JP2016115202A - Merchandise registration device and merchandise registration method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a child from having an unpleasant feeling about restriction even though the fixed restriction is set in merchandise registration that is performed by the child.SOLUTION: A merchandise registration device for performing merchandise registration in a commercial transaction includes an information output part 54 for outputting information about merchandise registration associated with an operation mode, and a registration restriction part 53 for restricting merchandise registration on the basis of the kinds of merchandise or the total amount for performance of merchandise registration in the case that the operation mode is a child mode. The information output part 54 outputs privilege information at least at any point of time in the process of merchandise registration and before and after performing merchandise registration in the case of performing the merchandise registration in the child mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a product registration apparatus and a product registration method for registering products in commercial transactions.

  In recent years, self-checkout systems in which customers themselves perform checkout processing are widely known. In the self-checkout system, it is the customer who visits the store that operates the checkout terminal, so it is necessary to prevent children from accidentally purchasing age-restricted products (for example, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages). There is. Therefore, a checkout terminal has been proposed that determines whether or not it is a minor from a customer's face image taken with a CCD camera, and if it is determined to be a minor, the sale of products with age restrictions is stopped. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-032538 A

  However, it is natural that children as customers are restricted from purchasing age-restricted products (for example, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages). However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is sufficiently assumed to be a customer's position. It wasn't. In other words, it is conceivable that a child mistakenly purchases an age-restricted product. In this case, there is a problem that the child feels uncomfortable. In particular, one of the advantages of self-checkout is the scanning experience, and children often enjoy and use self-checkout, which can reduce the goodness of products by restricting the purchase of goods at high pressure. .

  An object of the present invention is to prevent a person from feeling uncomfortable even if a certain restriction is set for product registration performed by a child.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a product registration device according to the present invention includes:
A product registration device for registering products in commercial transactions,
Information output means for outputting information related to product registration associated with the operation mode;
Registration restriction means for restricting product registration based on the type of product or the total amount of product registration when product registration is performed in a predetermined operation mode,
The information output means, when performing product registration in the predetermined operation mode, outputs privilege information at least at any time before and after performing the product registration process and product registration.
This is a product registration apparatus.

In addition, the product registration method according to the present invention includes:
A product registration method for registering products in commerce,
An information output step for outputting information related to the product registration associated with the operation mode;
A registration restriction step of restricting product registration based on the type of product or the total amount of product registration when performing product registration in a predetermined operation mode,
The information output step further includes a privilege information output step of outputting privilege information at least at any time before and after performing the product registration process and product registration when product registration is performed in the predetermined operation mode.
This is a product registration method characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, even if a certain restriction is provided for product registration performed by a child, the restriction can be prevented from being uncomfortable.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the self-checkout terminal in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the self-checkout terminal in embodiment of this invention. 3 is a logic block of a self-checkout terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the information which a self-checkout terminal holds, (a) is an illustration of the data block diagram of registration restriction information, (b) is an illustration of the data block diagram of output information. It is the figure which illustrated the flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the goods registration process of a self-checkout terminal. It is an example of the mode selection screen which a self-checkout terminal displays. It is the figure which illustrated the flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the goods registration process in the adult mode of a self-checkout terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating the goods registration screen which a self-checkout terminal displays in adult mode, (a) shows the state before goods registration, (b) shows the state after goods registration. It is an example of the registration confirmation screen which a self-checkout terminal displays in adult mode. It is an example of the receipt which a self-checkout terminal issues in adult mode. It is the figure which illustrated the flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the goods registration process in the child mode of a self-checkout terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating the goods registration screen which a self-checkout terminal displays in a child mode, (a) shows the state before goods registration, (b), (c) shows the state under goods registration. It is a figure for demonstrating the goods registration screen which a self-checkout terminal displays in child mode, (a) shows the state where goods registration was successful, (b) shows the state where goods registration failed, (c ) Indicates a state where product registration is restricted. It is an example of the receipt which a self-checkout terminal issues in a child mode.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
Each figure is only schematically shown so that the invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example. In the drawings to be referred to, dimensions of members constituting the present invention may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. In addition, in each figure, about the same component or the same component, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and those overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Embodiment]
(Configuration of self-checkout terminal)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a self-checkout terminal 1 according to the embodiment.
A self-checkout terminal 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a terminal that is installed at a place where commercial transactions are performed, such as a supermarket, and performs self-checkout by a customer. Here, the self-checkout means that the customer himself carries out the work from product registration to payment without relying on the work by the store clerk. Note that the product registration device in the claims is a concept including the self-checkout terminal 1.

