JP4564032B2 - Product sales data processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing apparatus capable of displaying image data as merchandise information on a display unit that displays various types of information.

  Conventionally, merchandise sales data processing devices have been introduced in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. As an example, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus constitutes a POS register together with a drawer. The POS cash register is operated by the cashier. As another example, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus constitutes a self-checkout terminal together with a settlement unit and a weighing unit. The self-checkout terminal is operated by the customer.

  The product sales data processing apparatus includes a product code input unit for inputting a product code for specifying a product and a display unit for displaying various information. Then, the merchandise sales data processing device executes merchandise sales data processing for registering the merchandise purchased by the customer as a purchased merchandise based on the merchandise code input for each transaction. Various types of information are displayed on the display unit in order to support device operations performed by operators such as cashiers and customers. Various types of information displayed on the display unit include, for example, device operation guidance, unit price of purchased products, product display such as product names, transaction information including transaction amounts and change amounts.

  Patent Document 1 describes a product sales data processing device that displays image data related to a product specified by an input product code on a display unit as a product display.

JP-A-8-1224028

  The merchandise sales data processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires image data for the number of types of merchandise. For the store headquarters (hereinafter referred to as “headquarters”), it is a heavy burden to prepare image data for the number of types of products. Therefore, the headquarters concludes a license agreement with the licensee who owns the image data generated based on the design created by the illustrator or designer, and the image data for using the image data owned by the licensee for the merchandise sales data processing device May be used as If the license agreement for image data is defined in the license agreement, the use of the image data by the headquarters as the licensee after the license agreement expires.

  However, in order to comply with the contract signed with the licensor, the headquarters as the licensee always knows the contract expiration date, deletes the image data after the license expiration date, and deletes the image data after the license expiration date. It is necessary not to display on the display unit. In order to prevent the headquarters from using the image data without noticing that the license expiration date has passed, it is necessary for the licensee to frequently contact the headquarters to comply with the license term.

  An object of the present invention is to appropriately use image data in accordance with a license agreement.

Means for solving the above-described problems in the present invention is a product sales data processing apparatus that includes a display unit that displays various information, and displays image data of various products and various patterns on the display unit. Authentication information is defined, and a storage unit that stores image data and a usage permission period of the image data in association with each other, and an authentication information input unit for inputting second authentication information, the first authentication When comparing the information and the second authentication information input by the authentication information input means, and determining that the first authentication information and the input second authentication information are identical, Update the license agreement expiration date stored in the storage unit, acquire the image data to be displayed on the display unit and the corresponding license agreement expiration date from the storage unit, and the acquired license agreement expiration date is the current time Before If it is determined that there is not displaying the image data on the display unit, a merchandise sales data processing apparatus.

Further, in the present invention, means for solving the above-described problems includes a product code input unit for inputting a product code for specifying a product and a display unit for displaying various information. A merchandise sales data processing apparatus for displaying image data of various products and various patterns for supporting a selection operation of a category for classifying various products on the display unit, wherein the first authentication information is defined and the department is specified A storage unit that stores image data and a use permission period of the image data in association with each other, and authentication information input means for inputting second authentication information, the first authentication When comparing the information and the second authentication information input by the authentication information input means, and determining that the first authentication information and the input second authentication information are identical, Update the use license expiration date stored in the storage unit, retrieve the storage unit, obtain the image data corresponding to the department code of the department to be displayed on the display unit and the use license expiration date, and The product sales data processing apparatus does not display the image data on the display unit when it is determined that the usage permission period is before the current time .

Further, in the present invention, means for solving the above-described problems includes a product code input unit for inputting a product code for specifying a product and a display unit for displaying various information. A merchandise sales data processing apparatus for displaying image data of various products and various patterns for supporting a product registration operation including a product code input operation on the display unit, wherein first authentication information is defined, A storage unit for storing the image data and the expiration date for use of the image data in association with each other; and an authentication information input unit for inputting second authentication information; and the first authentication information and the authentication When the second authentication information input by the information input means is compared and it is determined that the first authentication information and the input second authentication information are identical, the storage unit The stored license agreement is updated, and the image data corresponding to the product code input by the product code input unit by searching the storage unit during the product sales data processing of one transaction The merchandise sales data processing apparatus is configured to acquire and to display the image data on the display unit when it is determined that the acquired use permission information is before the current time .

