JP2012053765A - Commodity code input device, control program and operation supporting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate allocating operation of a commodity code to a preset key and reduce the operation time.SOLUTION: A commodity code input device in the embodiment comprises a display part having a touch panel, key specifying means, code reading means and setting means. The display part displays an operation key for inputting a commodity code. The key specifying means receives a specification of an operation key to be set from the display part. The code reading means reads the commodity code from a code symbol. The setting means sets the commodity code read by the code reading means as the commodity code to be input at the time of operating the operation key specified by the key specifying means.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a product code input device, a control program, and a business support system that are used to input product codes of products purchased at various stores.

  In recent years, a preset key assigned with a product code is displayed on a touch panel display provided in a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or an ECR (Electric Cash Register), etc., and a product of a product purchased by a customer by touching the preset key. A method of entering codes is widely adopted.

  The product code assigned to the preset key must be changed according to changes in the product sold at the store and its price. Conventionally, the product code assigned to the preset key is changed by operating the store server connected to the POS terminal or the like and operating the mouse and keyboard of the PC to edit the data indicating the assignment of the product code to the preset key. It is done by distributing to etc.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-101076

  The conventional product code assignment work for preset keys requires a lot of work time, such as operating a mouse and keyboard while checking the master data of the product.

  Under such circumstances, it has been necessary to take a means for easily assigning a product code to a preset key and shortening the work time.

In order to solve the above problems, a product code input device according to an embodiment includes a display unit with a touch panel, key designation means, code reading means, and setting means.
The display unit displays operation keys for inputting a product code. The key designating unit accepts designation of an operation key to be set from the display unit. The code reading means reads a product code from a code symbol. The setting unit sets the product code read by the code reading unit as a product code input when operating the operation key specified by the key specifying unit.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a store operation support system according to an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the server in the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the POS terminal in the same embodiment. The figure which shows the key input screen in the same embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a data structure of the goods master in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure example of the preset key file in the same embodiment. The figure which shows the key input screen to which the product code was allocated in the same embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of preset key setting processing in the embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the setting operation | work in the embodiment. The flowchart of the file delivery process in the embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, a POS terminal used in a retail store or the like is illustrated as an aspect of the product code input device.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a store operation support system that operates in a store where the POS terminal is installed. This system is configured by communicatively connecting a server 1 and a plurality of POS terminals 2 to a LAN (Local Area Network) 3 built in the store.

  The server 1 is a store server installed in a backyard of a store, for example, and manages a database and the like used for accounting work, sales management, and inventory management. Each POS terminal 2 is installed on, for example, a cashier counter, and is used for accounting processing of a product that a customer intends to purchase.

  Each product sold at the store has a barcode indicating a unique product code for each product type.

[server]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the server 1. The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100 that functions as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 connected to the CPU 100 via a bus line 109, communication. I / F (Interface) 103, display controller 104, keyboard controller 105, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 106, display 107 connected to the display controller 104, and keyboard 108 connected to the keyboard controller 105 I have.

  The ROM 101 stores fixed data such as a control program for the server 1. The RAM 102 functions as a main memory of the server 1 and forms various working memory areas according to processing scenes. The communication I / F 103 controls data communication with each POS terminal 2 performed via the LAN line 300 and the LAN 3.

  The display 107 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, and displays a screen used for sales management and inventory management, a screen related to the setting of the store business support system, and the like. The display controller 104 controls screen display on the display 107 in accordance with a command from the CPU 100.

  The keyboard 108 is a mechanical keyboard composed of numeric keys, alphabet keys, and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressed key. The keyboard controller 105 captures a signal output from the keyboard 108 and notifies the CPU 100 of it.

  The HDD 106 stores a product master 120 and a preset key file 130 in addition to application files and databases related to sales management, inventory management, setting of the store business support system, and the like. Details of the product master 120 and the preset key file 130 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[POS terminal]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 includes a CPU 200 functioning as a control center, and a ROM 201, a RAM 202, a communication I / F 203, a scanner I / F 204, a display controller 205, a keyboard controller 206, which are connected to the CPU 200 via a bus line 216. A card reader controller 207, a printer controller 208, a barcode scanner 209 (code reading means) connected to the scanner I / F 204, a display 210 (display unit) and a touch panel 211 connected to the display controller 205, A keyboard 212 connected to the keyboard controller 206, a card reader 213 connected to the card reader controller 207, and a printer controller 208. And a receipt printer 214.

  The ROM 201 stores fixed data such as a control program for the POS terminal 2. The RAM 202 functions as a main memory of the POS terminal 2 and forms various working memory areas according to the processing scene. The communication I / F 203 controls data communication with the server 1 performed via the LAN line 300 and the LAN 3.