The housing 2 of the self-checkout terminal 1 according to the present embodiment includes a lower housing 10 that is in contact with the ground and an upper housing 20 that is installed at the rear of the upper surface of the lower housing 10. The lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20 may be integrally molded, or may be formed by joining separately molded ones.
On the left side surface of the lower housing 10, there is formed a basket mounting table 11 for mounting a basket containing a product that the customer intends to purchase. On the other hand, on the right side surface of the lower housing 10, there is formed a bag holder installation base 12 on which a bag holder 6 for attaching a shopping bag (not shown) for storing products purchased by a customer is installed.

  The lower housing 10 incorporates a coin / banknote depositing / dispensing device 13 (see FIG. 3). As a part of the deposit / withdrawal device 13, a coin insertion slot 13a and a coin payout opening 13b are arranged on the left side of the front face of the lower casing 10, and a bill insertion slot 13c is provided on the right side of the front face of the lower casing 10. And the banknote discharge outlet 13d is arrange | positioned. When the customer settles the business transaction, the customer inserts cash into the coin insertion slot 13a and the bill insertion slot 13c, and receives the change discharged from the coin payment outlet 13b and the bill payment outlet 13d.

  A touch display 21 is installed on the upper part of the upper housing 20, and a speaker 22 is installed on the upper left side of the front surface. The upper housing 20 has a photographing device 23 for photographing a product for commercial transaction, a card reader 24 for reading information from a credit card used for settlement of the commercial transaction, and the contents of the commercial transaction are printed on a receipt sheet and received. And a printer 25 issued as In FIG. 1, a card insertion port is illustrated as a part of the card reader 24, and a receipt discharge port is illustrated as a part of the printer 25.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of the self-checkout terminal 1 in the embodiment.
The self-checkout terminal 1 includes a control unit 26, a storage unit 27, and a communication unit 28 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The components of the self-checkout terminal 1 shown in FIG. 2 are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus and input / output circuits (not shown).
The control unit 26 includes a CPU 26a, a RAM 26b, and a ROM 26c.
The CPU 26a is a central control device and controls the entire self-checkout terminal 1.
The RAM 26b is temporary storage means used by the CPU 26a, and temporarily stores image data and various variables related to programs executed by the CPU 26a.
The ROM 26c is a non-volatile storage unit and stores a program executed by the CPU 26a.

  The storage unit 27 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like, and stores various programs and various files. Various programs and various files stored in the storage unit 27 are all or partially copied to the RAM 26b and executed by the CPU 26a when the self-checkout terminal 1 is activated. Various types of data are stored in the storage unit 27.

  The communication unit 28 is, for example, a network interface controller, and is connected to an operator terminal T operated by an operator (store clerk). When an error or a help button is pressed at the self-checkout terminal 1, the CPU 26a causes the light emitting unit 5 (see FIG. 1) to emit light and transmits the information to the operator terminal T via the communication unit 28.

  The depositing / dispensing device 13 carries the coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 13a and the banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 13c into the housing 3a, and then identifies the presence or absence of the abnormality of the inserted coins and banknotes. The coins and bills are sorted by denomination by the sorting unit and stored in the storage unit. Then, based on a payout instruction from the CPU 26a, the coins and banknotes in the storage unit are discharged from the coin payout outlet 13b and the banknote payout outlet 13d as fishing. For abnormal coins and banknotes, processing such as rejecting them to the coin payout exit 13b or the banknote payout exit 13d without storing them is performed.

The touch display 21 is formed by laminating a touch panel 21b on the surface of a display 21a which is a liquid crystal display device, for example. The touch display 21 is controlled by the CPU 26a and accepts a touch operation input by the customer, and displays a photographed image of the handled product, information on the accounting of the handled product (product name, price, etc.) and the like.
The speaker 22 is controlled by the CPU 26a, and outputs the operation status and operation method of the self-checkout terminal 1 to the customer as voice.

