JP2022176468A - Commodity sales data processing device and management method of carbonated water production device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving efficiency of a method for purchasing carbonated water and easily managing the sales of the carbonated water.SOLUTION: The present invention includes: acquisition means for acquiring information on a device for producing carbonated water which generates the carbonated water; and receiving means for receiving the purchase of the carbonated water based on information on the device for producing the carbonated water. Moreover, the information on the device for producing the carbonated water is the information on the carbon dioxide gas or the information on a water storage tank of the device for producing the carbonated water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and a management method for a carbonated water production device.

Demand for sugar-free carbonated water (hereinafter referred to as carbonated water) is increasing due to its refreshing effect and health consciousness. Carbonated water is used in a wide range of fields, such as for washing the face and bathing, in addition to beverages. Along with this, not only carbonated water production apparatuses for commercial use but also carbonated water production apparatuses for ordinary households have been provided (see Patent Document 1).

For example, commercial carbonated water production apparatuses are installed in large food stores such as supermarkets. Carbonated water produced by a carbonated water production device is more expensive to produce than permeated water produced by permeating raw water such as tap water through a reverse osmosis membrane, so it is produced by a carbonated water production device. It is assumed that the carbonated water provided will be provided for a fee, not for free.

JP 2014-023979 A

As a method of providing carbonated water for a fee, for example, like a vending machine that can sell beverages, banknotes and coins are put into the carbonated water production device, and the capacity and gas strength of carbonated water intended by the user are calculated. can be selected by operating an operation panel or the like.

However, when purchasing carbonated water by inserting banknotes or coins, the carbonated water producing apparatus requires a configuration for sorting and storing the inserted coins or banknotes and a configuration for returning the change. The size of the water production equipment is increased. In addition, purchase of carbonated water by inserting bills or coins is troublesome and inefficient because it must be purchased separately from foodstuffs. Furthermore, the purchase of carbonated water is separate from the purchase of groceries, making it difficult to manage the carbonated water maker.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the purpose thereof is to improve the efficiency of the method of purchasing carbonated water and to facilitate management related to sales of carbonated water. It provides the technology to

In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a product sales data processing device includes acquisition means for acquiring information related to a carbonated water production device that produces carbonated water; The apparatus is characterized by comprising reception means for receiving purchase of the carbonated water based on the information, and display means for displaying information related to the carbonated water production apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing a carbonated water production apparatus that provides carbonated water produced by dissolving carbon dioxide gas supplied from a gas cylinder in raw water or permeated water, comprising: Acquiring means for acquiring information related to the manufacturing apparatus, and transmitting means for transmitting the information related to the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus acquired by the acquiring means to an external device, wherein the external device receives the information from the transmitting means. It is characterized by displaying the transmitted information related to the carbonated water production apparatus.

It is an explanatory view showing composition of a sales management system concerning an embodiment. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of a POS terminal. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a store controller; It is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a carbonated water production device and an RO water generation device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration for supplying carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated water production apparatus; It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a carbonated water manufacturing apparatus. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing in a POS terminal when purchasing a product; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on the clerk-side display section of the POS terminal when purchasing the product; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a checkout screen displayed on the user-side display section when purchasing a product; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a detail entry field displayed on the clerk-side display section of the POS terminal when purchasing carbonated water; 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing from the supply of carbonated water in the carbonated water production apparatus to the confirmation of the system at the POS terminal. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of display contents of the operation panel when the carbonated water production apparatus is in a standby state; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen of the operation status of the POS system displayed on an external device such as a POS terminal or monitoring device;

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a POS (Point Of Sales) system showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. A POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that can be installed in various stores such as convenience stores and supermarkets. The POS system 1 has a plurality of POS terminals 11 , a store controller 12 , a monitoring terminal 13 , a carbonated water producing device 14 and an RO (Reverse Osmosis) water producing device 15 . The store controller 12, the plurality of POS terminals 11, the monitoring terminal 13, the carbonated water production device 14, and the RO water generation device 15 are interconnected by a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 16. FIG. Note that the POS terminal 11 and the monitoring terminal 13 correspond to external devices described in the claims.

Note that the configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, in the POS system 1, the number of POS terminals 11 installed is not particularly limited. Also, the POS system 1 of this embodiment may have a configuration that does not include at least one of the store controller 12 and the monitoring terminal 13 . If the configuration of the POS system 1 does not include the store controller 12, for example, one representative POS terminal 11 out of the plurality of POS terminals 11 may also function as the store controller 12. You may let

The POS terminal 11 executes product registration processing for registering products to be purchased. The operation of registering a product (product registration operation) is performed, for example, by using a scanner to read a barcode attached to the product, or by operating a preset button or the like displayed on the product registration screen. Through such a product registration operation, for example, product identification information is input to the POS terminal 11, and the POS terminal 11 acquires product information corresponding to the input product identification information. In addition, the POS terminal 11 generates and stores information (hereinafter referred to as registration information) about the products registered for each transaction.

The registration information includes transaction identification information that identifies the corresponding transaction, registration information identification information that identifies the registration information, registration date and time, product identification information of each registered product, product name of each registered product, sales price, It may include discount information, a transaction number (purchase number) indicating the number of products to be purchased, and a total price (total amount) corresponding to the product to be purchased. Further, the registration information may further include registration device identification information for identifying the POS terminal 11 that generated the registration information (that is, the POS terminal 11 that registered the product related to the registration information). In this way, the registration information has contents reflecting the product registration processing result corresponding to one transaction.

The registration information is used for settlement processing in the own device or another POS terminal 11 . The settlement process is a process of paying and settling the price of the registered product by selectively using cash, electronic money, credit card, or the like. When the other POS terminals 11 are to be used for settlement processing, any one of the plurality of POS terminals 11 is used to execute the settlement processing.

The store controller 12 is an information processing device that manages the POS system 1, manages the POS terminal 11 and the like in the POS system 1, and manages various information such as a product master. The store controller 12 appropriately transmits the latest product master data to the POS terminal 11 . A product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name (product name, item name), selling price, and discount information for each product. The store controller 12 acquires a product master reflecting the latest product information from an external source (for example, a server at the head office or a removable storage medium) and transmits it to the POS terminal 11 as appropriate.

The monitoring terminal 13 monitors the POS terminal 11 and the mobile terminal 20 . Specifically, the monitoring terminal 13 displays the status of the POS terminal 11 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) or controls the POS terminal 11 depending on the situation. Note that the POS system 1 may include a terminal device owned by a store clerk. The terminal device possessed by the store clerk displays, for example, the same content as that displayed on the monitoring terminal 13, or notifies that the store clerk is to be called. The monitoring terminal 13 is connected to a wired LAN or wireless LAN installed in a grocery store such as a supermarket, and receives information from the store controller 12 and the carbonated water production device 14 or the RO water production device 15. Alternatively, information can be directly received from the carbonated water production device 14 or the RO water generation device 15 and displayed. In other words, the monitoring terminal 13 can display the operation status confirmation screen 115 (see FIG. 15) of the POS system 1 in the same manner as the POS terminal 11 .

The mobile terminal 20 is a device carried by the user P and capable of communicating via the network NW. The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or the like. By reading the two-dimensional code with the mobile terminal 20, settlement can be made after the transaction.

The POS system 1 described above can communicate with the settlement operator gateway 22 via the cloud center 21 and the network NW. The settlement operator gateway 22 can communicate with the settlement operator 23 and can communicate with the mobile terminal 20 via the network NW. Note that the POS system 1, the cloud center 21, the settlement company gateway 22, and the settlement company 23 can communicate via the network NW or directly without the network NW by other communication modes. good.

The cloud center 21 performs reporting of payment data generated by the mobile terminal 20, coordination of payments for multiple stores where the POS system 1 is installed, transfer of sales proceeds, provision of payment data sent from the POS system 1, and the like. . The cloud center 21 transmits aggregated data and the like to the POS system 1 .

The settlement operator gateway 22 manages stores (member stores) that cooperate with the settlement business, manages transactions with member stores, manages sales, manages aquaring, manages comprehensive companies, and the like. A POS system 1 is installed in this member store.

