JP2022052587A - Purchase support device, purchase support method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent application of the privilege from being forgotten.SOLUTION: In one embodiment, a purchase support device includes: a detection part; and an output part. The detection part detects the accounting instruction. When the privilege is applicable on the basis of the privilege information, the output part outputs the notification prompting for input as to whether or not the privilege is utilized in response that the accounting instruction is detected by the detection part. The detection part detects the input as to whether or not the privilege is utilized. The output part outputs the notification indicating the calling of a clerk in response that the input indicating that the existence of the privilege utilization is detected by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a purchase support device, a purchase support method and a program.

In a purchase support device such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or an electronic cash register, a clerk called a cashier is usually in charge of the operation, and the clerk applies privilege information such as a special treatment system, a coupon, and a discount coupon.

On the other hand, there is a so-called self-checkout device, which is a purchase support device of a self-checkout system in which a customer performs operations from registration of purchased products to payment by himself / herself. Since the self-checkout device is operated by the customer himself, there is no person in charge of operation. Therefore, in the self-checkout device, there is no means for encouraging the customer to use the award on the award application date such as a special treatment system, a coupon, or a discount coupon.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-64686

An object to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to prevent forgetting to apply the privilege.

In one embodiment, the purchase support device includes a detection unit and an output unit. The detection unit detects the accounting instruction. In response to the detection of the accounting instruction by the detection unit, the output unit outputs a notification prompting the input of whether or not the privilege is used when the privilege can be applied based on the privilege information. The detection unit detects the input of whether or not the privilege is used. The output unit outputs a notification indicating a call of the clerk in response to the detection of the input indicating that the privilege is used by the detection unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a self-checkout system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a self-POS terminal incorporated in the self-checkout system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting whether or not to use the privilege displayed on the touch panel of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a clerk call screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen indicating the availability of benefits displayed on the touch panel of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a discount application screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a non-target notification screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of purchase support processing by the self-POS terminal according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a self-POS terminal is exemplified as one aspect of the purchase support device. The self-POS terminal functions as a so-called self-checkout device, which is a purchase support device of a self-checkout system in which a customer performs operations from registration of purchased products to payment by himself / herself.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a self-checkout system according to an embodiment.
The self-checkout system 10 includes a plurality of self-POS terminals 20, an attendant terminal 30, and a store server 40. Further, the self-checkout system 10 includes a network 50, and each self-POS terminal 20, an attendant terminal 30, and a store server 40 are connected to the network 50 to construct a system. The network 50 is typically a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be wired or wireless.

The self-POS terminal 20 is installed in the checkout counter of the store. The self-POS terminal 20 is a purchase support device that enables a customer who purchases a product to perform a series of processes from registration to settlement of the purchased product by operating the self-POS terminal 20. Therefore, in the self-POS terminal 20, an operation guide showing an operation procedure is displayed to a customer who is an operator. The details of the self-POS terminal 20 will be described later.

The attendant terminal 30 is installed near the exit of the checkout counter, for example. The attendant terminal 30 has a function of monitoring the status of a plurality of self-POS terminals 20. That is, the attendant terminal 30 receives various information transmitted and output by the self-POS terminal 20 to be monitored via the network 50, for example, information indicating the operating status and the processing result of the product sales information, and displays the contents on the display. indicate. The product sales information includes, for example, the product ID, unit price, number of points sold, and sales amount of the purchased product registered by the customer via the self-POS terminal 20.

The number of self-POS terminals 20 monitored by one attendant terminal 30 is arbitrary. Therefore, although only one attendant terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, two or more attendant terminals 30 may be connected to the network 50. Normally, a clerk as an usher stands by at the place where the attendant terminal 30 is installed. The clerk deals with troubles such as an error that occurred in the self-POS terminal 20 to be monitored from the display contents of the display.

The store server 40 controls the processing related to the registration and settlement of the purchased product executed by each self-POS terminal 20. Further, the store server 40 collects the data processed by each self-POS terminal 20 via the network 50, appropriately processes the data, and stores the data in the data file.

Note that FIG. 1 shows only the self-POS terminal 20 as a purchase support device connected to the network 50. However, a purchase support device, a so-called POS terminal, in which a clerk performs operations from registration of purchased products to payment may be connected to the network 50. In that case, the store server 40 also controls each POS terminal as well as the self-POS terminal 20.

Next, the details of the self-POS terminal 20 will be described.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a self-POS terminal included in the self-checkout system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the self-POS terminal 20 includes a main body 200 installed on the floor surface and a scale unit 201 installed beside the main body 200.