  The imaging device 23 is configured by a color CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or the like, and is an imaging unit that performs imaging under the control of the CPU 26a. The imaging device 23 captures a moving image of 30 fps (frame per second), for example. Frame images (captured images) sequentially captured by the image capturing device 23 at a predetermined frame rate are stored in the RAM 26b.

The card reader 24 is information reading means for reading information recorded on a magnetic card such as a credit card, for example, a card number or a password under the control of the CPU 26a. Information read by the card reader 24 is used in accounting processing.
The printer 25 is, for example, a thermal transfer printer, and prints the contents of the accounting process on a receipt sheet and issues it as a receipt in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 26a at the time of accounting for the handled product.

FIG. 3 is a logical block diagram showing the self-checkout terminal 1 in the embodiment.
The CPU 26a (see FIG. 3) of the self-checkout terminal 1 executes a program (not shown) stored in the ROM 26c (see FIG. 3), whereby an image storage unit 51 and an object recognition processing unit 52 are used as the processing unit 50. And a registration restriction unit 53, an information output unit 54, a sales registration unit 55, an input acquisition unit 56, and an accounting processing unit 57.
The processing unit 50 refers to the object recognition data 27a, the registration restriction information 27b, the output information 27c, the product content data 27d, and the sales master 27e stored in the storage unit 27.

  In the object recognition data 27a, bar code information corresponding to each type of handled product and template information combining feature quantities modeled for each type of handled product are registered in advance. In the object recognition data 27a, for example, the association between the product name or the product ID, the barcode information of the handled product, and the feature quantity of the handled product is set for each of the handled products displayed and sold in the store. It is a data file and is used for recognition of handled products.

  In the registration restriction information 27b, a condition for restricting product registration corresponding to the handled product (a condition for prohibiting sales) is registered. FIG. 4A illustrates a data configuration diagram of the registration restriction information 27b. In the registration restriction information 27b here, information indicating whether or not the product can be sold to a customer under the age of 20 corresponding to the product name as the product identification information is registered. For example, information “○ (mal)” indicating that the products “water” and “juice” can be sold to customers under the age of 20 are registered, and the products “beer” and “sake” are registered. Is registered with information “× (X)” indicating that sales to customers under the age of 20 are restricted (prohibited).

  In the output information 27c, display data (including moving images and still images), audio data, print data, and the like for each situation are registered in association with the operation mode of the self-checkout terminal 1. In other words, the output information 27c includes an operation guide of the self-checkout terminal 1 (explanation of the operation method, information on the next operation, etc.), screen information of a processing result performed on the self-checkout terminal 1, and the like. In the output information 27c, information corresponding to one operation mode does not include privilege information, and information corresponding to the other operation mode includes at least one privilege information. Here, the privilege information may be anything that gives good impressions to customers (including those that give good impressions to customers of a specific age group). For example, explanation of operation methods using characters, characters are used. For example, a notification of a processing result, a notification of a processing result having game characteristics, or the like.

FIG. 4B illustrates a data configuration diagram of the output information 27c. As the output information 27c here, display data, audio data, and print data for each situation are registered in association with “adult mode output information” and “child mode output information”. The adult mode is an operation mode in which the operation guide and the processing result are simple and easy to understand, and the adult mode output information does not include privilege information in the adult mode output information. On the other hand, the child mode is an operation mode in which operation guides and processing results are polite and difficult terms and kanji are not used, and the child mode output information includes privilege information.
Specifically, display data “image A2” and audio data “audio A2” are registered as “adult mode output information” in the status “product registration”, and display data “child mode output information” is displayed. "Image C2" and audio data "audio C2" are registered. In the status “registration result (OK)”, display data “image A3” and audio data “voice A3” are registered as “adult mode output information”, and display data “child mode output information” is displayed. "Image C3" and audio data "audio C3" are registered. The privilege information is included in the display data “image C2” and the display data “image C3” of the child mode output information.

The product content data 27d is a data file in which content information of handled products is set. In the product content data 27d, product ID (IDentifier), product name, unit price, discount information, etc. are set as the content information of the handled product.
The sales master 27e is a file for recording the sales registration of handled products, and records the product ID sold to the customer, the corresponding product classification, product name, unit price, number of sales, and the like.

  The image storage unit 51 sequentially captures and stores frame images (color digital images) photographed by the photographing device 23. For example, a barcode image is captured for a handling product on which a barcode is printed, while an image showing the entire registered product is captured for a handling product on which no barcode is printed.