  According to the present invention, when the use permission information corresponding to the image data indicates that the use of the image is not permitted, the image data is not displayed on the display unit. Can be used appropriately.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus of this embodiment is applied to a self-checkout terminal that enables a self-checkout operation by a customer.

  The description of the present embodiment will be made along the following items.

1. System configuration (1) Overview of system configuration (2) Self-checkout terminal Self-checkout processing (1) Basic routine of self-checkout processing (2) Screen transition during self-checkout processing (3) Product information registration by screen input (4) Weight check processing
(1) Process flow
(2) Skip weight check processing (5) Register product information for packed products
(1) Packing product input method
(2) Second weight check process (6) Cancel specification (7) Call specification (8) Settlement (9) Checker mode 3. License expiration date determination process License extension extension update processing The following will be described in the order of the above items.
1. System Configuration (1) Overview of System Configuration FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall system configuration. The system according to the present embodiment is constructed by connecting a plurality of self-checkout systems 11, a POS terminal 21, and a store controller 31 via a communication network 41.

  The self-checkout system 11 is configured by assigning one attendant terminal 501 that is connected to a plurality of self-checkout terminals 101 so as to be capable of data communication. The self-checkout terminal 101 includes a settlement terminal 201 and a scale device 301.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an arrangement state of each part in the self-checkout system 11. In the self-checkout system 11 of this embodiment, one attendant terminal 501 is assigned to four self-checkout terminals 101. The self-checkout terminal 101 is arranged such that a pair of self-checkout terminals 101 are arranged in parallel along the customer passage 121, and the pair of self-checkout terminals 101 face the front side via the customer passage 121. Has been.

  At the end of the customer passage 121, an attendant terminal 501 as a host device is arranged. The attendant terminal 501 has a form of a personal computer having a main body 502, a display 503 as a host device display unit, a keyboard 504, and a pointing device 505 as an operation unit, and is placed on the attendant table 601. Has been.

The customer can access any self-checkout terminal 101 through the customer passage 121. For example, when trying to use the self-checkout terminal 101 located on the upper right side in FIG. 2 and located on the left side in the traveling direction when viewed from the customer, stand in front of the self-checkout terminal 101 through the customer passage 121, After the self-checkout, the user walks around to the left or right in front of the attendant table 601 and leaves.
(2) Self-Checkout Terminal FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the self-checkout terminal 101. The self-checkout terminal 101 includes a settlement terminal 201 and a scale device 301.

  The settlement terminal 201 has a housing 202 from which a product basket mounting table 102 for mounting a bag (not shown) containing products to be purchased by a customer protrudes from the left side. On the upper surface of the commodity basket mounting table 102, a protrusion 103 for positioning the basket is formed in an L shape.

  The housing 202 of the payment terminal 201 includes a base housing 202a installed on the floor and a small upper housing 202b placed on the upper surface of the base housing 202a. The front surface of the base housing 202a is inclined so as to narrow the projected area of the base housing 202a as it goes downward. As a result, the base housing 202a has a shape that is offset toward the back as it goes downward.

  Various user interfaces are provided in the upper housing 202b. That is, in the upper housing 202b, a barcode scanner 203 as a product code input unit is arranged on the left side, and a printer cover 204 and a monitoring camera 205 are arranged on the right side. These barcode scanner 203, printer cover 204, and monitoring camera are arranged. Between 205, a card reading unit 206 and a numeric keypad 207 as a settlement unit are arranged. The numeric keypad 207 functions as an input unit for inputting various data such as prices and purchase points, and also functions as a product code input unit for inputting a product code expressed in numbers. The barcode scanner 203 is a vertical scanner that functions as a product code input unit that reads a product code attached to a product. The printer cover 204 is provided with a receipt issuing port 208. A receipt printer 251 (see FIG. 4) is built in the upper housing 202b on the back side of the printer cover 204, and a receipt (not shown) printed by the receipt printer 251 is issued from a receipt issuing port 208. Yes. The printer cover 204 is attached to the upper housing 202b so as to be openable and closable, and is opened by pulling the flap 209. The monitoring camera 205 is disposed above the printer cover 204. The card reading unit 206 establishes wireless communication with a non-contact IC card (not shown), and reads / writes information from / to the non-contact IC card. As an example, the non-contact IC card can store and save electronic money having a value equivalent to cash. As another example, the contactless IC card stores and stores an identification number for identifying a debited bank account. Used. In FIG. 3, an antenna (not shown) is built in the back side of the portion marked “CARD” in the circle, and wireless communication with the non-contact IC card is established through this antenna. The numeric keypad 207 is used for inputting a personal identification number at the time of settlement with a non-contact IC card.

