JP2013209203A - Commodity management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a time and labor of a store clerk required to manage commodities.SOLUTION: A commodity management system includes: a management means; a commodity discrimination means; a color discrimination means; a totalizing means and a calculating means. The management means manages the number of commodities with labels showing objects stuck thereon for each of combinations of the identification code of the commodity and the color of the object included in the label on the commodity. The commodity discrimination means and the color discrimination means discriminate the identification code of the commodity and the color of the object from an image obtained by imaging the commodity. When the commodity is definitely sold, the totalizing means adds one as the number of sale for a combination of the identification code and the color and totalize the number of sales for each of combinations. The calculating means calculates the stock quantity of the commodities which are identified by the identification codes, and on which the labels showing the color objects are stuck as a difference between the number of managed commodities and the number of sales of the managed commodities for one combination.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a merchandise management system.

  The old and new management at the store regarding the inventory of packed products packed with prepared foods and the like may be performed based on the timing of packing. For such merchandise management, there are cases in which data representing the timing of packing is included in a bar code printed on a bar code label attached to a product package.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-164776

  When the bar code represents the packed timing, the store clerk cannot confirm the timing unless the terminal having the function of displaying the information is read by the bar code. For this reason, the labor of the store clerk required for the management of the product is large.

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired to reduce the labor of the clerk required for managing the product.

  The product management system of the embodiment includes a management unit, a product determination unit, a color determination unit, a totaling unit, and a calculation unit. The management means determines the number of products pasted with a label representing an object of a different color according to the pasting timing, the identification code of the product, and the color of the object included in the label attached to the product. Manage each combination. The product determination unit determines an identification code of the purchased product from an image obtained by capturing the purchased product by the imaging unit. The color determination unit determines a color of the object included in a label attached to the product captured by the imaging unit from the image. The counting means adds one sales number for the combination of the identification code determined by the product determination means and the color determined by the color determination means in response to the determination of the sales of the product imaged by the imaging means. By doing so, the number of sales is totaled for each combination of the identification code and the color. The calculating means calculates the difference between the number managed by the management means for one combination of identification code and color and the number of sales counted by the counting means for the same combination of identification code and color. As described above, the stock quantity of a product identified by the identification code and attached with a label representing the object of the color is calculated.

1 is a block diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the description content of a data table typically. The figure which shows an example of the description content of a sales number table typically. The block diagram of a terminal system. The figure which shows the structural example of a transaction table typically. The flowchart of a label issue process. The figure which shows the specific example of a label. The figure which shows the specific example of a label. The flowchart of a sales process and a reading process. The flowchart of a sales total process. The flowchart of merchandise management processing. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of the state which displayed the list image. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of the state which displayed the guidance image.

  Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the merchandise management system is implemented in a POS (point-of-sale) system.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a POS system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The POS system 1 is configured so that the product management apparatus 10, the POS server 20, and the terminal system 30 can communicate with each other via a communication network 40. The POS system 1 may be provided with a part or all of the merchandise management apparatus 10, the POS server 20, and the terminal system 30. As the communication network 40, various known systems adapted to data communication, such as a LAN (local area network), can be used as appropriate.

  The merchandise management apparatus 10 includes an information processing unit 11, a display device 12, an input device 13, and a label printer 14.

  The information processing unit 11 performs information processing for product management. The display device 12 is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, and displays various images under instructions from the information processing unit 11. The input device 13 is a keyboard or a mouse, for example, and sends a command representing the content of the operation of the input device 13 by a store clerk to the information processing unit 11. The label printer 14 performs color printing on a label to be attached to a product.

  The information processing unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, a read-only memory (ROM) 11b, a random-access memory (RAM) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a display I / F 11e, an input I / F 11f, a printer I / F F11g, communication device 11h, and bus line 11i are included. The bus line 11i includes an address bus and a data bus, and connects the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, display I / F 11e, input I / F 11f, printer I / F 11g, and communication device 11h.

  CPU11a controls each part in order to implement | achieve operation | movement as the merchandise management apparatus 10 based on the operating system and application program which were memorize | stored in ROM11b and RAM11c.

  The ROM 11b stores an operating system. The ROM 11b may store an application program. The ROM 11b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The RAM 11c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c may store application programs. However, when the RAM 11c stores an application program, the RAM 11c is backed up by a battery.

  The auxiliary storage unit 11d is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores data used when the CPU 11a performs various processes and data generated by the processes in the CPU 11a. . The auxiliary storage unit 11d may store an application program.