  The object recognition processing unit 52 recognizes a handled product from the frame image. Here, the recognition method is not particularly limited to the object recognition processing unit 52, and for example, a handled product may be recognized by reading a barcode from a frame image, or using a generic object recognition technology. You may recognize a handling product. To outline general object recognition technology, images such as edge detection are used to separate images that are candidates for products in the frame image from the background, and the size, shape, hue, surface irregularity, etc. The surface state is calculated as a feature value. Subsequently, a similarity is calculated by comparing the calculated feature value of the separated image with each feature value of the handled product stored in the object recognition data 27a, and if the calculated similarity is high, the product is recognized as a handled product. To do. Here, the similarity refers to how similar the feature amounts of the separated images are when the feature amount assumed by the handling product recorded in the object recognition data 27a is assumed to be 100% similarity. It is shown. In addition, when there are a plurality of items having a high degree of similarity, candidate products may be displayed on the touch display 21 to select a handling product corresponding to the customer.

The registration restriction unit 53 restricts product registration (prohibition of sales).
When the operation mode of the self-checkout terminal 1 is the child mode, the registration restriction unit 53 refers to the registration restriction information 27b and can the handled product recognized by the object recognition processing unit 52 be sold to children? The product registration is restricted when it is determined that the product is a product that cannot be sold. Specifically, the registration restriction unit 53 restricts product registration when the handled product recognized by the object recognition processing unit 52 is “beer”, “sake”, “cigarette”, or the like.

In addition, when the operation mode of the self-checkout terminal 1 is the child mode, the registration restriction unit 53 adds the unit price of the handling product recognized by the object recognition processing unit 52, so that the total amount up to a certain point in time is When a predetermined amount (threshold) is exceeded, subsequent product registration is restricted. For example, if the total sales amount is determined to be “10,000 yen”, the sales within the range not exceeding 10,000 yen can be made, and if it exceeds 10,000 yen, the registration of the products handled thereafter is restricted.
Note that the registration restriction unit 53, when the operation mode of the self-checkout terminal 1 is the child mode, when the unit price of the handled product recognized by the object recognition processing unit 52 exceeds a predetermined amount (threshold value). In addition, the product registration of the handled product may be restricted.
When the product registration is restricted, the information may be notified to the customer via the display 21a or the speaker 22, and may be transmitted to the operator terminal T via the communication unit 28.

The information output unit 54 outputs the result of processing performed at the self-checkout terminal 1 to the touch display 21, the speaker 22, and the printer 25, and notifies the customer of the contents.
For example, the information output unit 54 displays the product registration screen with reference to the output information 27c and the product content data 27d when performing product registration processing. Here, “output information for child mode” in the output information 27c includes privilege information. Therefore, even if the product registration is restricted by the registration restricting unit 53 when the child is registering the product, the child who is a customer can restrict the restriction by observing the privilege information output by the information output unit 54. I do not feel uncomfortable.

  The sales registration unit 55 performs sales registration of the handling products registered as products. Specifically, the sales registration unit 55 records the notified product ID and the corresponding product classification, product name, unit price, number of sales, etc. in the sales master 27e and performs sales registration.

  The input acquisition unit 56 receives various input operations corresponding to the display on the display 21a via the touch panel 21b.

  The accounting processing unit 57 controls the deposit / withdrawal device 13, the card reader 24, etc., and performs accounting processing for the handled product for which product registration has been performed. For example, when all the product registrations are completed, the accounting processing unit 57 displays a registration confirmation screen and allows the customer to perform payment. When the customer inserts cash into the deposit / withdrawal apparatus 13, the accounting processing unit 57 causes the deposit / withdrawal apparatus 13 to discharge the change for the difference.

(Self checkout terminal operation)
Next, the product registration process using the self-checkout terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the merchandise registration process of the self-checkout terminal 1.
First, the information output unit 54 displays a start screen on the touch display 21 (step S1). For example, a message such as “Thank you for coming to the store. Place your shopping cart on the table and press the start button” is displayed on the start screen. The customer places the shopping cart on the basket mounting table 11 according to the start screen of the touch display 21 and presses the start button.