  The barcode scanner 209 is, for example, a handy type scanner that an operator operates by hand, and reads a product code from a barcode attached to the product. The scanner I / F 204 captures the product code read by the barcode scanner 209 and notifies the CPU 200 of it.

  The display 210 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, and displays a screen for accounting work, a screen for various settings, and the like. The screen for accounting business includes a key input screen 400 in which preset keys, which are operation keys for inputting product codes, are arranged in 4 rows and 5 columns as shown in FIG. Key codes “K001” to “K020” for identifying each preset key are assigned to each preset key of the key input screen 400. The touch panel 211 is provided on the display surface of the display 210, and outputs a signal corresponding to a position touched with an operator's finger or a touch pen. The display controller 205 controls the screen display of the display 210 in accordance with a command from the CPU 200, and monitors operations on the GUI such as the preset key displayed on the display 210 based on a signal output from the touch panel 211. If any GUI is operated, the CPU 200 is notified of that fact.

  The keyboard 212 is a mechanical keyboard composed of a PLU (Price Look Up) key, a subtotal key, a deposit / current total key, a numeric key, and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressed key. The keyboard controller 206 captures a signal output from the keyboard 212 and notifies the CPU 200 of it.

  The card reader 213 is an IC type or magnetic type card reader that reads card information from a credit card, a David card, a point card of the store, or the like. The card reader controller 207 takes in the card information read by the card reader 213 and notifies the CPU 200 of it.

  The receipt printer 214 issues a receipt on which transaction details and the like are printed. The printer controller 208 drives the receipt printer 214 in response to a command from the CPU 200 and issues the receipt.

[data structure]
Next, the data structures of the product master 120 and the preset key file 130 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure example of the product master 120. The product master 120 is composed of records provided for each product sold in the store. Each record describes product data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, and the like of the product corresponding to each record.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure example of the preset key file 130. The preset key file 130 is information indicating the setting state of the product code for the preset key, and is composed of records corresponding to the preset keys on the key input screen 400. Each record describes the key code of the corresponding preset key and the product code and product name assigned to the preset key indicated by this key code. In the illustrated example, the product code “C001” and the product name “product A” are described in the record with the key code “K001”, and the product code “C002” and the product name “product B” are recorded in the record with the key code “K002”. The product code and product name are not described in other records.

  Each POS terminal 2 acquires the preset key file 130 from the server 1 immediately after the power is turned on, stores it in the RAM 202, and displays the key input screen 400 on the display 210 based on the preset key file 130. An example of the key input screen 400 displayed on the display 210 based on the preset key file 130 shown in FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. As illustrated, the product name “product A” is assigned to the preset key corresponding to the key code “K001”, and the product name “product B” is assigned to the preset key corresponding to the key code “K002”. When the preset key with the key code “K001” is touched on the key input screen 400, the product code “C001” of the product A described in the record with the key code “K001” is input, and the preset with the key code “K002” is entered. When the key is touched, the product code “C002” of the product B described in the record of the key code “K002” is input.

  Each POS terminal 2 transmits the product code input by the operation of the key input screen 400 in the accounting process or the product code read by the barcode scanner 209 to the server 1. Product data corresponding to the transmitted product code is extracted from the product master 120 and returned to the POS terminal 2 that has transmitted the product code. Each POS terminal 2 calculates the total price, issues a receipt, etc. using the returned product data.

[Preset key setting processing]
Next, preset key setting processing for assigning an arbitrary product code to each preset key on the key input screen 400 will be described.

  When the setting of the key input screen 400 is instructed by the operation of the keyboard 212 of the POS terminal 2 or the touch operation on the display 210, the key input screen 400 is displayed on the display 210 of the POS terminal 2, and the flowchart of FIG. The process of the flow shown in FIG. This process is realized by the CPU 200 of the POS terminal 2 executing the control program stored in the ROM 201 and the CPU 100 of the server 1 executing the control program stored in the ROM 101.

  At the beginning of the processing, the CPU 200 of the POS terminal 2 waits for the setting completion instruction and the preset key designation while accepting the setting completion instruction and the designation of the preset key to be set (step S101: key designation means). Steps S102 and S103). At this time, the operator can instruct the completion of setting by operating the keyboard 212 or touching the display 210, and can be set by touching the preset keys corresponding to the key codes "K001" to "K020" on the key input screen 400. You can specify preset keys.

  When a preset key to be set is designated by a touch operation on one of the preset keys (Yes in Step 103), the CPU 200 shifts the barcode scanner 209 to a state where it accepts barcode reading (Step 103). S104) Waiting for barcode reading (step S105). At this time, the user brings the actual product corresponding to the product code to be assigned to the preset key designated as the setting target from the sales floor or the like, inputs the barcode attached to the product to the barcode scanner 209, and supplies the product code. To read. When the product code read from the barcode in this manner is notified from the scanner I / F 204 (Yes in step S105), the CPU 200 sends a reply request for the product code and the product name to the server via the communication I / F 203. 1 (step S106).