  As basic hardware of the commodity management apparatus 10, for example, a general-purpose server apparatus or computer apparatus can be used. In the ROM 11b, RAM 11c or auxiliary storage unit 11d included in such basic hardware, an application program (hereinafter referred to as a product management program) in which a label issuing process and a product management process described later are stored is stored. The device 10 can be implemented. At this time, the merchandise management apparatus 10 is generally transferred in a state where the merchandise management program is stored in the ROM 11b, RAM 11c, or auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the commodity management program may be written into the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, or the auxiliary storage unit 11d after the basic hardware and the commodity management program are individually transferred. The merchandise management program can be transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a network. Note that the application program describing the label issuing process and the application program describing the product management process may be individually stored in the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

  The display device 12 is connected to the display I / F 11e. The display I / F 11e interfaces data exchange between the CPU 11a and the display device 12.

  The input device 13 is connected to the input I / F 11f. The input I / F 11f interfaces data exchange between the CPU 11a and the input device 13.

  A label printer 14 is connected to the printer I / F 11g. The printer I / F 11g interfaces data exchange between the CPU 11a and the label printer 14.

  The communication device 11h is connected to the communication network 40. The communication device 11h communicates with the POS server 20 via the communication network 40. When the communication network 40 is a LAN, an existing LAN adapter or the like can be used as the communication device 11h.

  Now, the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d stores a data table for reference in a merchandise management process to be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the description contents of the data table.

  This data table includes a plurality of data records including information on each item of color number, color, time zone, and number of issues.

  The information regarding the item of the color number represents one of serial numbers 1 to j (j is an arbitrary integer).

  The information regarding the color item represents the color associated with the color number. The association between the color number and the color may be fixed by a setting at the time of manufacturing the merchandise management apparatus 10 or may be arbitrarily determined by the user.

  The information regarding the time zone represents the time zone associated with the color number. The association between the color number and the time zone may be arbitrarily determined by the user, or a setting at the time of manufacture of the product management apparatus 10 may be fixedly applied. In the present embodiment, the earlier the time zone is associated with the smaller color number.

  The information related to the number of issues represents the number of issues of labels including color borders included in the same data record. The value of the number of issues is updated as the labels are issued.

  Note that the data table in FIG. 2 is for managing the products on which labels are attached on the day. If there is a possibility that products with labels attached at any time in a longer period may be displayed in the same display space at the same time, the time zone information includes the date, month, year, etc. Information.

  FIG. 2 shows only a data table related to one product. When there are a plurality of products to be managed by the product management apparatus 10, a data table as shown in FIG. 2 is facilitated in association with each of the plurality of products.

  The POS server 20 aggregates sales data generated by the terminal system 30 and manages data used by the terminal system 30 while communicating with the terminal system 30 via the communication network 40.

  The POS server 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20a, a read-only memory (ROM) 20b, a random-access memory (RAM) 20c, an auxiliary storage unit 20d, a communication device 20e, and a bus line 20f. The bus line 20f includes an address bus and a data bus, and connects the CPU 20a, ROM 20b, RAM 20c, auxiliary storage unit 20d, and communication device 20e to each other.

  The CPU 20a controls each unit to realize the operation as the POS server 20 based on the operating system and application programs stored in the ROM 20b and the RAM 20c.

  The ROM 20b stores an operating system. The ROM 20b may store an application program. The ROM 20b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 20a performs various processes.

  The RAM 20c stores data referred to when the CPU 20a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 20c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 20a performs various processes. The RAM 20c may store application programs. However, when the RAM 20c stores an application program, the RAM 20c is backed up by a battery.

  The auxiliary storage unit 20d is, for example, an HDD or an SSD, and stores data used when the CPU 20a performs various processes and data generated by the processes in the CPU 20a. The auxiliary storage unit 20d may store an application program.

  As basic hardware of the POS server 20, for example, a general-purpose server device can be used. An application program in which processing related to a well-known function provided in a well-known POS server is described in the ROM 20b, RAM 20c or auxiliary storage unit 20d included in such basic hardware, and an application program in which sales number counting processing described later is described. POS server 20 can be implemented by storing (hereinafter referred to as a totaling program). At this time, the transfer of the POS server 20 is generally performed in a state where the application program is stored in the ROM 20b, the RAM 20c, or the auxiliary storage unit 20d. However, the application program may be written into the ROM 20b, the RAM 20c, or the auxiliary storage unit 20d after the basic hardware and the application program are individually transferred. The application program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or via a network. Note that the sales count totaling process may be described in one application program together with other processes.