  Subsequently, the information output unit 54 displays a mode selection screen (see FIG. 6) on the touch display 21 (step S2). On the mode selection screen, for example, various buttons for selecting “adult mode”, “child mode”, and “family mode” and explanation buttons for explaining these modes are arranged. If the customer does not know the various modes, the customer presses the explanation button to understand the contents of the modes, and then presses the various mode buttons to select the mode. The operation mode selected by the customer is stored as information in the self-checkout terminal 1 until one commercial transaction is completed, for example.

The adult mode is an operation mode in which the operation guide is simple and easy to understand, and it is assumed that an adult operates the self-checkout terminal 1.
The child mode is an operation mode in which the operation guide is polite and does not use difficult terms and kanji, and assumes a case where a minor (particularly a child) operates the self-checkout terminal 1. In the child mode, sales of certain products are restricted, but characters are displayed as privilege information.

The family mode is an operation mode in which the operation guide is polite and difficult, like the child mode, and does not use kanji or kanji, and assumes a case where the family operates the self-checkout terminal 1. In the family mode, unlike the child mode, sales of certain products are not restricted, and characters are displayed as privilege information. By using the family mode, in addition to being able to register a product while the child understands it, it is possible to purchase a product that is prohibited from being sold to under 20 years of age under the responsibility of the parent. As with the adult mode, the operation guide is a simple and easy-to-understand operation mode, and there is a mode that assumes a case where a minor (especially, 15 to 20 years old) operates the self-checkout terminal 1. Also good. In this mode, unlike the adult mode, sales of certain products are restricted.
When the adult mode or the family mode is selected, a screen for confirming that it is an adult may be displayed to the operator (customer) of the self-checkout terminal 1.

The processing unit 50 determines which operation mode is selected by the customer on the mode selection screen displayed on the touch display 21 (step S3). And the process part 50 performs the goods registration process and accounting process in various selected operation modes according to the operation mode selected by step S3.
For example, when the adult mode is selected (“adult mode” in step S3), the processing unit 50 uses the “adult mode output information” in the output information 27c (see FIG. 4B) to display the adult mode. The merchandise registration process and the accounting process are executed (step S4).
In addition, when the child mode is selected (“kid mode” in step S3), the processing unit 50 uses the “child mode output information” in the output information 27c (see FIG. 4B) to display the child mode. The merchandise registration process and the accounting process are executed (step S5).
In addition, when the family mode is selected (“family mode” in step S3), the processing unit 50 uses the “child mode output information” in the output information 27c (see FIG. 4B) and uses the family mode. The merchandise registration process and the accounting process are executed (step S6).
The merchandise registration process and the accounting process in the various modes of steps S4, S5, and S6 will be described later.

  Subsequent to steps S4, S5 and S6, the information output unit 54 displays an end screen (step S7). As a result, one commercial transaction is completed. The customer leaves the self-checkout terminal 1 with the transaction product in the shopping bag. Then, when the next customer presses the start button on the start screen displayed in step S1, the next commercial transaction starts.

(Product registration processing and accounting processing in adult mode)
Next, the product registration process and the accounting process in the adult mode in step S4 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flow chart illustrating operations of product registration processing and accounting processing in the adult mode of the self-checkout terminal 1.
First, the information output unit 54 acquires “adult mode output information” of the output information 27c (see FIG. 4B) (step S21). It should be noted that the “adult mode output information” of the output information 27c may be acquired at once in step S21 and stored in the RAM 26b, or only necessary information may be acquired in each step described below. It may be.

  The information output unit 54 displays a product registration screen on the touch display 21 using the “adult mode output information” of the output information 27c (step S22). This product registration screen has a configuration shown in FIG. The product registration screen here is provided with a column 61 on which the customer's operation is displayed on the upper left side of the screen, and a column 62 on which an image taken by the photographing device 23 is displayed at the lower center of the screen. A column 63 for displaying the recognized handled product (registered product) is provided on the upper right side of the screen. In the column 61, for example, an explanation such as “take out the product from the basket and bring it close to the scanner until a registration confirmation sound is made” is displayed. Accordingly, when the customer handles the product in the basket close to the photographing device 23, the image photographed by the photographing device 23 is stored in the image storage unit 51 and the photographed image is displayed on the touch display 21 ( (See FIG. 8 (a)). In FIG. 8A, since the image of the handling product “Mikan” is displayed, the customer can check the shooting situation. In the case where a barcode is printed on the handled product, when the barcode is brought close to the photographing device 23, an image obtained by photographing the barcode is stored in the image storage unit 51.