The main body 200 has a display pole 202 and a touch panel 203 attached to the upper portion thereof, and the basket stand 204 is projected on the side opposite to the side where the scale unit 201 is installed. The basket stand 204 is for the customer to place a basket or the like containing the purchased product. The customer stands on the front side of the main body 200 in FIG. 2 so that the screen of the touch panel 203 can be seen. Therefore, from the customer's point of view, the basket stand 204 is on the right side of the main body 200, and the scale unit 201 is on the left side. In the following, the side on which the customer stands is the front of the main body 200.

The display pole 202 is provided with a light emitting unit 2021 at its tip, for example, selectively emitting blue and red, and the current state of the self-POS terminal 20 is determined by the light emitting color of the light emitting unit 2021, for example, a clerk who is a guide. Notify to.

The touch panel 203 includes a display for displaying various screens including an operation guide to an operator (usually a customer) of the self-POS terminal 20, and a touch sensor for detecting a touch input to the screen by the operator. Will be done. Here, the screen means an image displayed on the display. The screen display method may be any method including pop-up display. The display of the touch panel 203 is an example of a display unit. The touch sensor of the touch panel 203 is an example of an input unit.

The main body 200 forms a reading window 2051 of the scanner 205, a card insertion slot 206, and a receipt issuing slot 207 at the upper part of the front surface. Further, the main body 200 forms a coin insertion slot 208, a coin payment outlet 209, a bill insertion slot 210, and a bill payment outlet 211 in the central portion of the front surface. Further, the main body 200 is connected to a reader / writer 213 for electronic money via a communication cable 212. The reader / writer 213 is placed on a stand 214 provided on the same side as the cage 204 of the main body 200.

The scale unit 201 has a structure in which a scale plate 222 is provided on the upper part of the housing 221 and a bag holder 223 is attached to the upper part of the scale plate 222. The upper surface of the scale plate 222 is a mounting surface 2221. The bag holder 223 includes a pair of holding arms 2231, and the holding arms 2231 hold a plastic shopping bag or a shopping bag, a so-called my bag, brought by a customer.
The scale unit 201 measures the weight of the product placed on the mounting surface 2221 in a plastic shopping bag or my bag held by the holding arm 2231.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the self-POS terminal 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 231, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 232, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 233, an auxiliary storage device 234, a communication interface 235, and an automatic change machine 236. , Scanner 205, touch panel 203, printer 237, card reader 238, reader / writer 213, light emitting unit 2021, scale unit 201, and system transmission line 239. The system transmission line 239 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission line 239 connects the CPU 231 and other parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

The self-POS terminal 20 constitutes a computer by connecting the CPU 231 to the ROM 232, the RAM 233, and the auxiliary storage device 234 via the system transmission line 239.

The CPU 231 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 231 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the self-POS terminal 20 according to the operating system and the application program. The CPU 231 may be composed of various circuits. The CPU 231 expands the control program stored in advance in the ROM 232 or the auxiliary storage device 234 into the RAM 233. The control program is a program that realizes each part described later in the CPU 231 of the self-POS terminal 20. The CPU 231 executes various operations by executing a control program expanded in the RAM 233.

The ROM 232 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. ROM232 stores the above operating system and application programs. The application program includes a control program. The ROM 232 may store data necessary for the CPU 231 to execute a process for controlling each unit.

The RAM 233 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 233 stores data necessary for the CPU 231 to execute the process. The RAM 233 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 231.

The auxiliary storage device 234 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Program Read-Only Memory) and the like are used as auxiliary storage devices 234. The auxiliary storage device 234 stores data used by the CPU 231 for performing various processes and data generated by the processes of the CPU 231. The auxiliary storage device 234 may store the control program described above.

The communication interface 235 performs data communication with the store server 40 or the attendant terminal 30 connected to the network 50 according to a preset communication protocol. In FIG. 3, the interface is described as "I / F".

The automatic change machine 236 includes a coin unit 2361 and a banknote unit 2362.
The coin unit 2361 selects coins inserted into the coin slot 208 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores the coins in a coin safe (not shown) by denomination. Further, the coin unit 2361 takes out coins of the corresponding denomination from the coin safe based on, for example, change data, and pays them out to the coin payout outlet 209.
The banknote unit 2362 selects the banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 210 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores the banknotes in a banknote safe (not shown) by denomination. Further, the banknote unit 2362 takes out banknotes of the corresponding denomination from the banknote safe based on, for example, change data, and pays them out to the banknote payout outlet 211.

