communication failure occurs with the first server 10 or the second server 20.

[0044] The second server 20 can update the product display on each device. The operator of the second server 20 can update the display of product data on all devices connected to the second server 20 simply by preparing updated product data on the second server 20. For example, if the type and price of a product are updated on the second server 20, the product display is updated on all kiosks 100 connected to the second server 20. Similarly, the product display is updated on all digital menu boards 200 connected to the second server 20.

[0045] The second server 20 can manage sales information based on data such as the type, price, and quantity of products sold to customers. The second server 20 can generate a report including the sales information. The report may include the results of an analysis of the sales status of the products. The store clerk can check the report generated by the second server 20.

[0046] In this way, the merchandise sales system 1 can realize a POS system that sells merchandise to customers using the first server 10, the second server 20, and devices such as the kiosk 100. In addition, if a store has a POS server 30 that has traditionally been used in the store, the merchandise sales system 1 can realize a POS system that includes this POS server 30, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1(a).

[0047] The kiosk 100 can acquire product data from the POS server 30 and use the software program of the data conversion process 140 to convert data such as the name, image, and price of each product included in the product data, thereby executing optimization processing to suit the kiosk 100. When acquiring product data from the POS server 30, the kiosk 100 can display a menu screen of products available for purchase by customers on the screen of the display device and accept orders, just as when acquiring product data from the second server 20.

[0048] The kiosk 100 can use the software program of the data conversion process 140 to convert the transaction data into data that can be processed by the POS server 30 and send it to the POS server 30. The kiosk 100 can also send the transaction data to the second server 20, and the second server 20 can then send the transaction data to the POS server 30.

[0049] As a result, the product sales system 1 allows a store to sell products in a pattern selected by the store from three patterns, the first to third patterns shown in FIG. 1B. In the first pattern, among the POS functions, both the process related to product management of the products to be sold and the process related to sales management of the sold products are performed by the second server 20. In the second pattern, the process related to product management is performed by the second server 20, but the process related to sales management is performed by the POS server 30. In the third pattern, the second server 20 is not used, and both the process related to product management and the process related to sales management are performed by the POS server 30. For example, among the POS functions, product management includes processes and functions for managing information on products to be sold in the store and for accepting product orders and selling the products to customers. For example, among the POS functions, sales management includes processes and functions for managing information on the sold products and sales after the products are sold. Each pattern will be described below using the kiosk 100 as an example.

[0050] 3 is a diagram illustrating a first pattern of the product sales system 1. The first server 10 provides the kiosk 100 with a software program that realizes the kiosk function, and can update the software program of the kiosk 100 as needed (A1). The kiosk 100 obtains the software program from the first server 10 and executes it to realize the user interface 110 of the kiosk 100.

[0051] The kiosk 100 acquires product data from the second server 20 (B1). The kiosk 100 acquires the product data from the second server 20 using a software program for product data processing 130. The kiosk 100 converts data such as the name, image, and price of each product included in the product data, and performs optimization processing to fit the display device provided in the kiosk 100 to generate a menu screen.

[0052] For example, the product data is processed by a software program for the data conversion process 140 and a predetermined software program possessed by the first server 10 to generate a menu screen. The software program for the data conversion process 140 converts the data of each product included in the product data into data that can be processed by the kiosk 100. Such a software program is sometimes called a bridge program. Note that the menu screen generation process may be performed only by software programs within the kiosk 100, such as the product data process 130 and data conversion process 140, without using the first server 10, or may be performed only by the first server 10.

[0053] The kiosk 100 displays the generated menu screen (C1) and accepts an order from the customer (C2). The kiosk 100 then executes a payment process for the product price (C3). These processes are carried out using the kiosk user interface 110, and as necessary, controlling various devices using software programs in the peripheral device control process 150 and external device control process 160.

[0054] The kiosk 100 generates transaction data including the type, price, and quantity of the product ordered by the customer and transmits the data to the second server 20 (B2). The transaction data is processed by a software program in the transaction data processing 120.

[0055] 4 is a diagram illustrating a second pattern of the product sales system 1. Unlike the first pattern, the second pattern of the product sales system 1 includes a POS server 30.