Subsequently, the object recognition processing unit 52 recognizes the handled product from the image stored in the image storage unit 51, and the information output unit 54 displays the recognition result of the object recognition processing unit 52 as the product registration result (step S23). ). Specifically, the information output unit 54 displays information (for example, product name, price, etc.) relating to the handled product recognized by the object recognition processing unit 52 in the column 63 (see FIG. 8B).
In addition, the information output unit 54 displays, for example, an explanation in the column 61 such as “Registration has been completed successfully. When registration of all products is completed, press the registration completion button”. If there are still handling products in the basket, the customer registers the remaining handling products. If the handling product cannot be recognized by the object recognition processing unit 52, the information output unit 54 displays, for example, an explanatory text such as “Please bring the product closer to the scanner again” in the column 61. Good.

  When the product registration of all the handled products is completed and the registration completion button 64 shown in FIG. 8B is pressed by the customer, the information output unit 54 displays the registration confirmation screen shown in FIG. 9 (step S24). FIG. 9 shows a case where the customer registers the product for the handling product “Mikan” and the handling product “Ringo”. Then, when the customer confirms the content of the product registration performed by the customer and presses the settlement button 65, the information output unit 54 displays an explanation regarding the payment of the amount shown in FIG. 9 to the customer.

  Subsequently, when cash is inserted into the deposit / withdrawal device 13 by the customer or a credit card is inserted by the card reader 24, the accounting processing unit 57 performs a settlement process according to the payment method and returns the change. If there is, the cash is discharged from the deposit / withdrawal device 13 and the information output unit 54 issues a receipt shown in FIG. 10 (step S25). Thereby, the merchandise registration process and the accounting process in the adult mode of the self-checkout terminal 1 are completed.

(Product registration processing and accounting processing in child mode)
Next, the merchandise registration process and the accounting process in the child mode in step S5 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart illustrating the operations of the merchandise registration process and the accounting process in the child mode of the self-checkout terminal 1.
First, the information output unit 54 acquires “output information for child mode” of the output information 27c (step S31). The “child mode output information” includes privilege information (such as a character). It should be noted that the “child mode output information” of the output information 27c may be acquired in a batch at step S31 and stored in the RAM 26b, or only the necessary information is acquired at each step described below. It may be.

  The information output unit 54 displays a product registration screen on the touch display 21 using the “child mode output information” of the output information 27c (step S32). This product registration screen has a configuration shown in FIG. In this product registration screen, the character P, which is privilege information, is displayed in the upper center of the screen, and a column 71 for displaying the customer's operation is provided on the upper left side of the screen. Is provided with a column 72 for displaying an image taken by the photographer, and a column 73 for displaying a recognized product (registered product) on the upper right side of the screen. In the column 71, for example, as the character P speaks, an explanatory text such as “Take a soy from the basket and give it to the scanner” is displayed. That is, here, the character P, which is privilege information, explains the status of product registration. In this child mode, only hiragana, katakana, and plain kanji are displayed.

  Subsequently, when the customer approaches the handling product in the basket to the photographing device 23, the photographing device 23 photographs the handling product, and an image of the photographed handling product is stored in the image storage unit 51 and photographed. An image is displayed on the touch display 21 (see FIG. 12B). In FIG. 12B, an image of the handling product “Mikan” is displayed. At this time, it is preferable that the character P displayed on the touch display 21 has a facial expression or an action for observing the photographed product. That is, it is preferable that the character P reacts to the motion of the handling product on which the photograph is taken. As shown in FIG. 12C, when the handling product is moved to the right, the pupil of the character P is moved to the right. By displaying, the character P seems to follow the line of sight with the handling product. Thus, although the product registration operation is actually performed by the customer, it can be felt that the character P is also performing the product registration operation together. A virtual customer may be displayed on the touch display 21 to produce a situation where a customer who actually registers a product becomes a store clerk.