The scanner 205 scans and reads the bar code of the product held in the reading window 2051. Each product sold in a store has a barcode symbol in which a product ID for identifying the product is bar-coded. The scanner 205 reads the bar code each time the bar code symbol attached to the product is held over the reading window 2051. Further, the scanner 205 scans and reads the privilege bar code attached to the coupon, the discount coupon, or the like held on the reading window 2051. Although the privilege barcode is described as being a printed matter attached to the medium of a coupon or a discount coupon, it may be an image displayed on a terminal such as a smartphone. Benefits such as coupons and discount coupons are given a barcode symbol in which a privilege ID for identifying the privilege is bar-coded. The privilege barcode corresponds to the privilege code. Further, the scanner 205 scans and reads the clerk code held in the reading window 2051. Each clerk is given a bar code symbol in which the clerk ID for identifying the clerk is bar coded. Here, the barcode may be read as a two-dimensional data code. The scanner 205 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning a laser beam. The scanner 205 may be of a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an image pickup device such as a camera. The scanner 205 is an example of a reading unit.

The printer 237 prints, for example, receipt data representing the details of a commercial transaction on the receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the receipt data is printed is ejected from the receipt issuing port 207, cut by a cutter (not shown), and issued as a receipt.

The card reader 238 reads card data recorded on a card medium such as a credit card or a point card. The card reader 238 draws the card medium inserted into the card insertion slot 206 into the main body 200, reads the card data, and then ejects the card medium from the card insertion slot 206.

The reader / writer 213 reads and rewrites the electronic money recorded on the non-contact IC card.

The hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal 20 is not limited to the above configuration. The self-POS terminal 20 makes it possible to omit or change the above-mentioned components and add new components as appropriate.

Each part mounted on the above-mentioned CPU 231 will be described.

The CPU 231 implements an acquisition unit 2311, a registration unit 2312, a detection unit 2313, a determination unit 2314, an output unit 2315, a reflection unit 2316, and a payment processing unit 2317. Each part mounted on the CPU 231 can also be said to have each function. Each unit mounted on the CPU 231 can also be mounted on a control unit including the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233.

The acquisition unit 2311 acquires data of various codes. Although various codes are described as being read by the scanner 205, they may be input by the touch panel 203. In the following, "read by the scanner 205" may be read as "read by the scanner 205 or input by the touch panel 203". The acquisition unit 2311 acquires various information based on the acquired data. In one example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires the clerk code read by the scanner 205 and acquires the clerk information associated with the clerk code. The acquisition of the clerk code by the acquisition unit 2311 corresponds to the reading of the clerk code by the scanner 205. Acquisition of the clerk code corresponds to reading the clerk code or inputting the clerk code. The clerk information is various information associated with the clerk code, and includes information such as the validity of the clerk code and the name of the clerk. The database in which the clerk code and the clerk information are associated may be stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 234, or may be downloaded from the store server 40 or a server (not shown) to the self-POS terminal 20 via the network 50. The above database may be updated as appropriate.

The registration unit 2312 registers various information based on the data read by the scanner 205. For example, when the barcode of a product is read by the scanner 205, the registration unit 2312 registers the product sales information of the product. The product sales information is various information associated with the product ID. The product sales information may be stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 234, or may be downloaded from the store server 40 or a server (not shown) to the self-POS terminal 20 via the network 50. The above database may be updated as appropriate.

The detection unit 2313 detects a touch input to the screen by the operator on the touch panel 203. The touch input is realized by touching the screen by the operator according to various operation guides displayed on the touch panel 203. The screen on which the operation guide is displayed includes buttons for specifying the operation. The operator specifies an operation by touching the displayed button. Touch input is an example of input. The operation guide corresponds to a notification.

The determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the privilege can be applied based on the privilege information. The privilege information includes application information indicating the application date, application day of the week, application time zone, etc., privilege target information indicating the target product, target amount, etc., discount amount, discount rate, number of points granted, points, etc. Includes detailed information on benefits that indicate the grant rate, etc. The applicable information and the privilege target information may be read as the applicable conditions and the privilege target conditions, respectively. The applicable conditions are temporal conditions. The determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the privilege can be applied based on at least one of the application information, the privilege target information, and the privilege detailed information among the privilege information. Here, the privilege includes a privilege card for applying various preferential treatment systems issued by an administrative agency such as a local government, a discount coupon issued by a store, a coupon, and the like. The privilege information may be stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 234, or may be downloaded from the store server 40 or a server (not shown) to the self-POS terminal 20 via the network 50. The above database may be updated as appropriate.

The output unit 2315 outputs various operation guides.

The reflection unit 2316 enables the privilege information in response to the detection of the detection unit 2313 that the input for confirmation regarding the notification regarding the privilege use is detected. Enabling benefit information corresponds to enabling benefits.

The payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment processing. For example, the payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment processing according to the selection of the payment method by the customer, which will be described later.