  The CPU 100 of the server 1 waits for reception of a return request for the product code and product name transmitted from each POS terminal 2 as described above in parallel with other processing (step S201). When the product code and the product name return request transmitted from one of the POS terminals 2 is received via the communication I / F 203 (Yes in step S201), the CPU 100 stores the record in which the received product code is described. A search is made from the master 120 (step S202). When the corresponding record is found, the CPU 100 returns the product name described in the record to the POS terminal 2 that is the transmission source of the product code via the communication I / F 103 (step S203). After returning the product name in this way, the CPU 100 returns to the process of step S201 and repeats the subsequent processes.

  After the process of step S106, the CPU 200 of the POS terminal 2 waits for the reception of the product name returned from the server 1 (step S107). Eventually, when the product name returned from the server 1 is received via the communication I / F 203 as described above (Yes in step S107), the CPU 200 records a record corresponding to the key code of the preset key received in step S101. The product code read from the barcode and the product name received from the server 1 in the processing of step S104 is described for the specified record, specified from the preset key file 130 stored in the RAM 202 of the own device. (Step S108). If a product code or the like is described in the already specified record, the product code or the like is overwritten with the product code read from the barcode and the product name received from the server 1 in step S104. After updating the data of the preset key file 130 in this way, the CPU 200 displays a key input screen 400 on which the preset keys are arranged according to the updated preset key file 130 on the display 210 (step S109). Here, the processes in steps S108 and S109 constitute first setting means for setting the product code read from the bar code as a product code input when the preset key designated from the key input screen 400 is operated.

  After the process of step S109, the CPU 200 returns to the process of step S101 and repeats the subsequent processes. In this way, product data is assigned to each preset key. Eventually, when the operator instructs completion of the setting (Yes in step S102), the CPU 200 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

  A specific example in which a product code is newly assigned to the preset key on the key input screen 400 shown in FIG. 7 in the preset key setting process in this flow will be described with reference to FIG. For example, when it is desired to assign the product code of the product D to the preset key of the key code “K003”, the operator first sets the preset corresponding to the key code “K003” as in the key input screen 400 shown in the upper part of the figure. The key is touched (step S101). Next, the barcode attached to the product D brought from the sales floor etc. is read by the barcode scanner 209 (step S104). The product code “C004” read at this time is transmitted to the server 1 (step S106), and the product name “product D” described in the record of the product code “C004” in the product master 120 is returned from the server 1 ( Step S203). The returned product name “product D” is described in the record of the key code “K003” of the preset key file 130 stored in the RAM 202 together with the product code “C004” (step S108). As a result, the display of the preset key is updated, and the product name “product D” is added to the preset key of the key code “K003” as in the key input screen 400 shown in the lower part of the drawing (step S109). When the preset key with the key code “K003” is touched in the accounting process after such setting, the product code “C004” of the product D is input as the product code of the purchased product.

[Preset key file distribution processing]
When the product code assigned to the preset key on the key input screen 400 is changed by the preset key setting process as described above, the preset key file distribution process is executed to reflect the change to the other POS terminals 2. In this process, the CPU 200 of the POS terminal 2 executes the control program stored in the ROM 201, and the CPU 100 of the server 1 executes the control program stored in the ROM 101, and operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG. It is realized with.

  In this process, first, the CPU 200 of the POS terminal 2 that has executed the preset key setting process transmits the preset key file 130 stored in its own RAM 202 to the server 1 via the communication I / F 203 (step S301: Transmission means).

  The CPU 100 of the server 1 waits for reception of the preset key file 130 transmitted from each POS terminal 2 as described above in parallel with other processing while the store business support system is operating (step S401). ). When the preset key file 130 transmitted from one of the POS terminals 2 is received via the communication I / F 103 (Yes in step S401), the CPU 100 stores the preset key file stored in the HDD 106 using the received preset key file 130. 130 is updated (step S402). After this update, the CPU 200 distributes the updated preset key file 130 stored in the HDD 106 to the POS terminals 2 other than the POS terminal 2 that has transmitted the preset key file 130 (step S403: distribution means). . After distributing the preset key file 130 in this way, the CPU 100 returns to the process of step S401 and repeats the subsequent processes.

  Now, in parallel with other processing, the CPU 200 of each POS terminal 2 waits for reception of the preset key file 130 distributed from the server 1 as described above (step S501: receiving means). Eventually, when the preset key file 130 distributed from the server 1 is received via the communication I / F 203 (Yes in step S501), the CPU 200 receives the preset key file 130 stored in the RAM 202 of the own device. Update with the file 130 (step S502). Then, the CPU 200 causes the display 210 to display a key input screen 400 in which preset keys are arranged according to the updated preset key file 130 (step S503). Here, the processes in steps S502 and S503 constitute second setting means for setting a product code to each preset key in accordance with the preset key file 130 received from the server 1.