[0056] When a store that has previously used a POS server 30 introduces a new product sales system 1 and requests that sales information continue to be managed using the conventional POS server 30, the product sales system 1 is introduced in the second pattern. Below, we will omit the explanation of the processes that are common to the first pattern and focus on the differences from the first pattern.

[0057] The second pattern of the product sales system 1 differs from the first pattern in that the second server 20 outputs sales data to the POS server 30 (B3). As described in the first pattern, transactions with customers are conducted using the kiosk 100, and transaction data related to the products sold to the customers is managed by the second server 20.

[0058] The second server 20 generates sales data in a format that can be processed by the POS server 30 and transmits it to the POS server 30. For example, if sales-related data in a predetermined format was previously transmitted from a cash register terminal to the POS server 30, the second server 20 generates sales data in the same predetermined format and transmits it to the POS server 30. This allows the POS server 30 to process sales data in the same manner as before the introduction of the product sales system 1.

[0059] 5 is a diagram illustrating a third pattern of the product sales system 1. The third pattern of the product sales system 1 does not use the second server 20. In the first and second patterns, the second server 20 provides all or part of the POS functions, but in the third pattern, all of the POS functions are provided by a conventional POS server 30.

[0060] When a store that has previously used a POS server 30 introduces a new product sales system 1 and wishes to continue using the POS function of the previous POS server 30, the product sales system 1 is introduced in the third pattern. For example, a store that wants to introduce a new kiosk 100 while continuing to use the previous POS function selects the third pattern. Below, we will omit explanations of the processes common to the first and second patterns and focus on the differences from the first and second patterns.

[0061] In the third pattern, the kiosk 100 transmits and receives various data to and from the POS server 30, rather than the second server 20. The first server 10 provides the kiosk 100 with a bridge program for the data conversion process 140 for transmitting and receiving data between the kiosk 100 and the POS server 30 (A1).

[0062] The kiosks 100 of the first and second patterns acquire product data from the second server 20, but the kiosk 100 of the third pattern acquires product data from the POS server 30 (D1).

[0063] The kiosk 100 processes the product data and generates a menu screen including the names, images, prices, etc. of the products for sale. The menu screen is generated by performing an optimization process to match the data, such as the name, image, and price, of each product included in the product data received from the POS server 30 to the display device equipped in the kiosk 100.

[0064] The kiosk 100 displays a menu screen (C1), accepts an order from a customer (C2), and executes a payment process for the product price (C3). The kiosk 100 generates transaction data including the type, price, and quantity of the product ordered by the customer. These processes are executed in the same manner as in the first and second patterns.

[0065] The kiosk 100 transmits the transaction data to the POS server 30 using the bridge program of the data conversion process 140 (D2). The kiosk 100 converts the transaction data into data that the POS server 30 can process and transmits it. For example, if transaction-related data in a predetermined format was previously transmitted from a cash register terminal to the POS server 30, the kiosk 100 generates transaction data in the same predetermined format and transmits it to the POS server 30. This allows the POS server 30 to process the transaction data in the same way as before the introduction of the product sales system 1.

[0066] In this way, the kiosk 100 can operate while using product data managed by the conventional POS server 30. The process related to generating a menu screen for the kiosk 100 may be performed by the kiosk 100, may be performed in cooperation between the kiosk 100 and the first server 10, or may be performed by the first server 10. The process related to transaction data may also be performed by the kiosk 100, may be performed in cooperation between the kiosk 100 and the first server 10, or may be performed by the first server 10.

[0067] 3 to 5, various devices such as a digital menu board 200, a kitchen display 300, and an order-ready board 400 may be used, as described in Figures 1 and 2. Also in the examples of Figures 3 to 5, peripheral devices may be used by a software program of peripheral device control processing 150, and external devices may be used by a software program of external device control processing 160, as described in Figure 1.

[0068] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the product sales system 1 is used by multiple stores. The first server 10 can store and manage information indicating each device used by each of the multiple stores. The first server 10 can assign a store ID (store identification number) to each of the multiple stores, and store and manage information indicating the devices of each store by store. The first server 10 can assign a device ID (device identification number) to each of the multiple devices, and store and manage information indicating each device.

[0069] 6, the first server 10 can store and manage the type of software program provided to each device and the target company indicating which of multiple companies each software program is for. The type of software program and the target company can be changed by operating a terminal connected to the first server 10.