The settlement operator 23 performs settlement using a settlement code (hereinafter also referred to as "code settlement service"). The settlement operator 23 manages deposits and withdrawals from customers. The deposit from the user P is made through a bank account using the user P's credit card 24 or bank card 25, or by cash from a predetermined ATM, for example. The payment from the credit card 24 or the like of the user P is executed at the request of the user P, for example, but when the amount of payment becomes small, such as a predetermined amount or less, the request of the user P is obtained. It may be executed without In addition, the settlement operator 23 deposits to the cloud center 21 the amount subtracted from the deposit amount of the user P based on the settlement using the settlement code. The destination of the payment is the store where the POS system 1 is installed.

Payment data is sent to the payment operator gateway 22 from the POS system 1 or mobile terminal 20 of the member store. The payment operator gateway 22 transfers the transmitted payment data to the payment operator 23 . The settlement operator 23 debits the credit card or bank card of the user P according to the settlement data, and deposits the money into the cloud center 21 . The cloud center 21 makes a transfer to the member store according to the payment from the settlement business operator 23 . When the payment is completed, the payment operator 23 transmits payment completion data to the POS system 1 and the mobile terminal 20 via the payment operator gateway 22 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the POS terminal 11 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a hard disk 34, a user-side display section 35, a user-side scanner section 36, a card payment section 37, a change dispenser 38, and a clerk-side display. A unit 39 , a key operation unit 40 , a clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 , a printing unit 42 , an audio output unit 43 , a communication unit 44 and a clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 . They can communicate with each other via bus 46 .

The CPU 31 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 11 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 32 . It should be noted that the CPU 31 corresponds to display control means described in the claims.

The ROM 32 is a read-only memory and stores various information used by the CPU 31 including programs.

The RAM 33 is a read/write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 33 stores information acquired from the outside (for example, a product master acquired from the store controller 12, etc.), information generated during processing (for example, registration information generated in registration processing for registering products, settlement of purchased products ( settlement information, etc., generated in the settlement processing).

The hard disk 34 stores various information. The hard disk 34 may store, for example, programs executed by the CPU 31 instead of the ROM 32 . Also, instead of the RAM 33, information obtained from the outside or information generated during processing may be stored.

The user-side display unit 35 is a touch display that can be visually recognized and operated by the user P, displays various information to the user P, and receives various inputs from the user P.

The user-side scanner unit 36 is a scanner unit for the user P, and for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products, gift certificates (gift certificates, coupon tickets, invitation tickets, etc.). Optically read the code (bar code, two-dimensional code) printed on the The user-side scanner unit 36 is fixedly provided in the housing of the POS terminal 11, and when reading a barcode using the user-side fixed scanner unit, It is designed so that the product or the like is brought close to the user-side scanner unit 36 for use.

The user-side scanner unit 36 is used when the user P registers products, but the user P may register products by other methods. For example, when a product preset key or the like is displayed on the user-side display unit 35, the user P can operate (press) the preset key to register the product.

The card settlement unit 37 is a settlement mechanism using various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card payment unit 37 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information on various cards. For example, the credit card is a contact type card, which is inserted through an insertion port (not shown) provided below the card payment unit 37, and information is read by a magnetic sensor provided inside the card payment unit 37. . For example, a prepaid card such as a transportation card is a contactless IC card, and information is read by an IC card reader/writer provided on the surface of the card settlement unit 37, and information after settlement is written. . The read information is used for settlement (settlement) of purchased products.

When using the recognized information for the settlement (settlement) of the purchased product this time (that is, in the case of credit settlement with a credit card, in the case of prepaid card settlement with a prepaid card, the card settlement unit 37 uses the point card holding points (e.g., when using (consuming)), and when the recognized information is not used for the payment (settlement) of the purchased product (for example, in the case of granting benefits by presenting a credit card, points are given to the point card) case, etc.), various cards may be recognized. The card settlement unit 37 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but the card settlement unit 37 may include at least a card recognition unit. The card recognition unit of the present embodiment is compatible with contact cards (IC cards, magnetic cards) and non-contact cards (IC cards), but only contact or non-contact cards can be recognized. It may correspond.

The change machine 38 is a mechanism for settlement by cash, and has an insertion port for banknotes and coins and a discharge port for banknotes and coins. is calculated, and the change is discharged from the discharge port. Note that the change machine 38 is directed toward the user side and is operated by the user P. Note that when banknotes or coins are inserted into the slot, they are detected by a sensor (detection of insertion, detection of the number of coins by denomination, etc.).

The salesclerk-side display unit 39 is a touch display for salesclerks that performs display toward the salesclerk, and displays various information to the salesclerk and receives various inputs from the salesclerk. In addition, the store clerk side display unit 39 functions as a selection means described in the claims.

The key operation unit 40 is composed of various keys (hardware keys, buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk.

The clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 and the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 are scanner units for the clerk, and optically read various kinds of information. For example, the clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 and the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 optically read bar codes attached to products and clerk codes attached to clerk's name tags. In addition to the above, the clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 and the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 may read codes printed on accounting coupons, coupons, and codes printed on various cards. The clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 is connected and fixed to the housing via a cord, and the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 is fixedly provided in the housing of the POS terminal 11 . Therefore, when performing bar code reading, the store clerk side handy scanner unit 41 should be brought closer to the product, etc., and the store clerk side fixed scanner unit 45 should be placed closer to the store clerk. It is designed to be used in close proximity to the fixed scanner section 45 .

The store clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 and store clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 are used when the store clerk registers products, but the store clerk may register products by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (for example, a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged in the key operation unit 40, the store clerk can operate (press) the key to register the product. good. Further, when a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display section 39, the clerk may operate the preset key to register the product.

The printing unit 42 prints and issues various media (receipts, accounting coupons, etc.). The printing unit 42 can be rotatably changed from the clerk side to the user P side and from the user P side to the clerk side (the direction of the medium issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit 42 may be changed manually, or may be automatically changed (mechanically controlled, etc.) based on, for example, switching of operation modes (details will be described later). Note that whether the orientation of the printing unit 42 is correct or incorrect may be detected by a sensor or the like. Note that the switching of the operation mode is also referred to as the operation mode transition.

The audio output unit 43 outputs audio. For example, the voice output unit 43 outputs voice guidance and the like. The communication unit 44 transmits and receives information to and from other terminals (other POS terminals 11, store controllers 12).

As shown in FIG. 5 , the store controller 12 has a CPU 47 , ROM 48 , RAM 49 , hard disk 50 , operation section 51 , display section 52 and communication section 53 . They can communicate with each other via bus 54 .

The CPU 47 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the store controller 12 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 48 .

The ROM 48 is a read-only memory and stores various information used by the CPU 47 including programs.

The RAM 49 is a read/write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 49 stores information obtained from the outside (for example, data on the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas transmitted by the carbonated water production apparatus 14) and information generated during processing (for example, management information for the entire POS system 1). do.

The hard disk 50 stores various information. The hard disk 50 may store, for example, programs executed by the CPU 47 instead of the ROM 48 . Also, instead of the RAM 49, information obtained from the outside or information generated during processing may be stored.

The operation unit 51 is used when various types of information are input to the store controller 12 . The operating unit 51 includes, for example, a keyboard and ten keys. The display unit 52 is, for example, a touch panel display, performs various displays, and receives input operations. The communication unit 53 transmits and receives information to and from other terminals (the POS terminal 11, the monitoring terminal 13, the carbonated water production device 14, and the RO water generation device 15).

As shown in FIG. 6, the carbonated water production device 14 is installed together with the RO water generation device 15 in a grocery store such as a supermarket. The carbonated water production device 14 receives supply of RO water produced by the RO water production device 15 and carbon dioxide gas from the gas cylinder 79 stored in the storage box 56 to produce carbonated water, and uses the produced carbonated water. It is a device provided to a person P. In addition, the RO water generator 15 permeates raw water such as tap water through a reverse permeation membrane to generate RO water and provides it to the user P. 14.

The carbonated water production device 14 has a device body 57 and a front door 58 . The apparatus main body 57 accommodates various units, piping, and the like necessary for producing carbonated water. The front door 58 is located between a closed position that shields the inside of the device main body 57 and an open position that exposes the inside of the device main body 57, with one end side (the right side in FIG. 6) of the device main body 57 in the width direction being the center. to rotate.

The front door 58 has an operation panel 59 , a QR (Quick Response) code reader 60 , an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader 61 , and a water injection box 62 .