  The communication device 20e is connected to the communication network 40. The communication device 20 e communicates with the product management apparatus 10 and the terminal system 30 via the communication network 40. When the communication network 40 is a LAN, an existing LAN adapter or the like can be used as the communication device 20e.

  Now, the RAM 20c or the auxiliary storage unit 20d stores a sales number table for reference in a sales number totaling process to be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of description contents of the sales number table.

  This sales number table includes a plurality of data records including information on each item of the PLU code, the color number, and the sales number. This data record describes the number of sales in association with a combination of a PLU code and a color number.

  The terminal system 30 performs various data processing related to product sales such as sales product registration, sales amount calculation, settlement, or point processing.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the terminal system 30. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to FIG. 1 and an identical part, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The terminal system 30 includes a reading unit 31, a main unit 32, and a drawer 33.

  In addition to the CPU 31a, ROM 31b, RAM 31c, keyboard 31d, touch panel 31e, and customer display 31f, the reading unit 31 further includes an imaging device 31g, a keyboard I / F 31h, a panel I / F 31i, a display I / F 31j, an imaging I / F 31k, A main unit I / F 31m and a bus line 31n are included. The bus line 31n includes an address bus and a data bus, and connects the CPU 31a, ROM 31b, RAM 31c, keyboard I / F 31h, panel I / F 31i, display I / F 31j, imaging I / F 31k, and main unit I / F 31m to each other. To do.

  The CPU 31a controls each element of the reading unit 31 so as to realize various operations as the reading unit 31 based on the operating system and application programs stored in the ROM 31b and the RAM 31c.

  The ROM 31b stores the above operating system. The ROM 31b may store the above application program. The ROM 31b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 31a performs various processes.

  The RAM 31c stores data referred to when the CPU 31a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 31c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 31a performs various processes.

  The application program stored in the ROM 31b or the RAM 31c includes a reading program described regarding a reading process to be described later. The reading unit 31 is generally transferred in a state where the reading program is stored in the ROM 31b. The reading unit 31 is provided with an auxiliary storage device such as an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a hard disk drive, or an SSD, and the reading program is stored in the auxiliary storage device. Also good. However, the reading unit 31 is transferred in a state in which the reading program is not stored in the ROM 31b or the auxiliary storage device, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the network. The reading program may be transferred via the, and the reading program may be written in the RAM 31 c or the auxiliary storage device of the reading unit 31 transferred separately.

  The keyboard 31d includes a plurality of key switches, and outputs a command representing the contents of operations by the operator for these key switches.

  The touch panel 31e includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display), and a transparent two-dimensional touch sensor arranged on the display screen of the display device. The touch panel 31e displays an arbitrary image on the display device under the control of the CPU 31a. The touch panel 31e detects an operator's touch position on the display screen of the display device with a two-dimensional touch sensor, and outputs coordinate data representing the touch position. The touch panel 31e is used to display images representing various types of information to be presented to the operator and to input operator operations.

  The customer display 31f displays an arbitrary character string or image under the control of the CPU 31a. The customer display 31f is used to display various character strings and images to be presented to the customer. As the customer display 31f, for example, a fluorescent tube display or an LCD can be used.

  The imaging device 31g includes an imaging lens, a CCD (charge coupled device) imaging device that is an area image sensor, and a drive circuit thereof. The imaging lens forms an image of the imaging area on the CCD imaging device. The imaging area refers to an area that forms an image on a CCD imaging device through an imaging lens. The imaging device 31g acquires frame data representing an image (frame image) of the imaging area at a constant time interval, and outputs the frame data.

  The keyboard I / F 31h interfaces data exchange between the keyboard 31d and the CPU 31a.

  The panel I / F 31i interfaces the exchange of data and video signals between the touch panel 31e and the CPU 31a. The panel I / F 31i includes an interface for a display device and an interface for a touch sensor.

  The display I / F 31j interfaces transmission / reception of video signals between the customer display 31f and the CPU 31a.

  The imaging I / F 31k interfaces data exchange between the imaging device 31g and the CPU 31a.

  The main unit I / F 31m interfaces data exchange between the main unit 32 and the CPU 31a.

  The main unit 32 includes a CPU 32a, ROM 32b, RAM 32c, auxiliary storage unit 32d, keyboard 32e, operator display 32f, customer display 32g and printer 32h, keyboard I / F 32i, display I / F 32j, 32k, printer I / F 32m, reading A unit I / F 32n, a drawer I / F 32p, a communication device 32r, and a bus line 32s are included. The bus line 32s includes an address bus and a data bus, and includes a CPU 32a, ROM 32b, RAM 32c, auxiliary storage unit 32d, keyboard I / F 32i, display I / F 32j, display I / F 32k, printer I / F 32m, and reading unit I. / F32n, drawer I / F32p, and communication device 32r are connected to each other.