  After the process of step S503, the CPU 200 returns to the process of step S501 and repeats the subsequent processes. After the preset key file distribution process in such a flow, the change to the preset key made in any POS terminal 2 is reflected in each POS terminal 2 of the store business support system.

  As described above, the POS terminal 2 in the present embodiment inputs the product code read from the barcode by the barcode scanner 209 in the preset key setting process when operating the preset key that has received designation as a setting target. Set as product code. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to input a product code desired to be set for the preset key using a keyboard or the like, so that the preset key setting operation becomes very simple and the operation time is greatly reduced. Further, from the point that the preset key to be set can be designated by a touch operation on the display 210, the effect of simplifying the setting work and shortening the work time can be expected.

  Further, the product name is automatically acquired based on the product code read from the barcode by the barcode scanner 209 and attached to the preset key. Therefore, the operator does not need to input the product name manually, and the preset key setting operation becomes easier.

  Further, when the preset key setting is changed in any of the POS terminals 2, the change is automatically reflected in the other POS terminals 2 by the preset key file distribution process. Such a configuration is efficient because it is not necessary to perform preset key setting operations for all POS terminals 2.

[Modification]
The configuration disclosed in the above embodiment can be embodied by appropriately modifying each component in the implementation stage. Specific examples of modifications are as follows.

(1) In the said embodiment, the POS terminal of the type which a shop assistant operates was illustrated as one aspect | mode of a goods code input device. However, ECR, self-checkout type POS terminal, card payment terminal specialized for payment by credit card, etc., scanner device specialized for product code input provided in a cashier counter such as a supermarket, etc. A similar configuration may be applied.

(2) In the above embodiment, the case where the product code is read from the barcode attached to the actual product and assigned to the preset key is exemplified. However, the product code may be read from another code symbol such as a two-dimensional code and assigned to a preset key, or a ledger printed with a barcode representing the product code of each product handled in the store is prepared, The product code may be read from the bar code of this ledger and assigned to the preset key.

(3) In the said embodiment, the case where the product name corresponding to the product code read from the barcode was acquired from the server 1 was illustrated. However, the product master 120 is stored in the storage unit of each POS terminal 2, and the product name is acquired from the product master 120 stored in the storage unit of the own device without each POS terminal 2 communicating with the outside. Good.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Server, 2 ... POS terminal, 100, 200 ... CPU, 107 ... Display, 108 ... Keyboard, 120 ... Product master, 130 ... Preset key file, 209 ... Bar code scanner, 210 ... Display, 211 ... Touch panel, 400 ... Key input screen

Claims (6)

A display unit with a touch panel for displaying operation keys for inputting a product code;
Key designation means for accepting designation of an operation key to be set from the display unit;
Code reading means for reading the product code from the code symbol;
Setting means for setting the product code read by the code reading means as a product code that is input when operating the operation key specified by the key specifying means;
A product code input device comprising:   The setting unit sets the product code read by the code reading unit as a product code input when operating the operation key designated by the key designating unit, and the product code indicated by the product code on the operation key. The product code input device according to claim 1, wherein a name is assigned.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit information indicating a setting state of a product code for the operation key of the display unit to the outside when the setting unit performs the setting. Product code input device. Receiving means for receiving information indicating a setting state of a product code for the operation key of the display unit from the outside;
The said setting means sets the product code input at the time of operation of the operation key of the said display part according to the said information, when the said receiving means receives the information which shows the said setting state. The product code input device according to any one of the above. On the computer,
A function for displaying an operation key for inputting a product code on a display unit with a touch panel;
A function of accepting designation of an operation key to be set from the display unit;
A function of accepting reading of a product code by a code reading unit that reads a product code from a code symbol;
A function of setting the product code read by the code reading unit as a product code input when operating the operation key specified as the setting target;
Control program to realize. A business support system in which a plurality of product code input devices and a server are connected by communication,
Each of the product code input devices is
A display unit with a touch panel for displaying operation keys for inputting a product code;
Key designation means for accepting designation of an operation key to be set from the display unit;
Code reading means for reading the product code from the code symbol;
First setting means for setting the product code read by the code reading means as a product code input when operating the operation key specified by the key specifying means;
A transmission unit that transmits information indicating a setting state of a product code for the operation key of the display unit to the server when the setting by the first setting unit is performed;
Receiving information indicating the setting state from the server, second setting means for setting a product code input when operating the operation key of the display unit according to the information,
When the server receives information indicating the setting state from the product code input device, the server includes distribution means for distributing the information to the product code input device other than the transmission source. .

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