  An LCD 210 serving as a display unit having a liquid crystal display panel is attached to the upper housing 202b. The LCD 210 has a touch panel 211 as an input unit on its display surface and a card reading groove 212 on the right side. A card reader / writer 252 (see FIG. 4) as a settlement unit is built in the card reading groove 212. The card reader / writer 252 reads information recorded on a magnetic card such as a credit card, for example, a card number or a password.

  The base housing 202a incorporates a coin / banknote deposit / withdrawal device 221 (see FIG. 4). As a part of the deposit / withdrawal device 221, a coin insertion slot 213 is disposed on the central upper surface of the base housing 202a, and a coin payout outlet 214 is disposed on the left side thereof. In addition, a bill insertion slot 215 and a bill dispensing outlet 216 are arranged at the upper right position on the front surface of the base housing. Such a deposit / withdrawal apparatus 221 has a mechanism unit that enables handling of money and banknotes and a control unit that controls the mechanism unit (both not shown). About the structure of such a mechanism part, the process procedure in a control part, etc., since the content is known, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Further, a display pole 217 as an informing unit for displaying the current state of the self-checkout terminal 101 is erected from the back surface of the base housing 202a. The display pole 217 has a light emitting portion 218 that selectively emits blue and red light at the tip.

  The scale device 301 is configured such that a scale pan 303 is provided on an upper portion of a scale housing 302, and a bag holder 304 is attached to the scale pan 303. The weighing pan 303 has a mounting table 303a on its upper surface. The bag holder 304 is attached to the mounting table 303a. A temporary placing table 306 for placing an article is erected on the rear central portion of the placing table 303a. The temporary placement table 306 is a table that has a flat upper surface and is used for temporarily placing products after the barcode is read by the barcode scanner 203 of the payment terminal 201. Both the mounting table 303a and the temporary mounting table 306 play a role as a mounting unit for mounting a product to which a product code is input.

  The scale device 301 includes therein a load cell unit (not shown) that supports the four corners of the scale pan 303 and places the scale pan 303 thereon. The output signal of the load cell unit is amplified by an amplifier, converted to a digital signal by an analog / digital converter (AD / C), and analyzed by a calculation unit. The scale device 301 outputs weight data, which is an analysis result, to the settlement terminal 201. The transmission of the weight data to the settlement terminal 201 is periodically performed as an example at regular intervals. As another example, the weight data is periodically transmitted after the user specifies the start of the self-checkout process. Is executed automatically. In this case, the cycle is desirably a short cycle such as several μsec to several hundred μsec.

  The control unit 253 of the payment terminal 201 starts the self-checkout process by, for example, touching the selection button A1 with the touch panel 211 in the initial initial guidance screen A (refer to the first column and the first row from the left in FIG. 8). Is specified, it waits to receive weight data. When the control unit 253 of the payment terminal 201 determines to receive weight data, the control unit 253 temporarily stores the received weight data in the RAM 254 as the current weight.

  When the start of the self-checkout process is designated, the control unit 253 of the payment terminal 201 generates a weight check file capable of temporarily storing the current weight and the original weight in the RAM 254. Then, the control unit 253 of the settlement terminal 201 updates and stores the weight data transmitted from the scale device 301 as a current weight in a weight check file (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical hardware configuration of the payment terminal 201. The payment terminal 201 has a control unit 253 as an information processing unit therein. For example, the control unit 253 may have a semiconductor chip configuration in which an operation sequence is written, or may have a microcomputer configuration in which an operation program is stored in the RAM 254 or the like. Here, the control unit 253 having a microcomputer configuration will be introduced.

  The CPU 255 is the core of the control unit 253. The CPU 255 is connected via a system bus 259 to a ROM 256 that stores fixed data in a fixed manner, a RAM 254 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner, a VRAM 257 that generates a display image to be displayed on the LCD 210, and an HDD 258. Yes. The RAM 254, ROM 256, and HDD 258 constitute a storage unit that stores various types of information. As an example, the HDD 258 includes various programs such as an operation program, various display frames, a PLU file PF (see FIG. 5A), a department file, a weight data file WDF (see FIG. 5B), an image file, a sales file, and the like. Files etc. (all not shown except PLU file PF and weight data file WDF) are stored and saved, and all or part of these operation programs, various display frames, various files and various rule information are settled. When the terminal 201 is activated, it is moved to the RAM 254 and used. These PLU file PF, weight data file WDF, department file, image file, sales file, and other various files constitute a product data file.