The detection unit 2313 and the output unit 2315 have been described as being mounted on the CPU 231 by executing a program, but the present invention is not limited to this. The detection unit 2313 and the output unit 2315 may be realized by the touch panel 203. The detection unit 2313 and the output unit 2315 may be realized in cooperation with the CPU 231 and the touch panel 203 by executing a program.

Next, an example of the screen displayed on the touch panel 203 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the product registration screen SCa displays an operation guide Ga that prompts the customer to perform the product registration operation. Further, on the product registration screen SCa, a detail column Da for displaying the details of the registered products and a total column Db for displaying the total of the registered products are displayed. Further, on the product registration screen SCa, a department button Bb for the customer to specify the department of the product without a barcode and an "accounting" button Ba for the customer to specify the transition to the payment process are displayed. The operation guide Ga may represent the operation guide Ga as a moving image by using the moving image data. Alternatively, the operation guide Ga may be output by voice by using voice data.

First, the customer registers the purchased product according to the product registration screen SCa. The customer who confirms the product registration screen SCa takes out the items one by one from the basket placed on the basket stand 204. When the purchased product has a barcode attached, the customer holds the barcode portion on the reading window 2051. Then, the barcode is read by the scanner 205 and the purchased product is registered, so that the customer puts the purchased product in my bag or shopping bag held in the bag holder 223. If the purchased product does not have a barcode, the customer touches the corresponding department button Bb. Then, since the button group of the product without the barcode belonging to the department is displayed on the touch panel 203, the customer searches for the button of the purchased product from the button group and touches the button. Since the purchased product is registered in this way, the customer puts the purchased product in my bag or shopping bag held in the bag holder 223. In this way, when all the purchased products have been registered, the customer touches the "accounting" button Ba.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting whether or not to use the privilege displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the operation guide Gb for prompting the customer to specify whether or not to use the privilege such as the privilege card, the discount coupon, and the coupon is displayed on the privilege use selection screen SCb. The operation guide Gb corresponds to a notification prompting the input of whether or not to use the privilege. In addition, a "Yes" button Bc for the customer to specify that the privilege is to be used and a "No" button Bd for the customer to specify not to use the privilege are displayed. The operation guide Gb may be represented by a moving image by using the moving image data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gb may be output by voice by using voice data.

After the customer touches the "accounting" button Ba, the privilege use selection screen SCb is displayed on the touch panel 203. The privilege use selection screen SCb is displayed when the privilege code has not been read before the "accounting" button Ba is touched. Customers who have confirmed the award use selection screen SCb touch the "Yes" button Bc if they want to use the award card, discount coupon, coupon, etc., and if they do not use the award, the "No" button Bd. Touch.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a clerk call screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the operation guide Gc indicating that the store clerk is being called is displayed on the store clerk call screen SCc. The operation guide Gc corresponds to a notification indicating a call of a clerk. The operation guide Gc may include an operation guide for prompting the clerk to read the clerk code. It is assumed that the clerk holds the clerk code in the reading window 2051 after confirming the clerk call screen SCc. Then, the clerk code is read by the scanner 205. The operation guide Gc may be represented by a moving image by using the moving image data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gc may be output by voice by using voice data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen indicating the availability of benefits displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the operation guide Gd indicating to the clerk that the customer uses the privilege is displayed on the privilege use confirmation screen SCd. The operation guide Gd corresponds to a notification regarding the use of benefits. The operation guide Gd may include an operation guide for encouraging the clerk to operate in the POS mode. In addition, a "confirmation" button Be is displayed on the privilege use confirmation screen SCd. The clerk who confirmed the privilege use confirmation screen SCd touches the "confirmation" button Be. The operation guide Gd may be represented by a moving image by using the moving image data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gd may be output by voice by using voice data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a discount application screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the discount application screen SCe displays an operation guide Ge for indicating to the customer that the privilege has been applied. In this example, it is assumed that the discount is applied to the total amount according to the privilege information. Further, on the discount application screen SCe, a total column Dc for displaying the subtotal amount, the discount amount, and the total amount of the purchased product is displayed. Further, the "confirmation" button Bf is displayed on the discount application screen SCe. The customer who confirms the discount application screen SCe touches the "confirmation" button Bf. The operation guide Ge may be represented by a moving image by using the moving image data. Alternatively, the operation guide Ge may be output by voice by using voice data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a non-target notification screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the non-target notification screen SCf displays an operation guide Gf for indicating to the customer that the total amount or the purchased product is not subject to the privilege application. In this example, according to the privilege information, it is shown that the total amount or the purchased product is not subject to the privilege application. Further, the "confirmation" button Bg is displayed on the non-target notification screen SCf. The customer who confirms the non-target notification screen SCf touches the "confirmation" button Bg. The operation guide Gf may be represented by a moving image by using the moving image data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gf may be output by voice by using voice data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel 203 of the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in the figure, an operation guide Gg for prompting a customer to perform a payment operation is displayed on the payment screen SCg. The payment screen SCg is an example of payment display. Further, on the settlement screen SCg, a total column Dd for displaying the total amount of the purchased products is displayed. Furthermore, on the payment screen SCg, there is a "cash" button Bh for the customer to specify payment by cash, a "credit" button Bi for the customer to specify payment with a credit card, and payment with electronic money. The "electronic money" button Bj for the customer to specify is displayed. The operation guide Gg may be represented by a moving image by using the moving image data. Alternatively, the operation guide Gg may be output by voice by using voice data.