  The CPU 32a controls each unit to implement various operations as the main unit 32 based on the operating system and application programs stored in the ROM 32b and the RAM 32c.

  The ROM 32b stores the above operating system. The ROM 32b may store the application program. The ROM 32b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 32a performs various processes.

  The RAM 32c stores data referred to when the CPU 32a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 32c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 32a performs various processes. A part of the storage area of the RAM 32c is used as a transaction table for managing information about merchandise registered for sales.

  The auxiliary storage unit 32d is, for example, a hard disk drive or an SSD, and stores data used when the CPU 32a performs various processes and data generated by the processes in the CPU 32a.

  The keyboard 32e includes a plurality of key switches, and outputs a command representing the contents of operations by the operator for these key switches.

  The operator display 32f displays an arbitrary image under the control of the CPU 32a. The operator display 32f is used to display various images to be presented to the operator. For example, an LCD can be used as the operator display 32f.

  The customer display 32g displays an arbitrary character string or image under the control of the CPU 32a. The customer display 32g is used to display various character strings and images to be presented to the customer. As the customer display 32g, for example, a fluorescent tube display or an LCD can be used.

  Under the control of the CPU 32a, the printer 32h prints a receipt image representing the contents of the transaction on the receipt paper. As the printer 32h, existing printers of various known methods can be used. Typically, the printer 32h is a thermal printer.

  The keyboard I / F 32i interfaces data exchange between the keyboard 32e and the CPU 32a.

  The display I / F 32j interfaces transmission / reception of video signals between the operator display 32f and the CPU 31a.

  The display I / F 32k interfaces the exchange of video signals between the customer display 32g and the CPU 32a.

  The printer I / F 32m interfaces data exchange between the printer 32h and the CPU 32a.

  The reading unit I / F 32n interfaces data exchange between the reading unit 31 and the CPU 32a.

  The drawer I / F 32p outputs a drive signal for opening the drawer 33 to the drawer 33 in response to an instruction to open the drawer from the CPU 32a.

  The communication device 32r communicates with the POS server 20 via the communication network 40. As the communication device 32r, for example, an existing LAN communication device can be applied.

  As basic hardware of the main unit 32, for example, a general-purpose computer device can be used. In the ROM 32a, RAM 32c or auxiliary storage unit 32d included in such basic hardware, various application programs including an application program describing sales processing (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as sales processing program) are stored. The unit 32 can be implemented. At this time, the transfer of the main unit 32 is generally performed in a state where the sales processing program is stored in the ROM 32b, the RAM 32c, or the auxiliary storage unit 32d. However, after the basic hardware and the sales processing program are individually transferred, the sales processing program may be written into the ROM 32b, the RAM 32c, or the auxiliary storage unit 32d. The sales processing program can be transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a network.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the structure of a transaction table.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the transaction table is provided with a plurality of data fields for storing each information of PLU (price look up) code, department, product name, price and color number in association with each other. In this way, the product list area can store a plurality of data records in which at least department, product name, price, and color number information is associated with the PLU code.

  Next, the operation of the POS system 1 configured as described above will be described.

  It is assumed that a label issued by the label printer 14 is attached to a product to be managed by the product management apparatus 10. Therefore, when the product is packed, the store clerk requests label issuance by a prescribed operation using the input device 13, for example. In response to this, the CPU 11a starts label issuing processing based on the management processing program.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the label issuing process.

  In step Sa1, the CPU 11a obtains product information to be displayed on the label to be issued. Specifically, for example, the CPU 11a causes a store clerk to specify one of the products managed by the POS server 20, and acquires product information regarding the product from the POS server 20 via the communication network 40 and the communication device 11h. The CPU 11a stores the acquired product information in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

  In step Sa2, the CPU 11a inputs designation by the store clerk regarding the number of labels to be issued.

  In step Sa3, the CPU 11a determines the frame color of the label. Specifically, the CPU 11a acquires information on the current time managed by the operation system. A clock unit may be provided in the product management apparatus 10 so that the current time information can be obtained from the clock unit. The CPU 11a confirms which time zone the current time is included in the data table. Then, the CPU 11a determines the color described in the same data record in which the time zone including the current time is described as the label frame color. Therefore, for example, if the contents of the data table are as shown in FIG. 2 and the current time is 9:20, the CPU 11a determines “red” as the frame color. The CPU 11a may determine the color described in the same data record in which the time zone designated by the store clerk is described as the frame color of the label. Further, the CPU 11a may determine the color designated by the store clerk as the frame color of the label to be issued. When the clerk designates the time zone or color, the clerk designates the time zone including the current time or the color associated with the time zone.