Subsequently, the object recognition processing unit 52 recognizes the handled product from the image stored in the image storage unit 51, and the information output unit 54 displays the recognition result of the object recognition processing unit 52 as the product registration result (step S33). ).
Specifically, when the handled product can be recognized from the image stored in the image storage unit 51, the information output unit 54 includes information on the handled product recognized by the object recognition processing unit 52 (for example, product name, price). Etc.) are displayed in the column 73 (see FIG. 13A). In addition, the information output unit 54 displays the character P having a pleasant expression as the privilege information and, for example, an explanatory text such as “You did well. If there is nothing else, please press the end button” in the column 71. To display. Thereby, a smooth product registration process by a child can be promoted.
In addition, when the handled product cannot be recognized from the image stored in the image storage unit 51, the information output unit 54 displays a disappointing character P as the privilege information and, for example, “I'm sorry. An explanation such as “Let's try” is displayed in the column 71 (see FIG. 13B). Thereby, a smooth product registration process by a child can be promoted.

  If the registration restriction unit 53 determines that the product handled can be recognized from the image stored in the image storage unit 51 but cannot be sold to a child, the information output unit 54 causes the registration restriction unit 53 to Information (for example, a product name) related to the handling product whose registration is restricted is displayed in a column where the handling product (registered product) is displayed (see FIG. 13C). Further, the information output unit 54 displays the character P with a sad expression as the privilege information, and displays an explanatory text such as “I ’m sorry. In addition, an illustration indicating that sales to customers under the age of 20 is not possible is displayed in the column 72. When the total amount up to a certain point in time by the registration restriction unit 53 exceeds a predetermined amount (threshold value), the information output unit 54 confirms that the total amount exceeds a predetermined amount (threshold value). An illustration is displayed (not shown).

  As described above, the self-checkout terminal 1 displays the character P having a facial expression corresponding to the recognition result of the handled product on the touch display 21. As a result, the self-checkout terminal 1 causes the privilege information output by the information output unit 54 to be observed even if the product registration is restricted by the registration restriction unit 53 when the child as a customer is registering the product. So I don't feel uncomfortable with that limitation.

When the product registration of all the handled products is completed and the end button shown in FIG. 13A is pressed by the customer, the information output unit 54 displays a registration confirmation screen and explains the payment of the amount to the customer. It is displayed (step S34).
Then, when cash is inserted into the deposit / withdrawal device 13 by the customer, the accounting processing unit 57 performs a settlement process according to the payment method, and discharges the cash from the deposit / withdrawal device 13 if the change is returned. The output unit 54 issues the receipt shown in FIG. 14 (step S35). Thereby, the merchandise registration process and the accounting process in the child mode of the self-checkout terminal 1 are completed.
In the lower part of the receipt shown in FIG. 14, a character P, a score (score) 81, and a comment 82 about the score (score) are printed as privilege information. The score (score) 81 may be calculated by using, for example, a predetermined index (for example, probability of product recognition, work time, etc.) for the content of product registration. In addition, when a product recognition is performed with high probability or when product registration is completed in a short time, a high score (high score) can be expected to encourage a child to perform a smoother product registration process. In addition, the comment 82 may be a sentence such as “It ’s amazing.

(Product registration process and accounting process in family mode)
Next, the merchandise registration process and accounting process in the family mode in step S6 in FIG. 5 will be described. The product registration process and the accounting process in the family mode are the same except for the process of step S33 in the flowchart of the product registration process and the accounting process in the child mode shown in FIG. In the child mode, product registration is restricted by the registration restriction unit 53 in step S33, but in the family mode, the product restriction is not restricted by the registration restriction unit 53. By using this family mode, in addition to being able to register products while the child understands, it is also possible to purchase products that are prohibited from being sold under the age of 20 under the responsibility of the parent. .

  As described above, the self-checkout terminal 1 according to the embodiment determines whether or not to restrict product registration when the child mode is selected. Further, when the child mode is selected, the operation of the self-checkout terminal 1 is described using the character P which is privilege information, and the result of product registration is output. Therefore, even if a certain limit is set for the product registration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of making the customer feel uncomfortable.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, It can implement in the range which does not change the meaning of a claim. The modification of each embodiment is shown below.

In the embodiment, the self-checkout terminal 1 is assumed as the product registration device. However, the product registration apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this, and can have various configurations.
Further, in the embodiment, the self-checkout terminal 1 includes the deposit / withdrawal device 13 and the card reader 24, and the accounting processing unit 57 performs accounting processing using cash or a credit card inserted into these devices. However, the self-checkout terminal 1 may perform only product registration, transmit product registration information to another device, and perform accounting processing using the other device.