The operation panel 59 is, for example, a touch panel display. The operation panel 59 displays information based on the operating state of the carbonated water production apparatus 14 and information read by the QR code reader 60 and IC card reader 61 . The operation panel 59 also displays selection buttons (not shown) for selecting the gas strength (GV) of carbonated water and the amount of carbonated water that can be purchased.

The QR code reader 60 reads a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the mobile terminal of the user P or a QR code printed on a receipt or the like. The QR code indicates, for example, the amount of carbonated water and gas intensity that the user P receives.

The IC card reader 61 reads information stored in an IC chip embedded in the IC card. A magnetic card reader for reading a magnetic card may be used instead of the IC card reader 61 .

In this embodiment, the carbonated water production apparatus 14 having the QR code reader 60 and the IC card reader 61 will be described as an example, but the carbonated water production apparatus may have only the QR code reader 60 .

The water injection box 62 is provided with a pressure-resistant bottle (not shown) for injecting carbonated water. The water injection box 62 has a water injection door 63 . The water injection door 63 is opened and closed when the pressure bottle is installed or when the pressure bottle is taken out. The pressure-resistant bottle is a special bottle purchased by the user P to receive carbonated water.

The RO water generator 15 has a device body 65 and a front door 66 . The device main body 65 accommodates various units, pipes, and the like necessary for generating RO water. The front door 66 is located between an open position exposing the inside of the apparatus main body 65 and a closed position shielding the inside of the apparatus main body 65, centering on one end side (left side in FIG. 6) in the width direction of the apparatus main body 65. It is possible to rotate with The front door 66 has a card reader 67 , an operation panel 68 and a water injection box 70 .

The card reader 67 accepts input of IC card information, for example. The operation panel 68 is, for example, a touch panel display. The operation panel 68 displays the operation status of the RO water generator 15, contents prompting for operation, and the like. At the same time, the operation panel 68 accepts user P's operation.

The water injection box 70 is provided with a bottle (not shown) for injecting RO water. The water injection box 70 has a water injection door 71 . The water injection door 71 is opened and closed when the bottle is installed or taken out. The bottle is a dedicated bottle purchased by the user P to receive supply of RO water.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the carbonated water production apparatus 14 includes two pressure reducing valve units 75 , an air supply/exhaust unit 76 , a pressurization tank 77 and a control unit 78 . 6, only the locations where carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the two gas cylinders 79 installed inside the storage box 56 are described, and the RO water is supplied to the pressurized tank 77, and the RO water is supplied to the pressurized tank 77. Other components provided inside the carbonated water production apparatus 14, such as cooling and sterilization of RO water, exhaust of carbon dioxide stored inside the pressure tank 77, are omitted. Further, in FIG. 6, the gas path is indicated by a solid line, and the signal line is indicated by a dotted line.

Since the two pressure reducing valve units 75 have the same configuration, one pressure reducing valve unit is denoted by reference numeral 75A and the other pressure reducing valve unit is denoted by reference numeral 75B. A gas cylinder connected to the pressure reducing valve unit 75A is denoted by reference numeral 79A, and a gas cylinder connected to the pressure reducing valve unit 75B is denoted by 79B.

The pressure reducing valve unit 75A is connected to a gas cylinder 79A installed in the storage box 56. As shown in FIG. A gas cylinder 79A installed in the storage box 56 is attached with a container valve 80A. The container valve 80A is connected to the gas passage 81A of the pressure reducing valve unit 75A, and supplies carbon dioxide vaporized from liquefied carbon dioxide stored in the gas cylinder 79A to the pressure reducing valve unit 75A. The gas passage 81A of the pressure reducing valve unit 75A merges with the gas passage 81B of the pressure reducing valve unit 75B on the downstream side and is connected to the supply/exhaust unit 76 as one gas passage.

The pressure reducing valve unit 75A sends out the carbon dioxide gas sent out from the gas cylinder 79A to the supply/exhaust unit 76 . The pressure reducing valve unit 75A has pressure gauges 82A, 83A, a pressure reducing valve 84A, a heater 85A, a manual valve 86A, a pressure switch 87A, a control valve 88A and a one-way valve 89A. Assuming that one end of the gas line 81A connected to the gas cylinder 79A is upstream, the pressure reducing valve unit 75A includes a pressure gauge 82A, a pressure reducing valve 84A, a pressure gauge 83A, a heater 85A, and a manual valve 86A from the upstream side of the gas line 81A. , the pressure switch 87A, the control valve 88A and the one-way valve 89A are arranged in this order.

A pressure gauge measures the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas sent to 82A and pressure reducing valve 84A. A pressure gauge 83A measures the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas delivered from the pressure reducing valve 84A.

The pressure reducing valve 84A adjusts the pressure of the carbon dioxide to be supplied to the supply/exhaust unit 76 so that the pressure of the carbon dioxide to be supplied to the supply/exhaust unit 76 is, for example, 1 MPa. The decompression adjustment of carbon dioxide gas is performed while the operator visually confirms the measured value by the pressure gauge 83A, for example.

The heater 85A prevents the pressure gauges 82A and 83A and the pressure reducing valve 84A from freezing, and stabilizes the supply pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas cylinder 79A to the supply/exhaust unit 76, that is, flowing through the gas passage 81A. Manual valve 86A is normally held open. For example, the open state is switched to the closed state by the control unit 78 when the gas cylinder 79A is replaced.

The pressure switch 87A is turned on when the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas flowing through the gas passage 81A is below a certain value, and outputs an on signal to the control unit 78. FIG. The control valve 88A is normally kept closed, and is switched to an open state by the control unit 78 when carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the gas cylinder 79A to the air supply/exhaust unit 76. The one-way valve 89A prevents backflow of carbon dioxide supplied from the gas cylinder 79A to the air supply/exhaust unit 76 .

The pressure reducing valve unit 75B is connected to a gas cylinder 79B installed in the storage box 56. As shown in FIG. A container valve 80B is attached to the gas cylinder 79B installed in the storage box 56 . The container valve 80B is connected to the gas passage 81B of the pressure reducing valve unit 75B, and supplies the carbon dioxide vaporized from the liquefied carbon dioxide stored in the gas cylinder 79B to the pressure reducing valve unit 75B.

The pressure reducing valve unit 75B sends out the carbon dioxide gas sent out from the gas cylinder 79B to the supply/exhaust unit 76 . The pressure reducing valve unit 75B has pressure gauges 82B, 83B, a pressure reducing valve 84B, a heater 85B, a manual valve 86B, a pressure switch 87B, a control valve 88B and a one-way valve 89B. The pressure reducing valve unit 75B includes a pressure gauge 82B, a pressure reducing valve 84B, a pressure gauge 83B, a heater 85B, a manual valve, and a pressure gauge 82B, a pressure gauge 84B, a pressure gauge 83B, a pressure gauge 83B, a pressure gauge 85B, a pressure gauge 83B, a pressure gauge 84B, a pressure gauge 83B, a pressure gauge 83B, and a pressure gauge 85B. 86B, pressure switch 87B, control valve 88B and one-way valve 89B are arranged in this order. The configuration of each member constituting the pressure reducing valve unit 75B is the same as the configuration of each member constituting the pressure reducing valve unit 75A, so the description of the structure of the pressure reducing valve unit 75B will be omitted.

The supply/exhaust unit 76 supplies the pressurization tank 77 with carbon dioxide gas flowing through either the gas passage 81A of the pressure reducing valve unit 75A or the gas passage 81A of the pressure reducing valve unit 75B. In addition, the supply/exhaust unit 76 supplies the exhaust gas (carbon dioxide gas) sent out from the pressurized tank 77 to a cooler (not shown), and also drains water contained in the exhaust gas sent out from the pressurized tank 77. .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 78 has a CPU 91 , a ROM 92 , a RAM 93 , a communication section 94 and an I/F (interface) section 95 . The CPU 91 , ROM 92 , RAM 93 , communication section 94 and I/F 95 are connected by a bus 96 .

The CPU 91 is a central processing unit, and reads out and executes programs stored in the ROM 92 to centrally control each part of the carbonated water production apparatus 14 . In addition, CPU91 corresponds to the acquisition means as described in a claim.

The ROM 92 is a read-only memory and stores various information used by the CPU 91 including programs. The information includes, for example, the amount of carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas cylinder 79 to the air supply/exhaust unit 76 per unit time.