  The operation program includes NTP (Network Time Protocol). The NTP connects the self-checkout terminal 101 to a higher-order NTP server (not shown) via the communication network 41, and adjusts the current time grasped by the control unit 253 based on the current time grasped by the higher-order NTP server. It is a program for realizing a function to grasp the current time. The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 executes NTP simultaneously with activation. Therefore, the self-checkout terminal 101 can recognize an accurate current time while being activated.

  The PLU file PF that constitutes the product data file is associated with the product code that identifies each product, in addition to the unit price, product display, discount product type, discount amount, M & M (mix and match) information, usage The license agreement expiration date as license information is stored in a rewritable manner. The product display includes text data of the product name of the product specified by the product code and image data of the product.

  The department file that constitutes the product data file is associated with a department code that identifies a department that classifies various products that are not stored in the PLU file PF, and the unit price, product display, discount product type, discount amount, M & M (mix And match) information and the like are stored in a rewritable manner. The product display includes text data of the product name of the product specified by the department code and image data of the product. This department may be classified without distinguishing between various products stored in the PLU file PF and various products not stored in the PLU file PF.

  In addition to the image data stored in the PLU file PF or department file as a component for displaying the product, the HDD 258 selects a product selection operation or device performed by an operator of the self-checkout terminal 101 (for example, a store clerk or a customer). In order to support the operation, support image data displayed on the LCD 210 is stored. The support image data is stored in the HDD 258 so as to correspond to the expiration date of use.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a PLU file PF that constitutes a product data file. The PLU file PF stores a product name, a unit price, image data, and an expiration date for use corresponding to the product code. The product name is text data corresponding to the name of the product corresponding to the product code.

  As an example, the image data is obtained by converting a design of a product corresponding to a product code into binary data. As a data format of binary data, for example, various formats such as a JPEG format, a BMP format, a GIF format, and a PNG format can be adopted.

  As another example, the image data may be text data corresponding to an image file name for specifying an image file constituting the product data file. In this case, the image file that is the substance of the image data is stored in the HDD 510 (see FIG. 6) of the attendant terminal 501 as a higher-level device that is connected so as to be capable of data communication, and the image data stored in the PLU file PF is communication. An address for specifying the storage position of the image file on the network 41 may be used. An example of an address for specifying the storage location of the image file is a network path or a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier).

  The use license time limit is time data indicating a use license time limit at which the headquarters as the licensee can use the image data licensed for use according to the license agreement. This usage permission period may be defined in either time units or date units.

  The PLU file PF as described above may include a department file as another example.

  Note that the PLU file PF also stores an update password in association with the product code. The renewal password is used when renewing the extension of the license period. This update password is stored in the PLU file PF after being subjected to processing such as encryption and invisibility so that a person other than the licensee of the license agreement cannot recognize. A password verification program for verifying the updated password and the input extended password (described later with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22) is stored and saved in the HDD 258 as part of the operation program. Details of the update password, the extended password, and the password verification program will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the weight data file WDF that constitutes the product data file. The weight data file WDF corresponds to the product code, the set weight (g), the weight check execution presence / absence definition, the product placement location definition (bag packing skip), the allowable value type definition, the upper limit allowable value, the lower limit allowable value, and The weight update flag is stored. Such a weight data file WDF may be included in the PLU file PF and the department file as another example.

  The set weight (g) stores a set value of the weight of the product specified by the product code.

  As described above, the weight check execution definition is definition information for storing the weight check execution in association with each product code. The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 interprets that “0” does not check the weight and “1” does the weight check during the weight check execution definition. As an example, a product that is not checked for weight is a product that is too light to fit into the weighing by the weighing device 301, or a product that is too heavy to be moved to the mounting table 303a of the weighing device 301. Such a weight check execution presence / absence definition may be included in the PLU file PF as another example.