  In step Sa4, the CPU 11a generates a label image in which the product information acquired in step Sa1 and the frame line of the frame color determined in step Sa3 are arranged in a predetermined form.

  In step Sa5, the CPU 11a instructs the label printer 14 to print the label image generated in step Sa4 and the specified number of sheets input in step Sa2. In response to this instruction, the label printer 14 prints a label image on a specified number of label sheets that have been mounted in advance.

  7 and 8 are diagrams showing specific examples of the labels 100 and 200. FIG.

  The labels 100 and 200 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are for attaching to the same product. The labels 100 and 200 are issued when the contents of the data table are as shown in FIG. 2, and the label 100 is displayed in the time zone from 0:00 to 11:59 Are issued in the time zone from 12:00 to 23:59.

  The label 100 includes a barcode 101, a character string 102, and a frame line 103. The label 200 includes a barcode 201, a character string 202, and a frame line 203.

  Bar codes 101 and 201 represent data including a product identification code. The barcodes 101 and 201 may be the same as each other or different from each other. For example, the data represented by the barcodes 101 and 201 can include the issuance date / time of the product label, the production date / time, or the expiration date, and the barcodes 101 and 201 are different from each other when such information is included. However, the data represented by the barcodes 101 and 201 includes the identification code of the same product.

  The character strings 102 and 202 represent the selling price of the product.

  The frame lines 103 and 203 have the same shape, but the color of the frame line 103 is red and the color of the frame line 203 is blue.

  In step Sa6, the CPU 11a updates the number of issued data tables. Specifically, the CPU 11a extracts the data record including the frame color determined in step Sa3 from the data table, and sets the value described in the issue number item of the corresponding data record to the value so far. Update to a value with the specified number added. In addition, the value described in the item of the number of issues in the data table is cleared to 0 at every start timing of a predetermined period. The above-mentioned period is appropriately determined according to the property of the product, the handling rules for the product in the store, etc., and is assumed to be one business day, for example. In this case, the value described in the item of the number of issues in the data table is cleared to 0 when the merchandise management apparatus 10 is activated for the first time on one business day, for example. Thus, the CPU 11a manages the number of issues using the data table, and the CPU 11a functions as a management means.

  If the data table has been updated, the CPU 11a ends the label issuing process.

  Usually, packing of products, issuing of labels, and attaching of labels to products are performed in a relatively short time as a series of operations. Therefore, the color of the label border line is related to the time zone when the product is packed or the label is attached to the product. In addition, since the expiration date of the product is determined, for example, as a timing at which a certain expiration period elapses from the packed date and time, in this case, the color of the frame of the label is related to the expiration date.

  When the customer wants to purchase the product with the label thus issued, the start of registration of the sales product is instructed by a predetermined operation on the keyboard 32e, for example, under the operation of the store clerk or the customer. When the sales process start condition is satisfied by the above, the CPU 32a of the main unit 32 starts the sales process based on the sales process program.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of sales processing and reading processing.

  In step Sb1, the CPU 32a sends a start request command via the reading unit I / F 32n. Then, the start request command is taken into the reading unit 31 by the main unit I / F 31m and then given to the CPU 31a. Upon receiving the start request command, the CPU 31a starts reading processing based on the reading program.

  In step Sc1, the CPU 31a outputs an imaging on signal from the imaging I / F 31k to the imaging device 31g. In response to this imaging on signal, the imaging device 31g starts imaging. Thus, in this state, when the store clerk or the customer holds the product held by the hand over the imaging region of the imaging device 31g, the product is imaged by the imaging device 31g.

  In step Sc2, the CPU 31a stores the frame data output from the imaging device 31g in the RAM 31c.

  In step Sc3, the CPU 31a analyzes the frame data stored in the RAM 31c, and searches for a label attached to the product included in the frame image represented by the frame data.

  In step Sc4, the CPU 31a confirms whether or not a label has been detected by the above search. And when it determines with NO here, CPU31a progresses to step Sc5.

  In step Sc5, the CPU 31a confirms whether or not the end of the reading process is requested. And when it determines with NO here, CPU31 repeats the process after step Sc2.

  By the way, if the label can be detected by the search in step Sc3 and it is determined YES in step Sc4, the CPU 31a proceeds to step Sc6.