The RAM 93 is a read/write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 93 stores information generated by the CPU 91 executing the program. Here, the information generated by the CPU 91 executing the program is calculated from, for example, the time when the control valve 88 of the pressure reducing valve unit 75 is switched to the open state, or the time when the control valve 88 is switched to the open state. Examples include the amount of carbon dioxide gas supplied and the amount of carbon dioxide remaining in the gas cylinder 79 .

The communication unit 94 transmits and receives information to and from the store controller 12 and the RO water generator 15 . In addition, the communication unit 94 corresponds to the transmitting means described in the claims. The I/F section 95 connects the operation panel 59 , the QR code reader 60 , the IC card reader 61 , the pressure reducing valve unit 75 , the air supply/exhaust unit 76 and the like to the control unit 78 .

Next, the flow of processing in the POS terminal 11 when purchasing merchandise in a grocery store will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. A case where a store clerk operates the POS terminal 11 will be described below as an example.

In step S101, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 determines whether or not the barcode of the product has been read. The clerk takes out the product from the shopping basket that the user P has placed on the counter 98 (see FIG. 2) installed on the side of the POS terminal 11, and scans the bar code attached to the product to the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45. Alternatively, the clerk's side handy scanner unit 41 is held over the bar code attached to the product. As a result, the barcode attached to the product is read by the clerk-side handy scanner section 41 or the clerk-side fixed scanner section 45 . When the barcode attached to the product is read, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S102. On the other hand, if the clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 or the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 has not read the bar code of the product, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S110, which will be described later.

In step S102, the CPU 31 refers to the product master stored in the ROM 32, acquires information such as the product name and product price based on the read barcode information, and temporarily stores this information in the RAM 33, for example. Remember. Based on the information stored in the RAM 32, the CPU 31 updates the product registration screen 101 on the clerk-side display section 39. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the product registration screen 101 has a plurality of areas 102, 103, 104 and 105. FIG. Among these areas, the area 102 is a display area for displaying the product name, unit price, etc. corresponding to the most recently read barcode of the product. An area 103 is a display area for displaying a list of registered product information. An area 104 is an area for displaying the total price of the registered products. An area 105 is a display area for displaying a list of products registered in the product master. In the product registration screen 101, a list of products is displayed, for example, grouped by type of food (vegetables, meats, fish, beverages, etc.).

Therefore, when the bar code attached to the product is read by the store clerk side handy scanner unit 41 or the store clerk side stationary scanner unit 45, the product name and unit price based on the read bar code are displayed in areas 102 and 103. be. Note that FIG. 10 shows an example in which a plurality of products are registered on the product registration screen 101 .

For example, when there are a plurality of products to be purchased by the user P, the clerk sequentially holds the products over the clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 or the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 . In accordance with this, the CPU 31 updates the display on the clerk-side display section 39 based on the barcode information read by the clerk-side handy scanner section 41 or the clerk-side fixed scanner section 45 .

In step S103, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the "settlement" button 106 has been touched. When the registration of purchase items for all the products purchased by the user P is completed, the clerk touches the "settlement" button 106 (see FIG. 10) on the clerk-side display section 39 of the POS terminal 11. FIG. In response to this, an operation signal based on the "settlement" button 106 is input to the CPU 31 from the store clerk side display unit 39 to the CPU 31 . In response to this, the CPU 31 determines that the "payment" button 106 has been touched, and proceeds to the payment processing shown in step S104. On the other hand, when an operation signal based on the "settlement" button 106 is not input to the CPU 31 from the clerk-side display unit 39, the CPU 31 determines that the "settlement" button 106 has not been touched, and performs step S101. back to

In step S104, the CPU 31 causes the user-side display section 35 to display a settlement screen. FIG. 11 shows a checkout screen displayed on the user-side display section 35 in the checkout process. As shown in FIG. 11, the settlement screen 107 displayed on the user-side display unit 35 displays the total amount of all products purchased by the user P and the type of payment. For example, the settlement screen 107 displays the settlement amount in the area 108 and the payment type in the area 109 . The types of payment include "cash", "credit card", "prepaid card", and the like. Therefore, in the area 109 indicating the type of payment, a "cash" button 109a, a "credit card" button 109b, and a "prepaid card" button 109c are displayed.

In response to the settlement screen 107 being displayed on the user-side display section 35, the user P touches any of the buttons displayed on the settlement screen 107 of the user-side display section 35 to complete the payment. Select type. When a payment type is selected, CPU 31 executes processing based on the selected payment type.

Although illustration is omitted, for example, when the "cash" button 109a is touched, the CPU 31 prompts the user P to insert money such as "Please insert money" on the user side display unit 35. Display wording. The user P inserts money such as banknotes and/or coins into the change dispenser 38 in accordance with the amount to be settled. When money is inserted, the CPU 31 identifies the amount of money inserted from the type of the inserted money. When the amount of money inserted is large, the CPU 31 calculates the amount of difference from the settlement amount and causes the change dispenser 38 to pay out the amount of difference.

In addition, when "credit card" is selected, the user P inserts the credit card into the card payment section 37 . When the credit card is inserted into the card settlement unit 37, the CPU 31 reads the data stored in the credit card, communicates with the settlement operator 23, and performs authentication processing and settlement processing in that order. Thereby, the settlement process for the purchase of the product is executed.

When "prepaid card" is selected, the user P holds the prepaid card over the card settlement unit 37. FIG. When the prepaid card is held over the card settlement unit 37, the CPU 31 reads the balance information stored in the prepaid card. When the balance stored in the prepaid card is equal to or more than the settlement amount, the CPU 31 subtracts the settlement amount from the balance of the prepaid card and stores the subtracted amount in the prepaid card as a new balance, thereby performing settlement processing.

After completing the settlement process, the CPU 31 drives the printing unit 42 in step S105. The printing unit 42 prints the purchase details based on the product registration information, and sends out the printed paper as a receipt to the outside of the printing unit 42 . In step S106, the CPU 31 determines whether carbonated water has been registered. If carbonated water has not been purchased, the CPU 31 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 and enters a standby state.

For example, when the user P purchases carbonated water, the store clerk touches the tab “carbonated water” 110 among a plurality of tabs displayed in the area 105 of the product registration screen 101 . At this time, the CPU 31 proceeds from step S101 to step S110.

In step S110, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the tab "carbonated water" 110 has been selected. The store clerk touches the tab “carbonated water” 110 among the plurality of tabs displayed in the area 105 of the product registration screen 101 . Upon receiving this, the CPU 31 determines that the tab "carbonated water" 110 has been selected, and proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if the clerk has not touched the clerk-side display section 39, the process returns to step S101 and waits until the bar code of the product is read or the clerk-side display section 39 is operated.

In step S111, the CPU 31 requests the store controller 12 for data on the remaining amount of carbon dioxide remaining in the gas cylinder 79 (hereinafter referred to as remaining amount data). Then, in step S112, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the carbon dioxide remaining amount data has been received. When the remaining carbon dioxide data is received, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, when the carbon dioxide remaining amount data is not received, the CPU 31 waits until the carbon dioxide remaining amount data is received.

In step S113, the CPU 31 updates the display of the area 105 of the product registration screen 101 on the store clerk-side display unit 39 so that the touched tab becomes the front. At this time, the CPU 31 displays a sales item consisting of a combination of the amount of carbonated water that can be sold and the gas strength of the carbonated water, based on the received carbon dioxide remaining amount data.

The amount of carbonated water that can be supplied in the carbonated water production device 14 is, for example, two types of 500 ml and 1000 ml. Therefore, there are two types of pressure-resistant bottles installed in the water injection box 62 of the carbonated water production apparatus 14: a pressure-resistant bottle capable of injecting 500 ml of carbonated water and a pressure-resistant bottle capable of injecting 1000 ml of carbonated water. Hereinafter, a pressure-resistant bottle into which 500 ml of carbonated water can be poured is called a small bottle, and a pressure-resistant bottle into which 1000 ml of carbonated water can be poured is called a large bottle.

There are three types of gas strength of carbonated water: weak, medium, and strong. When the gas intensity is "medium", the gas intensity of carbonated water is set to 3 GV, for example. Further, when the gas intensity is "strong", the gas intensity of carbonated water is set to 4 GV, for example. Furthermore, when the gas intensity is "weak", the gas intensity of carbonated water is set to 2 GV, for example.