[0070] Even if the first server 10 is a device with the same hardware configuration, by changing the type of software program, it can operate as a kiosk 100 or as a device other than a kiosk. Even if the first server 10 is a device with the same hardware configuration, by changing the target company, it can operate as a kiosk 100 for company A or as a kiosk 100 for company B.

[0071] Similarly, for other devices such as the digital menu board 200, kitchen display 300, and order ready board 400, the functions and operations of each device can be changed or the target company can be changed by changing the type of software program and target company provided by the first server 10.

[0072] 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of use of the kiosk 100. The kiosk 100 of the product sales system 1 can execute processes related to the sale of products currently on sale in the store, as well as processes related to the sale of products sold by other stores and products sold by other companies. Customers can use the kiosk 100 to request services that are not provided at the store where the kiosk 100 is installed, or to purchase products that are out of stock at the store.

[0073] The first server 10 provides the kiosk 100 with a software program that enables the purchase of products from other companies' online sales sites or the company's own online sales site, thereby enabling the online purchase of products using the kiosk 100.

[0074] 7 , the kiosk 100 can transmit and receive data to and from an external server 40 that provides products and services from other stores or other companies via the second server 20. When a customer performs a predetermined operation on the menu screen of the kiosk 100, the kiosk 100 obtains product data, including information about the products and services, from the external server 40 via the second server 20. The kiosk 100 converts the product data and performs an optimization process to match it with the display device provided in the kiosk 100. The kiosk 100 displays the optimized menu screen on the display device.

[0075] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the screen of kiosk 100 is divided into multiple areas, and the main area displays the menu screen of the store in which kiosk 100 is installed, and the sub-area displays a menu screen generated from product data on external server 40.

[0076] When a customer operates the kiosk 100 to order a product or service on the menu screen in the sub-area, enters the required information for the order, and executes the payment process, the transaction data is sent to the external server 40 via the second server 20, and the transaction is completed. The external server 40 executes the process to provide the product or service ordered by the customer to the customer.

[0077] For example, if a customer wants to have food ordered at kiosk 100 delivered by a food delivery service company, the customer can operate kiosk 100 to order food on the menu screen in the main area and request delivery on the menu screen in the sub-area.

[0078] For example, if a product that cannot be purchased at the store where the kiosk 100 is installed can be purchased on the online sales site of the company to which the store belongs, a customer can operate the kiosk 100 to purchase the product on the online sales site displayed in the sub-area and have the product delivered to their home or the store.

[0079] The method of dividing the screen of the kiosk 100 into multiple areas is not limited to the above example. A menu based on the product data of the second server 20 may be displayed in the main area shown in Fig. 7, and a different menu may be displayed in the sub-area. For example, the main area may display the grand menu of the company to which the store belongs, and the sub-area may display a menu unique to each store. The menu unique to each store may be prepared using a predetermined operation terminal installed in the store and communicably connected to the kiosk 100.

[0080] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the price of the products purchased by a customer is settled by electronic payment, but the price of the products may also be settled by cash payment. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , a cash processing device 500 installed in a product sales area may cooperate with a kiosk 100 to perform a deposit process for receiving cash for the price of the products purchased by a customer at the kiosk 100 and may also perform a withdrawal process for returning change to the customer as necessary. Cash payment may be performed using a conventionally known device, such as a cash register equipped with the cash processing device 500, a self-service checkout device, or a semi-self-service checkout device. The cash processing device 500 may also be built into the kiosk 100.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8 , a large cash processing device 600 capable of processing larger amounts of cash than cash processing device 500 may be installed in an office area of ​​a store called a back office, and the cash processing device 600 may perform the dispensing process of cash to be replenished to cash processing device 500 and the depositing process of cash collected from cash processing device 500.

[0082] A third server 50 that manages inventory information of the cash processing devices 500, 600 may be provided. The inventory information is information that enables identification of the denominations and the number of coins per denomination of cash stored in each of the cash processing devices 500, 600. A third server 50 that manages the inventory information of the cash processing device 500 may detect a change in the amount of cash stored in the cash processing device 500 and automatically execute a notification process that prompts a store clerk to replenish or collect cash. A third server 50 that manages the inventory information of the cash processing device 600 may detect a change in the amount of cash stored in the cash processing device 600 and automatically execute a request process that requests a predetermined organization, such as a security company, to replenish or collect cash.