  In step Sc6, the CPU 31a recognizes the barcode included in the label and obtains barcode data represented by the barcode. This bar code data includes a product identification code. Thus, the CPU 31a functions as a product determination unit.

  In step Sc7, the CPU 31a determines the color (frame color) of the label frame.

  In step Sc8, the CPU 31a sends a registration request command including the barcode data obtained in step Sc6 and the color number associated with the frame color determined in step Sc7 via the main unit I / F 31m. Then, the registration request command is taken into the main unit 32 by the reading unit I / F 32n and then given to the CPU 32a.

  When the CPU 32a sends a start request command in step Sb1, the CPU 32a shifts to the standby state in steps Sb2 and Sb3. In this standby state, the CPU 32a waits for completion of registration or arrival of a registration request command. Thus, if the registration request command is given as described above, the CPU 32a determines YES in step Sb3, and proceeds to step Sb4.

  In step Sb4, the CPU 32a generates a new data record based on the information included in the registration request command, and updates the transaction table by adding the new data record. Specifically, the PLU code and the color number included in the registration request command are set in the data field of the PLU code and the color number, respectively, and the department, product name In each data field of price and price, data represented by the bar code data included in the registration request command or data acquired from the POS server 20 based on the PLU code is set to generate a new data record. Add records to the trading table. In this way, the PLU code, which is an example of the product identification code, and the color are stored in association with each other, and the storage unit is implemented by the CPU 32a and the RAM 32c.

  When the transaction table has been updated, the CPU 32a returns to the standby state of steps Sb2 and Sb3.

  Now, under the operation of the store clerk or customer, for example, when a condition for completing the registration of the sales product is established by a predetermined operation with the keyboard 32e, the CPU 32a determines YES in step Sb2, and proceeds to step Sb5.

  In step Sb5, the CPU 32a sends an end request command via the reading unit I / F 32n. Then, the end request command is taken into the reading unit 31 by the main unit I / F 31m and then given to the CPU 31a. When the CPU 31a receives the termination request command, the CPU 31a determines YES in this step when proceeding to step Sc5, and proceeds to step Sc9.

  In step Sc9, the CPU 31a outputs an imaging off signal from the imaging I / F 31k to the imaging device 31g. Upon receiving this imaging off signal, the imaging device 31g stops imaging.

  Then, the CPU 31a ends the reading process.

  On the other hand, after sending the termination request command, the CPU 32a proceeds to step Sb6.

  In step Sb6, based on the transaction table, the CPU 32a performs settlement processing such as calculation and display of the total purchase amount, input of the deposit amount, calculation and display of the change amount, and issuance of a receipt, for example.

  In step Sb7, the CPU 32a generates transaction data by adding other necessary data such as the identification code of the main unit 32 to the data represented by the transaction table, and sends the transaction data from the communication device 32r to the POS server 20. Transmit to the communication network 40. Thereafter, the CPU 32a ends the sales process.

  Transaction data transmitted from the terminal system 30 as described above is transmitted to the POS server 20 via the communication network 40. Then, in the POS server 20, the communication device 20e receives this transaction data, stores it in the RAM 20c or the auxiliary storage unit 20d, and notifies the CPU 20a accordingly. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 20a starts sales aggregation processing based on the aggregation program for transaction data stored in the RAM 20c or the auxiliary storage unit 20d as described above.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the sales counting process.

  In step Sd1, the CPU 20a sets 1 to the variable m.

  In step Sd2, the CPU 20a extracts the PLU code and the color number included in the mth data record in the transaction data.

  In step Sd3, the CPU 20a selects a data record including both the PLU code and the color number extracted in step Sd2 from the sales number table stored in the RAM 20c or the auxiliary storage unit 20d.

  In step Sd4, the CPU 20a increases the number of sales included in the data record selected in step Sd3 by one.

  In step Sd5, the CPU 20a increases the value of the variable m by one.

  In step Sd6, the CPU 20a checks whether or not the mth data record exists in the transaction data. If YES is determined here, the CPU 20a repeats the processes after step Sd1.

  In this way, the CPU 20a counts the number of sales of the product for each frame color of the label based on the information on the product sales indicated by all the data records included in the transaction data. When the processing of steps Sd1 to Sd5 is completed for all data records included in the transaction data, the CPU 20a determines NO in step Sd6, and ends the sales counting process. Thus, the CPU 20a functions as a counting unit.

  Note that the value described in the item of sales number in the sales number table is cleared to 0 in synchronization with clearing the value described in the item of issue number in the data table to 0. However, clearing of the value described in the item of the number of issues in the data table is performed, for example, at the time of starting the opening preparation before the opening of the store, whereas the sales number in the sales number table is a product management process after the opening. It only needs to be cleared before the first execution, and both timings do not need to match.