FIG. 10 shows a case where all sales items related to carbonated water are displayed in the tab “carbonated water” 110 . That is, "small bottle, strong" indicates that the gas strength is strong in a small bottle, "small bottle, medium" indicates that the gas strength is medium in a small bottle, and that the gas strength in a small bottle is weak. In addition to "small bottle, weak" indicating a large bottle and a strong gas intensity, "large bottle, strong" indicating a large bottle and a medium gas intensity, "large bottle, medium" and large Six types of "large bottle, weak" indicating that the bottle has a weak gas strength are displayed.

For example, when the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas filled in the gas cylinder 79 becomes low, all sales items including, for example, large bottles are highlighted, and the highlighted sales items cannot be selected. Sales items that cannot be selected depending on the amount of carbon dioxide remaining in the gas cylinder 79 may not be displayed in the tab "carbonated water".

In step S114, the CPU 31 performs processing to determine whether or not there is a selection of sales items. For example, when user P specifies the amount of carbonated water to be purchased by user P and the gas strength, the clerk touches (selects) the specified sales item from the sales items displayed in the tab “carbonated water”. ). As a result, an operation signal corresponding to the designated sales item is output from the clerk-side display section 39 to the CPU 31 . In response to this, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if no operation signal corresponding to the designated sales item is output, the CPU 31 is in a standby state until an operation signal corresponding to the designated sales item is output.

In step S114, sales items consisting of a combination of the amount of carbonated water that can be sold and the gas strength of carbonated water that can be sold are displayed on the clerk-side display unit 39, and the sales clerk selects from the sales items displayed on the clerk-side display unit 39. Although the case where the purchaser touches the intended sales item is described as an example, not only the clerk side display section 39 but also the user side display section 35 displays the amount of carbonated water that can be sold and the gas strength of the carbonated water. are displayed, and the purchaser can select the combination of the amount of carbonated water and the gas strength of the carbonated water to purchase by operating the user-side display unit 35 .

In step S<b>115 , the CPU 31 controls the clerk-side display unit 39 to display the detail input field 120 on the product registration screen 101 . As shown in FIG. 12, for example, the detail input field 120 includes a plurality of display areas 121, 122, 123, 124, 125. FIG. The display area 121 displays the touched sales item among the sales items displayed on the tab “carbonated water” 105 described above. FIG. 12 shows a case where "large bottle, medium" is selected from the sales items displayed in the tab "carbonated water" 105 . A display area 122 displays the quantity. Also, the display area 123 displays an operation button for increasing the quantity displayed in the display area 122 and an operation button for decreasing the quantity displayed in the display area 122 .

Further, the display area 124 displays buttons indicating coupons. FIG. 12 shows a case where either a coupon ticket for 10 tickets or a coupon ticket for 5 tickets is purchased. Coupon tickets are issued when purchasing multiple carbonated waters with the same amount of water and gas strength at once. Only by holding the ticket over the QR code reader 60 of the carbonated water producing device 14, the purchased number of bottles of carbonated water can be provided. In this case, in providing carbonated water using coupons, the number of bottles that can be provided is displayed on the operation panel 60 of the carbonated water production device 14, while the purchaser operates the operation panel 60 of the carbonated water production device 14. It is preferable to allow the purchaser to select the number of bottles of carbonated water provided. The information on the purchased coupon is stored in, for example, a membership card (membership card) issued by the store where the carbonated water producing apparatus 14 is installed or stored in the store controller 21, and the IC card reader 61 of the carbonated water producing apparatus 14 When reading the membership card, it is also possible to use the information on the purchased coupon.

A display area 125 displays the total amount. Further, below these display areas, a "Cancel" button 128 for canceling the purchase of carbonated water and a "Confirm" button 129 for confirming the purchase of carbonated water are displayed.

For example, after the detail input field 120 is displayed on the clerk-side display section 39, the clerk touches the operation button displayed in the display area 123 to input the quantity. In accordance with this, the total amount is displayed in the display area 125 . In FIG. 12, the display area 125 displays "large bottle, medium", that is, the total amount "¥196" when two 1000 ml bottles of carbonated water with medium gas strength are purchased.

After displaying the detail input field 120 on the clerk side display section, in step S116, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the "cancel" button 128 has been operated. For example, when the clerk touches the “cancel” button 128 , the CPU 31 returns to step S 113 and displays only the product registration screen 101 on the clerk-side display section 39 .

Further, in step S117, CPU 31 determines whether or not "determine" button 128 has been operated. For example, when the store clerk touches the "determine" button, the CPU 31 returns to step S102 and registers the content displayed in the detail input field 120 as the product to be purchased. This completes the registration of the carbonated water to be purchased.

Then, after the registration of the carbonated water to be purchased by the user P is completed, the settlement process is performed in the above-described step S104. After the settlement process, the CPU 31 drives the printing unit 42 to print the purchase details in step S105. At this time, the CPU 31 determines whether carbonated water has been registered in step S106. If carbonated water is to be purchased, the process proceeds to step S107 and causes the printing unit 42 to print a QR code indicating information on the purchased carbonated water. Therefore, when the user P purchases carbonated water, the user P receives a receipt printed with purchase details and an exchange form (exchange ticket) printed with a QR code for receiving the carbonated water.

In the above description, the case where the clerk causes the clerk-side handy scanner unit 41 or the clerk-side fixed scanner unit 45 to read the barcode attached to the product purchased by the user P is described. It is also possible for the user P to have the user-side scanner unit read the bar code attached to the product to be purchased by the person P, thereby registering the product to be purchased.

In addition, when purchasing carbonated water, sales items of carbonated water are displayed on the clerk's side display unit, and the sales clerk selects from the displayed sales items of carbonated water, thereby registering the carbonated water to be purchased. However, printed paper on which a list of bar codes based on sales items of carbonated water that can be purchased is printed is attached in advance to the POS terminal, and the bar code printed on the printed paper is attached to any one of the POS terminals 11. It is also possible to read it with a scanner unit.

In the above description, the case of purchasing carbonated water has been described, but for example, carbonated water may be provided to the user P as a privilege when purchasing a specific product. In this case, when a product is purchased using the POS terminal, when the barcode of the specific product is read, the CPU of the POS terminal registers the specific product and carbonated water. . Then, when the settlement process is completed, the purchase details of the product purchased by the user P and the QR code indicating the information of the carbonated water to be provided to the user P are printed. Carbonated water can be provided by the carbonated water production device 14 .

Next, the flow of processing from the provision of carbonated water in the carbonated water production apparatus 14 to the confirmation of the system at the POS terminal 11 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

In step S<b>201 , the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 displays the provision start screen 210 on the operation panel 59 . As shown in FIG. 14, the provision start screen 210 is, for example, a screen for the purchaser to select a purchase form. For example, the provision start screen 210 displays a comment such as "Please select a provision method" and a plurality of selection buttons B1 and B2. The selection button B1 is a button operated by a purchaser who newly purchases carbonated water. Also, the selection button B2 is a button operated by a purchaser who has purchased carbonated water at the POS terminal 11 .

In addition to displaying the selection buttons B1 and B2, the provision start screen 210 displays the remaining amount of carbon dioxide stored in the gas cylinder 79 (reference numeral 213 in FIG. 14), and the amount of currently available carbonated water (in FIG. , 214). FIG. 14 shows that carbonated water for five "large bottles" of 1000 ml pressure-resistant bottles or carbonated water for ten "small bottles" of 500 ml pressure-resistant bottles can be purchased.

When the purchaser touches the selection button B2 displayed on the operation panel 59, the CPU 91 determines in step S202 that the purchaser who has already purchased the carbonated water has operated, and proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the CPU 91 determines whether the QR code has been read by the QR code reader 60 or not. When the CPU 91 determines that the QR code has been read by the QR code reader 60, the process proceeds to step S204 to execute a carbonated water generation process. On the other hand, when determining that the QR code has not been read by the QR code reader 60 , the CPU 91 waits until the QR code is read by the QR code reader 60 .

It should be noted that the QR code read by the QR code reader 60 in step S203 is the QR code printed on the voucher obtained when the POS terminal 11 is used to purchase the carbonated water. In the case of a system that allows the purchaser to purchase carbonated water in advance using a mobile terminal owned by the purchaser, the QR displayed on the mobile terminal when purchasing the carbonated water using the mobile terminal It can be code.