  Further, in the embodiment, when a barcode is printed on the handling product, the handling product is recognized by taking an image of the barcode with the photographing device 23 and reading the barcode from the photographed image. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a bar code reader that reads a bar code using infrared rays is provided in place of or in addition to the imaging device 23.

In the embodiment, the character P is output as privilege information to the touch display 21 that is an output device. However, the privilege information output by the self-checkout terminal 1 is not limited to this.
For example, a mini game or roulette may be displayed on the touch display 21 as privilege information. Moreover, you may print a fortune, a fortune-telling, a coupon, etc. on a receipt as privilege information. Also, a plurality of related symbols and texts may be printed as privilege information separately on a plurality of receipts. In this case, the customer can give a further satisfaction to the customer by collecting a plurality of receipts.

The invention described in the scope of claims attached to the application of this application will be added below. The item numbers of the claims described in the appendix are as set forth in the claims attached to the application of this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
A product registration device for registering products in commercial transactions,
Information output means for outputting information related to product registration associated with the operation mode;
Registration restriction means for restricting product registration based on the type of product or the total amount of product registration when product registration is performed in a predetermined operation mode,
The information output means, when performing product registration in the predetermined operation mode, outputs privilege information at least at any time before and after performing the product registration process and product registration.
A product registration apparatus characterized by that.
<Claim 2>
The information output means causes the display means to display a character explaining the status of product registration as privilege information.
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 3>
Display means for displaying a photographed image obtained by photographing the product using a photographing means;
The information output means causes the display means to display a character that reacts to the product in the photographed image as privilege information.
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1.
<Claim 4>
The information output means causes the display means to display a character that reacts to the success or failure of product registration as privilege information.
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 5>
The information output means outputs a score calculated using a predetermined index for product registration as privilege information,
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1.
<Claim 6>
A product registration method for registering products in commerce,
An information output step for outputting information related to the product registration associated with the operation mode;
A registration restriction step of restricting product registration based on the type of product or the total amount of product registration when performing product registration in a predetermined operation mode,
The information output step further includes a privilege information output step of outputting privilege information at least at any time before and after performing the product registration process and product registration when product registration is performed in the predetermined operation mode.
A product registration method characterized by that.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Self-checkout terminal 2 Case 5 Light emission part 10 Lower side case 11 Basket mounting stand 12 Bag holder installation stand 13 Depositing / withdrawing device 20 Upper side case 21 Touch display 22 Speaker 23 Shooting device (shooting means)
24 Card Reader 25 Printer 26 Control Unit 27 Storage Unit 27a Object Recognition Data 27b Registration Restriction Information 27c Output Information 27d Product Content Data 27e Sales Master 28 Communication Unit 51 Image Storage Unit 52 Object Recognition Processing Unit 53 Registration Restriction Unit 54 Information Output Unit 55 Sales Registration Department 56 Input Acquisition Department 57 Accounting Processing Department

Claims (6)

A product registration device for registering products in commercial transactions,
Information output means for outputting information related to product registration associated with the operation mode;
Registration restriction means for restricting product registration based on the type of product or the total amount of product registration when product registration is performed in a predetermined operation mode,
The information output means, when performing product registration in the predetermined operation mode, outputs privilege information at least at any time before and after performing the product registration process and product registration.
A product registration apparatus characterized by that. The information output means causes the display means to display a character explaining the status of product registration as privilege information.
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Display means for displaying a photographed image obtained by photographing the product using a photographing means;
The information output means causes the display means to display a character that reacts to the product in the photographed image as privilege information.
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1. The information output means causes the display means to display a character that reacts to the success or failure of product registration as privilege information.
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The information output means outputs a score calculated using a predetermined index for product registration as privilege information,
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1. A product registration method for registering products in commerce,
An information output step for outputting information related to the product registration associated with the operation mode;
A registration restriction step of restricting product registration based on the type of product or the total amount of product registration when performing product registration in a predetermined operation mode,
The information output step further includes a privilege information output step of outputting privilege information at least at any time before and after performing the product registration process and product registration when product registration is performed in the predetermined operation mode.
A product registration method characterized by that.

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