  The product placement location definition (bag packing skip) is a placement platform 303a (not weight skipped) and a temporary placement table 306 (weight skipped (weighing)) as product placement locations where the barcode is read by the barcode scanner 203. ) Or floor surface (weight skipping (weight)) is defined for each product. During the weight check execution definition, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 sets “0” to the mounting table 303a (does not skip weight), “1” temporarily mounts the table 306 (skip weight (metering)), “2” "Is interpreted as a floor (weight skipping (weight)). As another example, the product placement location definition can be included in the PLU file PF. Further, as another example, characteristic information of the product, for example, characteristic information such as easy to break, easy to break, easy to lose shape, heavy, etc. is stored in the PLU file PF etc. For a product having the characteristic of being easy to perform, the temporary placement table 306 is defined as the placement location, and for a product having the characteristic of being heavy, the floor is defined as the placement location. As another example, a floor surface is defined as a place for placing a commodity after reading a barcode when the weight stored in the weight data file WDF is heavier than a specified weight.

  The allowable value type definition is information for determining whether the allowable width with respect to the set weight (g) is a ratio or an upper limit value and a lower limit value. That is, in the weight check process, a comparison process between the actual measured weight by the scale device 301 and the weight stored in the set weight (g) is executed. Set the width. The permissible width is obtained as a ratio with respect to the weight value stored in the set weight (g) according to the definition stored in the permissible value type definition, or is obtained as an upper limit value and a lower limit value that are numerically set.

  The upper limit allowable value and the lower limit allowable value store numerical information for determining the allowable range for the set weight (g). In the case where the allowable value type definition sets the ratio to the weight value stored in the set weight (g) as the allowable width, the numerical values stored in the upper limit allowable value and the lower limit allowable value are numerical values of%. In addition, in the tolerance type definition, the upper limit value and the lower limit value for the weight value stored in the set weight (g) are specific numerical values. In this case, the numerical values stored in the upper limit allowable value and the lower limit allowable value are specific. The numerical value itself.

  The weight update flag stores whether or not the weight registration process is executed. The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 interprets “0” not updated, “1” automatically updated, “2” manually updated, and “3” individually updated in the weight update flag. Default value if not updated. The automatic update is performed by executing a weight registration process. Manual update is performed manually. The individual update is performed by correcting manually after the automatic update.

  Returning to the description of the block diagram showing the electrical hardware configuration of the payment terminal 201 shown in FIG. The control unit 253 includes a barcode scanner 203, an LCD 210, a touch panel 211, a card reading unit 206, a numeric keypad 207, a card reader / writer 252, a receipt printer 251, a monitoring camera 205, a light emitting unit 218 as a notification unit, and a deposit / withdrawal device 221. An interface 260 that mediates data communication between them is connected via a system bus 259 and is controlled by the control unit 253. The control unit 253 controls each of these units, a product sales data process including a process of waiting for an input of a product code, a search process, a license expiration date determination process, a weight check process, and a product information registration process, a settlement process, Execute.

  In the search process, when a barcode attached to a product is read by the barcode scanner 203, the product code specified by the barcode is recognized, and the product code is searched by searching the PLU file PF and the weight data file WDF. Is a process of acquiring the unit price, weight, and product display corresponding to. The control unit 253 of the payment terminal 201 according to the present embodiment also acquires the use permission time limit of the image data constituting the product display in the search process. The control unit 253 temporarily stores in the RAM 254 the input product code, the unit price, weight, product display (product name, image data) acquired by executing the search process, and the expiration date for use of the image data.

  The use permission time limit determination process is a process for comparing the use permission time limit acquired by the search process with the current time and determining whether the image data may be displayed on the display unit.

  The weight check process is a process for determining whether or not the weight of the product from which the barcode measured by the scale device 301 is read after the barcode is read is identical to the weight acquired by the search process. Whether or not they are identical is determined by whether the weight of the product obtained based on the weight measured by the scale device 301 is an allowable width of the weight obtained by the search process (for example, between the upper limit value and the lower limit value), that is, the weight range. This is done by determining whether it is in place.

  In the product information registration process, when the barcode attached to the product is read by the barcode scanner 203, the product code specified by the barcode, the unit price searched by the search processing based on the specified product code, This is a process for temporarily registering transaction information including “” in the RAM 254.