On the other hand, when the purchaser touches the selection button B1 displayed on the operation panel 59, in step S202, the CPU 91 determines that the operation is performed by the purchaser who newly purchases carbonated water. to process the purchase of

As the purchase process in step S204, for example, the purchase item intended by the purchaser is selected by a touch operation on the operation panel 59 from a plurality of sales items with different capacities and gas strengths of carbonated water displayed on the operation panel 59. After that, it is preferable to perform the settlement process. After completing the purchase process in step S204, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S<b>205 , the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 unlocks the water injection door 63 of the water injection box 62 . At the same time, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 controls each part of the carbonated water production device 14 so that the RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 (not shown) is supplied to the pressure tank 77 . Then, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 calculates the amount of RO water supplied to the pressurized tank 77, and when the calculated amount of RO water reaches the amount of carbonated water obtained from the QR code information, The supply of RO water to the pressure tank 77 is stopped. When supplying RO water to the pressurized tank 77 , the user P sets a pressure-resistant bottle in the water injection box 62 .

Then, when the supply of RO water to the pressurized tank 77 ends, either the control valve 88A of the pressure reducing valve unit 75A or the control valve B of the pressure reducing valve unit 75B is switched from the closed state to the open state. Carbon dioxide gas filled in either the gas cylinder 79A or the gas cylinder 77B is supplied to the pressurized tank 77 via the supply/exhaust unit 76 . The carbon dioxide supplied to the pressurized tank 77 is dissolved in the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 77 .

The CPU 91 of the control unit 78 measures the time after switching one of the control valves of the two pressure reducing valve units 75 from the closed state to the open state. Then, when the measurement time has passed a predetermined time, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 switches the control valve of the pressure reducing valve unit 75 from the open state to the closed state. Here, the predetermined time means that the gas strength of carbonated water generated by supplying carbon dioxide gas to the RO water stored in the pressurized tank 77 becomes the gas strength of carbonated water contained in the information of the QR code. It is time to

In step S<b>206 , the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 switches the control valve of one of the two pressure reducing valve units 75 from the closed state to the open state again to supply carbon dioxide gas to the pressurization tank 77 . At the same time, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 switches the control valve (not shown) provided in the water injection pipe connected to the pressurized tank 77 from the closed state to the open state. By this switching, the carbonated water stored in the pressurized tank 77 is pushed out into the water injection pipe by the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the pressurized tank 77 and injected into the pressure bottle set in the water injection box 62 .

The CPU 91 of the control unit 78 switches the control valve of the pressure reducing valve unit 75 from the open state to the closed state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the injection of RO water into the pressure-resistant bottle set in the water injection box 62 was started. Here, the predetermined time is the time during which all of the carbonated water stored in the pressure tank 77 is poured into the pressure bottle.

After switching the control valve of the pressure reducing valve unit 75 from the open state to the closed state, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 unlocks the water injection door 63 of the water injection box 62 . Thereby, the user P can take out the pressure-resistant bottle filled with carbonated water from the water filling box 62 . For example, when providing a plurality of bottles of carbonated water, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 advances from step S207 to step S208, and displays a comment (illustrated omitted). Then, the purchaser newly installs an empty pressure-resistant bottle in the water injection box 62 and touches the operation panel 59 . Upon receiving this, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 returns from step S209 to step S206. On the other hand, when the operation panel 59 is not touched, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 enters a standby state until the operation panel 59 is touched.

Although illustration is omitted, when carbonated water is supplied to a plurality of pressure-resistant bottles, the fact that carbonated water is being poured and the remaining number of carbonated water to be provided are displayed on the operation panel 59. A comment urging the user not to leave the carbonated water production apparatus 14 is displayed on the operation panel 59. - 特許庁Also, instead of displaying the above comments and the like on the operation panel 59, they may be announced by voice.

When carbonated water is provided for one pressure-resistant bottle, the process proceeds from step S207 to step S210. In step S<b>210 , the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 calculates the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas filled in the gas cylinder 79 . The CPU 91 of the control unit 78 controls the use of the carbon dioxide used in the production of carbonated water and the injection of the carbonated water based on the time during which the control valve of the pressure reducing valve unit 75 is open and the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas flowing through the gas passage. Calculate quantity. Then, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 reads information on the remaining amount of carbon dioxide stored in the RAM 93, calculates the remaining amount of carbon dioxide to be filled in the gas cylinder 79, and stores the information on the calculated remaining amount of carbon dioxide in the RAM 93. memorize to

At the same time, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 calculates the remaining amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 . The CPU 91 of the control unit 78 subtracts the amount of RO water used to generate carbonated water this time from the remaining amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 calculated by the previous supply of carbonated water, The amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 is obtained. The CPU 91 of the control unit 78 calculates the number of bottles of carbonated water that can be provided from the obtained RO water storage amount. Then, information on the amount of stored RO water obtained is stored in the RAM 93 .

Thereafter, in step S<b>211 , the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 transmits to the store controller 12 information about the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas and information about the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 . At the same time, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 updates the display of the remaining amount of carbon dioxide and the number of carbonated water that can be provided on the provision start screen 210 of the operation panel 59 .

In step S301, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 determines whether or not the carbon dioxide remaining amount data transmitted from the carbonated water production apparatus 14 has been received. Upon receiving the remaining carbon dioxide data transmitted from the carbonated water production apparatus 14, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 advances to step S302 to newly store the received remaining carbon dioxide data in the RAM 47 ( Update). When the remaining carbon dioxide data transmitted from the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 14 is not received, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 waits until the remaining carbon dioxide data transmitted from the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 14 is received. .

In step S303, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 determines whether or not the updated remaining amount of carbon dioxide is equal to or less than the threshold. For example, when the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas is equal to or less than the threshold value, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 proceeds to step S304 and displays on the display section 52 a display prompting replacement of the gas cylinder 79 . On the other hand, if the remaining amount of carbon dioxide exceeds the threshold, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 proceeds to step S307, which will be described later. Here, the threshold value is the minimum usage amount of carbon dioxide necessary for producing carbonated water and pouring carbonated water in the carbonated water production apparatus 14 .

For example, when a replacement operator replaces the gas cylinder 79, the grocery store clerk operates the operation unit 49 of the store controller 12 to input that the gas cylinder 79 has been replaced. In response to this, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 updates the data related to the carbonated water production device 14 stored in the RAM 49 in step S305.

For example, when the clerk wants to check the operation status of the POS system 1 on the product registration screen 101 displayed on the clerk-side display section 39 of the POS terminal 11 , the clerk checks the product displayed on the clerk-side display section 39 of the POS terminal 11 . On the registration screen 101 , the store clerk touches the “system confirmation” button 113 .

For example, in step S401, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 determines whether or not the "system check" button 113 has been operated. When the sales clerk touches the "system confirmation" button 113 on the product registration screen 101 displayed on the sales clerk-side display section 39 of the POS terminal 11, the sales clerk-side display section 39 outputs an operation signal to that effect. In response to this, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 advances from step S401 to step S402 and requests the store controller 12 for data indicating the operation status of the POS system 1. FIG.

In step S<b>307 , the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 determines whether or not there is a request for data indicating the operating status of the POS system 1 . Upon receiving a request for data indicating the operating status of the POS system 1 from the POS terminal 11, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 proceeds to step S308. On the other hand, the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 enters a standby state when no request for data indicating the operation status of the POS system 1 is received from the POS terminal 11 .

In step S<b>308 , the CPU 47 of the store controller 12 reads out data indicating the operational status of the POS system 1 stored in the RAM 47 and transmits the data to the POS terminal 11 . Here, the data indicating the operation status of the system includes, for example, data indicating the operation status of the POS terminal 11 constituting the POS system 1 and remaining amount data of the gas cylinder 79 .

A step S403 decides whether or not the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 has received data indicating the operation status of the POS system 1 . Upon receiving data indicating the operating status of the POS system 1 from the store controller 12, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, when the data indicating the operation status of the POS system 1 is not received from the store controller 12, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 enters a standby state.

In step S<b>404 , the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 displays the operation status of each POS terminal 11 constituting the POS system 1 and the amount of carbon dioxide remaining in the gas cylinder 79 on the clerk-side display section 39 .