  For example, when a store clerk requests execution of a merchandise management process by a prescribed operation on the input device 13, the CPU 11a starts a merchandise management process based on the management process program. When there are a plurality of products to be managed by the product management apparatus 10, the CPU 11a causes the store clerk to specify one of the products in advance, and performs a product management process on the specified product. I will do it.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the merchandise management process.

  In step Se1, the CPU 11a sets both the values of the variable m and the variable i to 1.

  In step Se <b> 2, the CPU 11 a calculates the number of stocks for the products to be processed to which the label of the frame color with the color number m is attached. Specifically, the CPU 11a reads the number of issues described in the data record including the color number m from the data table regarding the product to be processed. The CPU 11a acquires the number of sales associated with the PLU code and the color number m of the product to be processed from the POS server 20 in the sales number table. Then, the CPU 11a calculates the number of stocks as the difference between the number of issues and the number of sales. Thus, the CPU 11a functions as a calculation unit. Then, the CPU 11a sets the stock quantity calculated here as the value of the variable Km.

  In step Se3, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the stock quantity Km is zero. If YES is determined here, that is, if there is no stock, the CPU 11a proceeds to Step Se4.

  In step Se4, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the value of the variable m is j or more. If the value of the variable m has not reached j and it is determined NO here, the CPU 11a proceeds to step Se5.

  In step Se5, the CPU 11a increases the value of the variable m by one. After that, the CPU 11a repeats the processes after step Se2.

  If the CPU 11a determines NO in step Se3 because there is a stock, the CPU 11a proceeds to step Se6.

  In step Se6, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the elapsed time from the time zone associated with the color number m in the data table relating to the product to be processed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The elapsed time is obtained as, for example, the time from the end timing of the time zone to the present. If YES is determined here, the CPU 11a proceeds to step Se7.

  In step Se7, the CPU 11a sets the value of the variable m as the value of the variable Ni.

  In step Se8, the CPU 11a increases the value of the variable i by one.

  After this, the CPU 11a repeats the processes after step Se4.

  When the CPU 11a proceeds to step Se4 in a state where the variable m has reached j which is the maximum number of color numbers, the values of the variables K1, K2,..., Kj represent the number of stocks for each of the color numbers 1 to j. . If there is a product that is in stock and the elapsed time exceeds the threshold TH, the variables N1, N2,... Represent the color number of the frame color of the label attached to such product.

  If the variable m has reached j, which is the maximum number of color numbers, and if it is determined YES in step Se4, the CPU 11a proceeds to step Se9.

  In step Se9, the CPU 11a generates a list image and instructs the display device 12 via the display I / F 11e to display the list image. The list image is an image representing the values of the variables K1 to Kj in association with the time zones associated with the 1st to jth color numbers. Thus, the CPU 11a functions as a generation unit.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display device 12 in a state where a list image is displayed.

  Images displayed in the window 300 are list images.

  In the list image shown in FIG. 12, the values of the variables K1 to Kj are shown in the column represented by the heading “stock quantity”. The list image shown in FIG. 12 shows the label frame color, the number of issues, and the number of sales in addition to the time zone and the number of stocks.

  By looking at the list image as shown in FIG. 12, the store clerk can recognize that there is a product in stock even though a long time has passed since the label was attached, for example. Further, since the list image shown in FIG. 12 shows the label frame color, the store clerk can check the frame color of the label of such an old product. When taking measures such as rearranging or selling discounted old products, the store clerk can easily determine which product is the target.

  In step Se10, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the value of the variable i is 2 or more. Since the variable i is 2 or more only when there is a product in stock and the elapsed time exceeds the threshold value TH, the CPU 11a checks whether such a product exists. . If YES is determined here, the CPU 11a proceeds to step Se11.

  In step Se11, the CPU 11a generates a guidance image and instructs the display device 12 via the display I / F 11e to display the guidance image.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display device 12 in a state where a guidance image is displayed.

  An image displayed in the window 400 is a guidance image. In the example of FIG. 13, the window 400 is displayed so as to overlap the window 300.

  The guidance image shown in FIG. 13 shows a case where i is 1 and N1 is 1, and asks the clerk to carry out discount sales of a product with a red frame label with a color number of N1 = 1. The content is urging. As described above, the CPU 11a performs a process for displaying a guidance image as a notification operation for prompting a measure for a product that is in stock and whose elapsed time exceeds the threshold value TH, and functions as a processing unit. doing. Note that the content of measures for products that are in stock and whose elapsed time exceeds the threshold value TH is appropriate according to the circumstances of each store, and the content of the guidance image is also appropriate.