The customer who confirms the payment screen SCg selects a payment method and touches the corresponding button according to the operation guide Gg. That is, the customer who pays by cash touches the "cash" button Bh and inserts the cash into the bill insertion slot 210 or the coin insertion slot 208. Then, in the self-POS terminal 20, the deposit amount is calculated, and when the total amount is exceeded, the settlement process is executed. When the change amount is calculated in this settlement process, cash as change is paid out from the bill payout outlet 211 or the coin payout exit 209.

On the other hand, the customer who pays with a credit card touches the "credit" button Bi and inserts the credit card through the card insertion slot 206. Then, in the self-POS terminal 20, the credit card data is read by the card reader 238, and the credit card is authenticated. Then, when the credit card is authenticated, the payment process is executed.

A customer who pays with electronic money touches the "electronic money" button Bj to bring the non-contact IC card on which the electronic money is recorded closer to the reader / writer 213. Then, in the self-POS terminal 20, the balance of electronic money is read by the reader / writer 213, and if the balance is equal to or greater than the total amount, the settlement process is executed. In this payment process, the balance of electronic money is reduced by the total amount.

Next, the procedure of the purchase support process by the self-POS terminal 20 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of purchase support processing by the self-POS terminal 20 according to the embodiment.

The processing procedure described below is only an example, and each processing may be changed as much as possible. Further, with respect to the processing procedure described below, steps can be omitted, replaced, and added as appropriate according to the embodiment. The operator may read it as a customer, a clerk, or a person. Further, unless otherwise specified, the operation in the self-POS terminal 20 is an operation in the self-mode. The operator in the self-mode is usually a customer, but may be another operator such as a clerk.

First, a customer who comes to the checkout counter for checkout stands in front of a vacant self-POS terminal 20 and puts a basket containing purchased products on the basket stand 204. On the other hand, the self-POS terminal 20 is provided with a motion sensor (not shown), and when the customer stands in front of the main body 200, the purchase support process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is started. The timing for starting the purchase support process is not limited to this. For example, a sensor for detecting that a basket is placed on the basket stand 204 may be provided, and when the basket is detected by this sensor, the purchase support process may be started. Alternatively, the purchase support process may be automatically started after a certain period of time has passed after the process for the immediately preceding customer is completed.

When the purchase support process is started, the output unit 2315 displays the product registration screen SCa (see FIG. 4) on the touch panel 203. The customer operates according to the product registration screen SCa.

The registration unit 2312 registers various information based on the data read by the scanner 205 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires the barcode of the purchased product read by the scanner 205 in response to the barcode of the purchased product being read by the scanner 205. In the following, "in response" may be read as "based on". The registration unit 2312 registers the purchased product based on the barcode of the purchased product acquired by the acquisition unit 2311. When the button of the product without the barcode is touched, the registration unit 2312 detects the signal from the touch panel 203 and registers the purchased product. Next, the output unit 2315 displays the product name, the number of items sold, and the sales amount of the purchased product in the detail column Da of the product registration screen SCa. Further, the payment processing unit 2317 calculates the total points and the total amount at the present time based on the product sales information stored in the auxiliary storage device 234, and displays them in the total column Db of the product registration screen SCa. Since such a product registration process is a well-known process, the details thereof will be omitted.

The detection unit 2313 detects the accounting instruction (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the detection unit 2313 detects the touch input of the "accounting" button Ba by the customer on the product registration screen SCa (see FIG. 4). For example, the detection unit 2313 detects that the “accounting” button Ba is touched by the signal from the touch panel 203.

The determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the privilege can be applied based on the privilege information in response to the detection of the accounting instruction by the detection unit 2313 (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the privilege can be applied based on at least one of the application information, the privilege target information, and the privilege detailed information among the privilege information stored in the auxiliary storage device 234. For example, the determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the date and time when the accounting instruction is detected by the detection unit 2313 is the date and time to which the privilege can be applied, based on the application information.