[0083] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the product sales system 1 includes a first server 10 that executes device-related processing and a second server 20 that executes POS-related processing, but the functions and operations of each server may also be realized by multiple servers.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9 , two servers, the second server 22 and the third server 23, may execute POS-related processes. For example, the second server 22 executes processes related to product sales, such as managing product information sold in the store and displaying menu screens, while the third server 23 executes processes related to product sales, such as managing and analyzing transaction data for products sold in the store. In the first pattern shown in FIG. 3 and the second pattern shown in FIG. 4 , the second server 22 and the third server 23 may be used instead of the second server 20. The POS-related processes described above may be divided into multiple parts, with each part executed by a separate server. Similarly, with respect to the first server 10, for example, software programs related to product sales and software programs related to controlling peripheral devices and external devices may be provided by separate servers.

[0085] FIG. 2 of the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the product sales system 1 includes the first server 10, the second server 20, and devices such as the kiosk 100. However, this configuration is merely a functional schematic, and the product sales system 1 is not limited to this physical configuration. For example, the first server 10 may implement some or all of the functions and operations of the second server 20 described above. The second server 20 may implement some of the functions and operations of the first server 10 described above. Similarly, FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the product sales system 1 includes the third server 50. However, some or all of the functions and operations of the third server 50 described above may be implemented by the first server 10 or the second server 20. The distribution and integration of the devices is not limited to the above example. All or part of the devices may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, and the like.

[0086] The above describes an embodiment of the product sales system according to the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration and operation of the product sales system and each device that constitutes it, as well as the information used, are not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented with various improvements, changes, and modifications based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the system.

Claims

1. A product sales system comprising: a first server that provides a software program that realizes kiosk functions; and a kiosk that obtains and executes the software program from the first server, displays information about products sold by the store, and accepts orders from customers; wherein the kiosk transmits and receives data about products sold by the store and products ordered by customers between a POS server and a second server that provides POS functions, selected from the two servers.

2. The product sales system described in claim 1, characterized in that products can be sold by the kiosk in any one pattern selected from the following: a first pattern including the first server, the second server, and the kiosk; a second pattern including the first server, the second server connected to a POS server, and the kiosk; and a third pattern including the first server, the POS server, and the kiosk.

3. The product sales system described in claim 2, characterized in that in the first pattern, the second server executes processes related to product management and processes related to sales management; in the second pattern, the second server executes processes related to product management, and the POS server that acquires sales information from the second server executes processes related to sales management; and in the third pattern, the POS server executes processes related to product management and processes related to sales management.

4. The product sales system described in claim 1, characterized in that the first server provides software programs corresponding to each of multiple companies including a first company and a second company, and when the same device executes the software program corresponding to the first company, it operates as a kiosk for the first company, and when the same device executes the software program corresponding to the second company, it operates as a kiosk for the second company.

5. The product sales system described in claim 1, characterized in that the first server is further capable of providing a software program for operating a device connected to the kiosk and used, and the kiosk operates the device by obtaining from the first server and executing a software program corresponding to the device connected to the kiosk and used.

6. The product sales system described in claim 1, characterized in that the first server is further capable of providing a first software program that realizes the function of a first display that informs a store clerk of the products ordered by the customer, and a second software program that realizes the function of a second display that informs the customer of the progress of processing related to the products ordered by the customer, and the product sales system further comprises at least one of a first device that operates as the first display by obtaining and executing the first software program from the first server, and a second device that operates as the second display by obtaining and executing the second software program from the first server.

7. The product sales system according to claim 1, characterized in that the kiosk acquires product data from an external server that sells products that cannot be purchased in the store, displays information about the products, and accepts orders.

8. The product sales system described in claim 7, characterized in that the kiosk divides the display area into multiple areas including a first area and a second area, and in the first area, displays information about products available for purchase at the store and accepts orders, and in the second area, displays information about products available for purchase on the external server via the kiosk and accepts orders.

9. The product sales system according to claim 1, characterized in that by updating the software program on the first server, the functions of multiple kiosks that operate by obtaining the software program from the first server are updated collectively.

10. The product sales system described in claim 1, characterized in that by updating product data on the second server, product displays are updated simultaneously on multiple kiosks that retrieve and display product data from the second server.

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