  Thus, by visually observing the guidance image as shown in FIG. 13, the store clerk can reliably recognize that measures such as discount sales should be taken. Thus, it is possible to prevent such an unreasonable state from being left.

  When the display of the guidance image is completed, the CPU 11a ends the product management process. If it is determined NO in step Se10, the CPU 11a passes step Se11, that is, ends the merchandise management process without displaying the guidance image.

  As described above, according to the POS system 1, it is possible to reduce the labor of a store clerk involved in product management.

  This embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

  The store clerk may selectively attach a plurality of types of label sheets having different frame line colors to the label printer, and the label printer 14 may not print the frame lines. In this case, a monochrome printer may be used as the label printer 14.

  The object whose color varies depending on the label application time zone may have an arbitrary shape. For example, the barcode may be shared as the object by changing the color of the barcode according to the pasting time zone. Also, a mark or character having a specific shape may be used as the object.

  The product identification may be performed by object recognition based on the shape of the product appearing in the image or the like without using the barcode.

  The inventory quantity may be notified to the POS server 20, the terminal system 30, or another terminal device (not shown). In this case, the product image management apparatus 10 may not display the list image and the guidance image.

  The display of the list image and the guidance image may be performed by the POS server 20, the terminal system 30, or another terminal device not shown.

  Only one of the list image and the guidance image may be displayed.

  The POS system 1 can also be operated in such a manner that the label issuance timing is different from the timing for attaching the label to the product. In this case, the time zone for attaching the label to the product may be determined, for example, by designation by a store clerk, and a label having a color frame associated with the time zone may be issued.

  The clerk inputs the number of labels attached to the product from the input device 13 or the like, and the input number may be the issued number.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are 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 ... POS system, 10 ... Merchandise management apparatus, 11 ... Information processing unit, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 12 ... Display device, 13 ... Input device, 14 ... Label printer, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Server, 20a ... CPU, 20b ... ROM, 20c ... RAM, 20d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 30 ... Terminal system, 31 ... Reading unit, 31a ... CPU, 31b ... ROM, 31c ... RAM, 31g ... Imaging device, 32 ... Main unit, 32a ... CPU, 32b ... ROM, 32c ... RAM, 32d ... auxiliary storage unit.

Claims (6)

The number of products pasted with labels representing objects of different colors depending on the pasting timing, for each combination of the identification code of the product and the color of the object included in the label attached to the product Management means to manage,
Product determination means for determining an identification code of the purchased product from an image obtained by the imaging means capturing the product to be purchased;
A color determination unit that determines a color of the object included in a label attached to the product captured by the imaging unit from the image;
In response to the determination of the sales of the product imaged by the imaging unit, the number of sales for the combination of the identification code determined by the product determination unit and the color determined by the color determination unit is added, A counting means for counting the number of sales for each combination of identification code and color;
As the difference between the number managed by the management means for one combination of identification code and color and the number of sales counted by the counting means for the same combination of identification code and color, the identification A product management system comprising: a calculation unit that calculates a stock quantity of a product that is identified by a code and has a label representing an object of the color attached thereto.   A list in which the number of stocks calculated by the calculation means for each of a plurality of combinations of the same identification code and different colors is associated with the pasting timing associated with the color included in each combination. The product management system according to claim 1, further comprising generation means for generating an image.   A product whose stock quantity calculated by the calculation means is not zero and a product whose elapsed time from the pasting timing according to the color of the object represented on the pasted label exceeds a specified time is determined in advance. The merchandise management system according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit that performs a process for performing a notification operation for prompting the user to take an appropriate measure. A management device, a terminal, and a server;
The management means and the calculation means are provided in the management device,
The product determination means and the color determination means are provided in the terminal,
The commodity management system according to claim 1, wherein the aggregation unit is provided in the server. A management device, a terminal, and a server;
The management unit, the calculation unit, and the generation unit are provided in the management device,
The product determination means and the color determination means are provided in the terminal,
The commodity management system according to claim 2, wherein the aggregation unit is provided in the server. A product determination unit for determining an identification code of the purchased product from an image obtained by the imaging unit capturing a product to which a label representing an object of a different color is attached according to the pasting timing;
A color determination unit that determines a color of the object included in a label attached to the product captured by the imaging unit from the image;
A product management system comprising: a storage unit that stores the identification code determined by the product determination unit and the color determined by the color determination unit in association with each other.

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