For example, assume that Friday is set as a privilegeable day of the week in the application information. In this case, the determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the date on which the accounting instruction is detected is Friday from the date and time information indicating the date and time when the accounting instruction was detected by the detection unit 2313. Judgment unit 2314 determines that the privilege can be applied if the day when the accounting instruction is detected is Friday. The information set in the applicable information is not limited to the day of the week, but may be a specific date (for example, 10th, 20th, etc.), a specific time zone (for example, "until 4:00 pm", etc.) and the like. Further, when the day of the week or the date is set in the application information, a flag indicating that the privilege can be applied may be set in advance in the auxiliary storage device 234. For example, the flag when it is an applicable date is set to "1", and the flag when it is not an applicable date is set to "0". The flag may be automatically set or reset by the time information of the self-POS terminal 20, or may be set or reset by the manual operation of the clerk. Flag information is included in the application information. In this case, the determination unit 2314 determines that the privilege can be applied when the flag is set to "1". On the other hand, the determination unit 2314 determines that the privilege cannot be applied when the flag is set to "0".

When the determination unit 2314 determines that the privilege can be applied (ACT3: YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. The fact that the determination unit 2314 determines that the privilege can be applied is an example of the privilege being applicable. When the determination unit 2314 determines that the privilege cannot be applied (ACT3: NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT10. The fact that the determination unit 2314 determines that the privilege is not applicable is an example of the fact that the privilege is not applicable.

The output unit 2315 outputs a notification prompting the input of whether or not the privilege is used in response to the determination by the determination unit 2314 that the privilege is applicable (ACT4). In the ACT 4, for example, the output unit 2315 displays the privilege use selection screen SCb (see FIG. 5) on the touch panel 203.

The detection unit 2313 detects the input of whether or not the privilege is used (ACT5). In the ACT 5, for example, the detection unit 2313 detects the touch input of the “yes” button Bc or the “no” button Bd by the customer on the privilege use selection screen SCb. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects that the “Yes” button Bc or the “No” button Bd is touched by the signal from the touch panel 203. The customer touches the "Yes" button Bc to input that the privilege is used, and touches the "No" button Bd to input that the privilege is not used.

According to this example, the self-POS terminal 20 can confirm with the customer whether or not the privilege is used before performing the payment processing. Therefore, the self-POS terminal 20 can prevent the customer from forgetting to use the privilege. Further, since the privilege can be applied before the payment processing is performed, the self-POS terminal 20 can simplify the payment processing as compared with the case where the privilege is applied after the payment processing. Further, since the self-POS terminal 20 outputs the notification only when the privilege can be applied, the process of outputting the notification can be reduced. Customers can be effectively alerted to the use of benefits.

When the touch input of the "Yes" button Bc is detected by the detection unit 2313 (ACT5: YES), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT6. The fact that the touch input of the "Yes" button Bc is detected by the detection unit 2313 is an example of the touch input of the "Yes" button Bc. When the touch input of the "No" button Bd is detected by the detection unit 2313 (ACT5: NO), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT10. The fact that the touch input of the "No" button Bd is detected by the detection unit 2313 is an example of the touch input of the "No" button Bd.

The output unit 2315 outputs a notification indicating the call of the clerk in response to the detection of the input indicating that the privilege is used by the detection unit 2313 (ACT6). In ACT6, for example, the output unit 2315 causes the clerk call screen SCc (see FIG. 6) to be displayed on the touch panel 203. Further, the output unit 2315 may issue the light emitting unit 2021 of the display pole 202 to notify the clerk of the call. When the clerk who received the call confirms the clerk call screen SCc, he / she holds the clerk code in the reading window 2051 and the scanner 205 reads the clerk code.

The acquisition unit 2311 acquires the clerk information based on the acquired clerk code (ACT7). In the ACT 7, for example, the acquisition unit 2311 acquires the store clerk code read by the scanner 205 after the output unit 2315 outputs a notification indicating the call of the store clerk. The acquisition unit 2311 acquires the clerk information associated with the clerk code from the auxiliary storage device 234 based on the acquired clerk code.