As shown in FIG. 15 , the operation status confirmation screen 115 of the POS system 1 displays the operation status of the POS terminals 11 that make up the POS system 1 , divided by POS terminal 11 . At the same time, the remaining amount of carbon dioxide in the gas cylinders 79 stored in the storage box 56 is displayed for each gas cylinder 79 . As for the remaining amount of carbon dioxide, the ratio of the current remaining amount of carbon dioxide may be indicated by a number or a level when the remaining amount of carbon dioxide is 100 when the carbon dioxide is not used. may be displayed as it is.

Further, the operation status confirmation screen 115 of the POS system 1 displays the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 of the carbonated water production apparatus 14 . Assuming that the maximum amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 is 100, the ratio of the current RO water storage amount is Display in numbers or levels. Alternatively, the amount of water may be displayed as it is.

In FIG. 15, nine POS terminals 11 constituting the POS system 1 are "normal", so it can be seen that no error has occurred in any of the POS terminals. When there is an abnormality in the POS terminal 11, a message to that effect is displayed in the area of the POS terminal 11 in which the abnormality has occurred. Similarly, when the power of the POS terminal 11 is not turned on, the fact that the power is not turned on is displayed in the area of the corresponding POS terminal 11 .

In addition, it can be seen that a large amount of carbon dioxide remains in the two gas cylinders 79, and it is not necessary to replace the gas cylinders. In FIG. 15, "gas cylinder 1" corresponds to gas cylinder 79A, and "gas cylinder 2" corresponds to gas cylinder 79B. Here, when the volume of carbon dioxide gas filled in the gas cylinder is equal to or less than the threshold, a message such as "Please replace" is displayed in the area of the corresponding gas cylinder.

In this state, a large amount of RO water is stored in the water storage tank 90, and it can be seen that there is no need to supply RO water to the water storage tank 90. FIG. Here, when the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 90 is equal to or less than the threshold value, a message such as "Please supply RO water" is displayed.

15 is displayed not only on the clerk-side display section 39 of the POS terminal 11 but also on the monitor terminal 13. FIG. Therefore, it becomes possible to check the states of the carbonated water production device 14 and the RO water generation device 15 using the POS terminal 11 and the monitoring terminal 13 . If the POS system 1 includes a communication terminal owned by a store clerk, not only the POS terminal 11 and the monitor terminal 13 but also the communication terminal owned by the store clerk can display the operation status of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. confirmation screen 115 may be displayed. As a result, the operation status of the POS system 1 (the operation status of the POS terminal 11, the operation status of the carbonated water production device 14 and the RO water generation device 15) can be checked anytime and anywhere.

In step S405, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 determines whether or not the "return" button 116 displayed on the clerk-side display section 39 has been operated. When the clerk touches the "return" button 116 displayed on the clerk-side display section 39 of the POS terminal 11, the operation signal is output from the clerk-side display section 39. FIG. In response to this, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 proceeds to step S406 to display the product registration screen 101 on the clerk-side display section 39. FIG. On the other hand, when the operation signal based on the touch of the "return" button 116 displayed on the clerk-side display unit 39 is not output, the CPU 31 of the POS terminal 11 waits until the operation signal is output.

In the above description, the POS terminal 11 is configured to be able to check the operation status of each POS terminal of the POS system 1 and the amount of carbon dioxide remaining in the gas cylinder 79. can also confirm the above information.

In the above-described embodiment, carbonated water is purchased at the POS terminal 11, and the QR code printed on the printed paper received by the purchase is held over the QR code reader 60 of the carbonated water production device 14 to obtain carbonated water. Carbonated water can be obtained from the manufacturing apparatus 14. - 特許庁However, for example, even though the carbonated water is purchased at the POS terminal 11, the remaining amount of the carbonic acid gas filled in the gas cylinder 79 is small, and the carbonated water production device 14 may not be able to obtain the purchased carbonated water. . Therefore, when carbonated water is purchased using the POS terminal 11, the amount of carbon dioxide used in the carbonated water production device 14 is stored in the gas cylinder 79 based on the amount of carbon dioxide gas purchased and the gas strength of the carbonated water. It is also possible to subtract it from the remaining amount of carbon dioxide to be filled.

In the embodiment described above, the printing unit 42 separately sends out a receipt on which the product purchase details are printed and a printed sheet on which a QR code indicating information on the purchased carbonated water is printed. A receipt printed with a QR code may be sent out together with the product purchase details.

In the embodiment described above, when the gas cylinder 79 is replaced, the store controller 12 is used to perform an input operation indicating that the replacement has been made. The sterilization filter used, the cooling water stored in the water tank of the cooler, and whether or not the pressurized tank 77 and water tank 90 have been replaced are also registered, and the store controller 12 manages the usage period of these members. Then, each POS terminal 11 may display the usage period and replacement time of each member, or display a message urging replacement.

In the embodiment described above, when purchasing carbonated water using a POS terminal, the sales clerk declares the amount of carbonated water to be purchased and the gas strength of the carbonated water, and the sales clerk displays the data on the POS terminal 11 side. Although the unit 39 is operated, it is also possible to display a carbonated water purchase screen on the user side display unit 35 and allow the user P to make a selection.

In the embodiment described above, when purchasing carbonated water using the POS terminal 11, it is possible to purchase coupon tickets. Here, the cloud center 21 associates and stores information on the purchaser and information on the purchase history of carbonated water. Therefore, for example, when the QR code reader 60 of the carbonated water production apparatus 14 is caused to read the QR code, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 determines whether or not the coupon has been purchased and the purchased coupon based on the information of the QR code. The cloud center 21 is inquired about the information of the remaining number of times, and the result is displayed on the operation panel 59.例文帳に追加At this time, if the number of carbonated waters that can be provided with a coupon ticket is one or more, the CPU 91 of the control unit 78 may display on the operation panel 59 to prompt the user to use the coupon ticket.

In the embodiment described above, in the carbonated water production apparatus 14, after calculating the usage amount of carbon dioxide gas used when producing carbonated water and pouring carbonated water, the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas filled in the gas cylinder 79 is calculated. is obtained, and the obtained remaining amount of carbon dioxide is transmitted to the store controller 12 . However, the information transmitted from the carbonated water production apparatus 14 to the store controller 12 may be the usage amount of carbon dioxide gas used when carbonated water is produced and when carbonated water is poured. In this case, the storage controller 12 accumulates the amount of carbon dioxide gas used during the generation and pouring of carbonated water, and when the accumulated amount exceeds the threshold value, the gas cylinder 79 It is also possible to display a prompt to replace the

In the embodiment described above, when the confirmation screen 115 is displayed on the POS terminal 11, an "order" button for ordering replacement of the gas cylinder 79 is displayed. replacement can be ordered from an external replacement operator.

In the embodiment described above, when carbonated water is purchased using the POS terminal 11, printed paper on which a QR code is printed is received by the printing unit 42 together with a receipt, but there is no need to be limited to this. Alternatively, when the user P settles the purchase of carbonated water using the mobile terminal 20, the information of the QR code may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 20 owned by the user P.

In the embodiment described above, details of the timing at which the user P receives the carbonated water from the carbonated water producing apparatus 14 after purchasing the carbonated water using the POS terminal 11 are omitted. In other words, the amount of carbonated water provided from the carbonated water production device 14, the time for which the carbonated water is provided, and the like differ depending on the user P. Therefore, the user P may be allowed to select the date and time when the carbonated water is provided from the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 14 when purchasing the carbonated water.
<Summary of embodiment>

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a management method for a carbonated water production apparatus that provides carbonated water produced by dissolving carbon dioxide supplied from a gas cylinder in raw water or permeated water.

Demand for sugar-free carbonated water (hereinafter referred to as carbonated water) is increasing due to its refreshing effect and health consciousness. Carbonated water is used in a wide range of fields, such as for washing the face and bathing, in addition to beverages. Along with this, not only carbonated water production apparatuses for business use but also carbonated water production apparatuses for general households are provided.

Business-use carbonated water production equipment is installed in large grocery stores such as supermarkets. Carbonated water produced by a carbonated water production device is more expensive to produce than permeated water produced by permeating raw water such as tap water through a reverse osmosis membrane, so it is produced by a carbonated water production device. It is assumed that the carbonated water provided will be provided for a fee, not for free.