The output unit 2315 outputs a notification regarding the use of the privilege in response to the acquisition of the clerk information by the acquisition unit 2311 (ACT8). The acquisition of the clerk information by the acquisition unit 2311 is an example of the acquisition of the clerk code by the acquisition unit 2311. In the ACT 8, for example, the output unit 2315 displays the privilege use confirmation screen SCd (see FIG. 7) on the touch panel 203. In the ACT 8, for example, the detection unit 2313 detects the input of confirmation about the notification regarding the privilege use by the clerk on the privilege use confirmation screen SCd. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects the touch input of the "confirmation" button Be. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects that the "confirmation" button Be is touched by the signal from the touch panel 203. When the touch input of the "confirmation" button Be is detected by the detection unit 2313 (ACT8: YES), the process transitions from ACT8 to ACT9. When the touch input of the "confirmation" button Be is not detected by the detection unit 2313 (ACT8: NO), the process transitions from ACT8 to ACT10.

According to this example, the self-POS terminal 20 can output a notification regarding the use of the privilege in response to the acquisition of the clerk information. As a result, the self-POS terminal 20 can notify the clerk of the reason for calling the clerk. The clerk can deal with it without asking the customer the reason for the call.

The reflection unit 2316 enables the privilege information in response to the detection of the confirmation input by the detection unit 2313 (ACT9). In one example, the reflection unit 2316 compares the total amount calculated by the payment processing unit 2317 with the privilege target information stored in the auxiliary storage device 234. Next, the reflection unit 2316 determines whether or not the total amount satisfies the privilege target condition. When the total amount meets the privilege target condition, the reflection unit 2316 applies the discount amount or the discount rate indicated by the privilege detailed information to the total amount. In another example, the reflection unit 2316 compares the purchased product registered by the registration unit 2312 with the privilege target information stored in the auxiliary storage device 234. Next, the reflection unit 2316 determines whether or not the purchased product satisfies the privilege target condition. When the purchased product meets the privilege target conditions, the reflection unit 2316 applies the discount amount or the discount rate indicated by the privilege detailed information to the total amount. In addition, the reflection unit 2316 may reflect the point grant according to the point grant rate indicated by the privilege detailed information on the total amount of the purchased products. Since the process of giving points is a well-known process, the details thereof will be omitted.

According to this example, the self-POS terminal 20 can enable the privilege information in response to detecting the confirmation input. As a result, the clerk can enable the privilege information without requiring complicated operations.

When the reflection unit 2316 determines that the total amount or the purchased product does not meet the privilege target condition, the output unit 2315 outputs an invalid notification indicating that the privilege is invalid. For example, the output unit 2315 causes the touch panel 203 to display the non-target notification screen SCf (see FIG. 9). For example, the detection unit 2313 detects the input of confirmation about the invalidation notification by the clerk on the non-target notification screen SCf. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects the touch input of the "confirmation" button Bg. For example, the detection unit 2313 detects that the “confirmation” button Bg is touched by the signal from the touch panel 203. When the touch input of the "confirmation" button Bg is detected by the detection unit 2313, the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT10.

According to this example, since the privilege is reflected by the operation of the clerk, the self-POS terminal 20 can prevent the unauthorized use of the privilege. Further, even for a privilege to which a privilege code or the like is not given, the clerk can visually confirm the effectiveness and reflect the privilege.

The payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment processing (ACT10). In the ACT 10, for example, the output unit 2315 causes the payment screen SCg (see FIG. 10) to be displayed on the touch panel 203. The output unit 2315 displays the amount of money in which the privilege detailed information is reflected in the total column Dd of the payment screen SCg. When the detection unit 2313 detects that the "cash" button Bh is touched by the signal from the touch panel 203, the payment processing unit 2317 executes the payment processing by cash payment. Similarly, when the detection unit 2313 detects that the "credit" button Bi is touched, the payment processing unit 2317 executes payment processing by credit card payment. When the detection unit 2313 detects that the "electronic money" button Bj is touched, the payment processing unit 2317 executes payment processing using electronic money. In this payment process, payment information including the total amount, payment method, payment amount, etc. is stored in the auxiliary storage device 234. Since such a payment process is a well-known process, the details thereof will be omitted.

When the payment process is completed, the output unit 2315 causes the touch panel 203 to display a payment end screen (not shown).

In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 2314 has been described as determining whether or not the privilege can be applied based on the application information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 2314 may determine whether or not the privilege can be applied based on the privilege target information in addition to the application information or instead of the application information. In this case, the determination unit 2314 compares the total amount calculated by the payment processing unit 2317 with the privilege target information stored in the auxiliary storage device 234. Next, the determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the total amount satisfies the privilege target condition. Judgment unit 2314 determines that the privilege can be applied when the total amount meets the privilege target condition. In another example, the determination unit 2314 compares the purchased product registered by the registration unit 2312 with the privilege target information stored in the auxiliary storage device 234. Next, the determination unit 2314 determines whether or not the purchased product satisfies the privilege target condition. Judgment unit 2314 determines that the award can be applied when the purchased product meets the award target condition. According to this example, the self-POS terminal 20 can determine whether or not the privilege can be applied according to the total amount or the purchased product. The self-POS terminal 20 does not need to call a clerk when the total amount or the purchased product is not covered by the privilege. Therefore, the self-POS terminal 20 can reduce the processing of the clerk call.

In the above-described embodiment, the self-POS terminal 20 is exemplified, but at least a part of the functions of the self-POS terminal 20 of the present embodiment can be realized in the POS terminal in which the clerk performs the operation from the registration of the purchased product to the settlement. May be. Further, at least a part of the functions of the self-POS terminal 20 of the present embodiment may be realized in the so-called semi-self-type payment device (accounting device) in which the clerk registers the purchased product and the customer makes the payment. Further, the self-POS terminal 20 of the present embodiment has a so-called cart POS terminal in which a product scanner and a dedicated terminal operated by a customer are attached to a cart, or a so-called smartphone POS terminal for performing product registration on a terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone. At least some of the functions may be feasible.

The purchase support device may be realized by one device as described by taking the self-POS terminal 20 as an example, or may be realized by a system in which the functions are distributed to a plurality of devices.

The transfer of the purchase support device is generally performed in a state where the program is stored in the main memory or the auxiliary storage device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program may be transferred without being stored in the main memory or the auxiliary storage device. Then, in this case, the program transferred separately from the purchase support device is written in the writable storage device included in the purchase support device according to the operation of the user or the like. The program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communicating via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and the apparatus can read it. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be one that realizes the function in cooperation with the OS (operating system) or the like inside the device.

In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 ... self-checkout system, 20 ... self-POS terminal, 30 ... attendant terminal, 40 ... store server, 50 ... network, 200 ... main unit, 201 ... scale unit, 202 ... display pole, 203 ... touch panel, 204 ... basket stand, 205 ... Scanner, 206 ... Card slot, 207 ... Receipt issuing slot, 208 ... Coin slot, 209 ... Coin payout port, 210 ... Banknote slot, 211 ... Banknote payout port, 212 ... Communication cable, 213 ... Reader / writer , 214 ... stand, 221 ... housing, 222 ... scale plate, 223 ... bag holder, 234 ... auxiliary storage device, 235 ... communication interface, 236 ... automatic change machine, 237 ... printer, 238 ... card reader, 239 ... system transmission Road, 2021 ... light emitting unit, 2051 ... reading window, 2221 ... mounting surface, 2231 ... holding arm, 2311 ... acquisition unit, 2312 ... registration unit, 2313 ... detection unit, 2314 ... judgment unit, 2315 ... output unit, 2316 ... Reflection unit, 2317 ... Payment processing unit, 2361 ... Coin unit, 2362 ... Banknote unit, SCa ... Product registration screen, SCb ... Bonus usage selection screen, SCc ... Clerk call screen, SCd ... Bonus usage confirmation screen, SCe ... Discount application screen , SCf ... Not applicable notification screen, SCg ... Payment screen.

Claims (5)

A detector that detects accounting instructions and
In response to the detection of the accounting instruction by the detection unit, if the privilege can be applied based on the privilege information, an output unit that outputs a notification prompting input of whether or not the privilege is used, and an output unit.
Equipped with
The detection unit detects the input of whether or not the privilege is used, and the detection unit detects it.
The output unit outputs a notification indicating a call of a clerk in response to the detection of the input indicating that the privilege is used by the detection unit.
Purchase support device. Further equipped with an acquisition department to acquire the clerk code,
The output unit outputs a notification regarding the use of benefits in response to the acquisition of the clerk code by the acquisition unit.
The purchase support device according to claim 1. The detection unit detects the input of confirmation about the notification regarding the use of the privilege, and detects the input.
A reflection unit for validating the privilege information in response to the detection of the confirmation input by the detection unit is further provided.
The purchase support device according to claim 2. Detecting accounting instructions and
In response to the detection of the accounting instruction, if the privilege can be applied based on the privilege information, a notification prompting the input of whether or not the privilege is used is output.
Detecting the input of whether or not to use the benefits and
In response to the detection of the input indicating that there is a privilege use, a notification indicating the call of the clerk is output, and
Purchasing support method. On the computer
A detection function that detects accounting instructions and
In response to the detection of the accounting instruction, if the privilege can be applied based on the privilege information, an output function that outputs a notification prompting the input of whether or not the privilege is used, and an output function.
A detection function that detects the input of the presence or absence of privilege use, and
An output function that outputs a notification indicating a clerk's call in response to the detection of an input indicating that there is a privilege use, and an output function.
Information processing program to execute.

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