As a method of providing carbonated water for a fee, for example, in the same way as a vending machine that can sell beverages, banknotes and coins are put into the carbonated water production apparatus, and the volume and gas of the carbonated water intended by the user P are calculated. It is conceivable to select the intensity by operating an operation panel or the like.

However, when purchasing carbonated water by inserting banknotes or coins, the carbonated water producing apparatus requires a configuration for sorting and storing the inserted coins or banknotes and a configuration for returning the change. The size of the water production equipment is increased. In addition, purchase of carbonated water by inserting bills or coins is troublesome and inefficient because it must be purchased separately from foodstuffs. Furthermore, the purchase of carbonated water is separate from the purchase of groceries, making it difficult to manage the carbonated water maker.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the purpose thereof is to improve the efficiency of the method of purchasing carbonated water and to facilitate management related to sales of carbonated water. It provides the technology to

A CPU 31 that acquires information related to the carbonated water production device 14 that generates carbonated water, a CPU 31 that accepts purchase of carbonated water based on the information related to the carbonated water production device 14, and information related to the carbonated water production device 14 are displayed. and a display unit 39 for store clerk.

According to this, information related to the carbonated water production device 14 is transmitted to, for example, the store controller 12 or the POS terminal 11, so that the information related to the carbonated water production device 14 can be transmitted to other devices connected to the carbonated water production device 14. It can be confirmed by the device, and after confirming the information, for example, maintenance work for the carbonated water production device 14 can be performed. Therefore, carbonated water can be smoothly provided in the carbonated water production apparatus 14 .

Further, the information related to the carbonated water production device 14 is information related to the carbon dioxide used when producing the carbonated water or information related to the water storage tank 90 of the carbonated water production device 14 .

According to this, for example, when the carbonated water production apparatus 14 is installed in a food store, the store controller 12 that manages the entire food store or the POS terminal 11 provides information on the carbon dioxide filling the gas cylinder 79. In addition, information related to the water storage tank 90 of the carbonated water production device 14 can be confirmed, and carbonated water can be smoothly provided in the carbonated water production device 14 .

The information on the carbon dioxide is either the amount of carbon dioxide used during the production of carbonated water or the remaining amount of carbon dioxide in the gas cylinder 79, and the information on the water storage tank 90 is the amount of carbonated water. or the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 90.

According to this, it is possible to smoothly carry out processing related to replacement of gas cylinders, such as requesting replacement of gas cylinders to a specialized trader and replacement work of gas cylinders by traders. In addition, since the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 90 can be grasped in the carbonated water production apparatus, the amount of carbonated water corresponding to the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 90 can be appropriately presented to the purchaser of the carbonated water.

The CPU 31 also has a clerk-side display unit 39 for selecting the gas strength of the carbonated water to be generated, and the CPU 31 displays the carbon dioxide gas on the basis of the gas strength of the carbonated water selected by the operation panel 29 and information related to the carbon dioxide gas. It calculates the amount of water used and accepts orders for carbonated water.

According to this, the purchaser of carbonated water can purchase the amount of carbonated water according to the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 90 .

In addition, the store clerk display unit 39 displays a guide prompting replacement of the gas cylinder 79 based on the information related to the carbon dioxide gas.

According to this, it is possible to smoothly carry out processing related to replacement of gas cylinders, such as requesting replacement of gas cylinders to a specialized trader and replacement work of gas cylinders by traders.

A method for managing a carbonated water production apparatus 14 that provides carbonated water produced by dissolving carbon dioxide gas supplied from a gas cylinder 79 in raw water or permeated water, in which information relating to the carbonated water production apparatus 14 is acquired. The POS terminal 11 has a CPU 91 and a communication unit 94 that transmits information related to the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 14 acquired by the CPU 91 to the POS terminal 11. This information is displayed.

According to this, information related to the carbonated water production device 14 is transmitted to, for example, the store controller 12 or the POS terminal 11, so that the information related to the carbonated water production device 14 can be transmitted to other devices connected to the carbonated water production device 14. It can be confirmed by the device, and after confirming the information, for example, maintenance work for the carbonated water production device 14 can be performed. Therefore, carbonated water can be smoothly provided in the carbonated water production apparatus 14 .

Information related to the carbonated water production device 14 is information related to carbon dioxide or information related to the water storage tank 90 of the carbonated water production device 14 .

According to this, for example, when the carbonated water production apparatus 14 is installed in a food store, the store controller 12 that manages the entire food store or the POS terminal 11 provides information on the carbon dioxide filling the gas cylinder 79. In addition, information related to the water storage tank 90 of the carbonated water production device 14 can be confirmed, and carbonated water can be smoothly provided in the carbonated water production device 14 .

The POS terminal 11 also has a display section 39 for the store clerk that displays a guide prompting replacement of the gas cylinder 79 based on information related to carbon dioxide gas.

According to this, it is possible to smoothly carry out processing related to replacement of gas cylinders, such as requesting replacement of gas cylinders to a specialized trader and replacement work of gas cylinders by traders.

The information on the carbon dioxide gas is information on either the amount of carbon dioxide gas used in producing the carbonated water or the remaining amount of the carbon dioxide gas in the gas cylinder 79, and the information on the water storage tank 90 is information on the carbon dioxide gas. This information is either the amount of raw water or permeated water used during water generation, or the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 90 .

According to this, it is possible to smoothly carry out processing related to replacement of gas cylinders, such as requesting replacement of gas cylinders to a specialized trader and replacement work of gas cylinders by traders. In addition, since the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 90 can be grasped in the carbonated water production apparatus, the amount of carbonated water corresponding to the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 90 can be appropriately presented to the purchaser of the carbonated water.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... POS system 11... POS terminal 12... Store controller 14... Carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 31, 47, 91... CPU
39... Clerk side display unit 79... Gas cylinder 44, 53, 94... Communication unit

Claims (9)

Acquisition means for acquiring information related to a carbonated water production apparatus that produces carbonated water;
receiving means for receiving purchase of the carbonated water based on the information related to the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus;
display means for displaying information related to the carbonated water production apparatus;
A merchandise sales data processing device characterized by comprising: In the product sales data processing device according to claim 1,
The product sales data processing apparatus, wherein the display means displays information related to carbon dioxide gas or information related to a water storage tank of the carbonated water production apparatus. In the product sales data processing device according to claim 2,
The information related to the carbon dioxide is either the amount of the carbon dioxide used when the carbonated water is generated or the remaining amount of the carbon dioxide in the gas cylinder,
A product sales data processing apparatus, wherein the information related to the water storage tank is information on the amount of water used when the carbonated water is produced or the amount of water stored in the water storage tank. In the product sales data processing device according to claim 3,
Having selection means for selecting the gas strength of the carbonated water to be generated,
The reception means receives an order for the carbonated water by calculating the usage amount of the carbon dioxide gas based on the gas strength of the carbonated water selected by the selection means and information related to the carbon dioxide gas. Product sales data processing device. In the product sales data processing device according to claim 3,
The product sales data processing apparatus, wherein the display means displays a guide prompting replacement of the gas cylinder based on the information related to the carbon dioxide gas. A management method for a carbonated water production apparatus that provides carbonated water produced by dissolving carbon dioxide supplied from a gas cylinder in raw water or permeated water, comprising:
Acquisition means for acquiring information related to the carbonated water production apparatus;
a transmitting means for transmitting information related to the carbonated water production apparatus acquired by the acquiring means to an external device;
has
A method for managing a carbonated water production apparatus, wherein the external device displays information relating to the carbonated water production apparatus transmitted from the transmission means. In the method for managing the carbonated water production apparatus according to claim 6,
A management method for a carbonated water production apparatus, wherein the information concerning the carbonated water production apparatus is information concerning the carbon dioxide gas or information concerning a water storage tank of the carbonated water production apparatus. In the method for managing the carbonated water production apparatus according to claim 7,
The method for managing a carbonated water production apparatus, wherein the external device displays a guide prompting replacement of the gas cylinder based on the information related to the carbon dioxide gas. In the method for managing the carbonated water production apparatus according to claim 7,
The information related to the carbon dioxide is either the amount of the carbon dioxide used when the carbonated water is generated or the remaining amount of the carbon dioxide in the gas cylinder,
The carbonated water producing apparatus, wherein the information related to the water storage tank is either the amount of the raw water or the permeated water used when the carbonated water is produced, or the amount of water stored in the water storage tank. management method.

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