  The settlement process is a process for calculating a settlement amount based on the unit price acquired by the search process and executing settlement of the settlement amount. The settlement amount is calculated by calculating the total sales amount including the necessary consumption tax calculation according to the closing operation on the touch panel 211, and is temporarily registered in the RAM 254 or the like or registered in the sales file. In the payment process, the calculated payment amount enables payment using a magnetic card such as cash, a credit card, electronic money, or a contactless IC card that stores and stores an identification number for specifying a bank account. The handling of cash is executed by the deposit / withdrawal device 221 provided in the base housing 202a, and the handling of the magnetic card is executed by the card reader / writer 252 provided in the card reading groove 212 to handle the non-contact IC card. Is executed via the card reading unit 206.

  In the present embodiment, the concept of product sales data processing is used as a broad concept including processing for waiting for input of a product code, search processing, weight check processing, product information registration processing, and the like. Therefore, in order to support such merchandise sales data processing in a broad sense, the control unit 253 of the settlement terminal 201 displays an operation method on the LCD 210 for the convenience of the customer.

A communication interface 261 is also connected to the control unit 253 via the system bus 259. The communication interface 261 is connected to the communication network 41 and realizes data communication between the attendant terminal 501 and the store controller 31 and the self-checkout terminal 101.
(3) Attendant Terminal FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical hardware configuration of the attendant terminal 501. The attendant terminal 501 is a microcomputer structurally. That is, the attendant terminal 501 is mainly composed of a microcomputer as an information processing unit that executes information processing. Therefore, the attendant terminal 501 has a CPU 506 that forms the core of the microcomputer. Then, a ROM 507 that fixedly stores fixed data, a RAM 508 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner, a VRAM 509 that generates a display image to be displayed on the display 503, and an HDD 510 are connected to the CPU 506 via the system bus 511. Connected through. As an example, the HDD 510 stores and stores operation programs, various display frames, various files, etc. (all not shown), and all or part of these operation programs, various display frames, various files, etc. are attendant. When the terminal 501 is activated, it is moved to the RAM 508 and used.

  The display 503, the keyboard 504, and the pointing device 505 described above are connected to the CPU 506 through the system bus 511 together with the interface 512 and the communication interface 513, and are controlled by the CPU 506.

  The communication interface 513 is connected to the communication network 41 and realizes data communication between the self-checkout terminal 101 and the store controller 31 and the attendant terminal 501.

In such a configuration, the self-checkout terminal 101 enables self-checkout. At this time, the control unit 253 of the settlement terminal 201 and the calculation unit (not shown) of the scale device 301 perform various calculation processes, drive control processes of the respective units, and the like to support the self-checkout process. That is, the payment terminal 201 displays various user support screens on the LCD 210 and executes the above-described merchandise sales data processing and payment processing. The scale device 301 transmits and outputs the measured weight value to the settlement terminal 201 so as to support the weight check process at the settlement terminal 201. Hereinafter, the flow of the self-checkout process will be described using a flowchart showing the flow of processing, various screen examples, screen transition examples, and the like.
2. Self-Checkout Process (1) Basic Routine of Self-Checkout Process FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the self-checkout process at the self-checkout terminal 101. The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 is on standby for determining whether or not a product code has been input (step S11). The product code is input by reading the bar code by the bar code scanner 203 or by an input operation on the touch panel 211 in accordance with the display on the LCD 210.

  The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 waits for the input of the product code (step S11), and when determining the input of the product code (Y in step S11), executes the search process (step S12). As a result, as described above, the unit price, weight, product display (product name and image data) corresponding to the input product code, and the expiration date for use are acquired and temporarily stored in the RAM 254.

  Following the search process, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 executes a use permission expiration date determination process (step S12a). The usage permission expiration date determination process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 executes a weight check process following the use permission expiration date determination process (step S13). The weight check process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 executes a product information registration process following the weight check process (step S14). That is, when the weight check process is passed, transaction information such as a product code and its unit price is temporarily registered in the RAM 254.

Following the product information registration process, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 determines the presence / absence of payment designation (step S15). The payment designation is executed by an input operation on the touch panel 211 according to the display on the LCD 210. When the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 determines that there is a payment designation (Y in step S15), the control unit 253 executes the above-described payment process (step S16).
(2) Screen Transition at the Time of Self-Checkout Processing FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen transition at the time of executing self-checkout processing at the self-checkout terminal 101. The customer puts a product to be purchased in a bag and brings it to the self-checkout terminal 101, and places the product together with the bag on the product bag mounting table 102 of the self-checkout terminal 101.

  At this time, the control unit 253 generates an initial guidance screen A (first column, first row from the left) as shown in FIG. In the initial guidance screen A, the customer guides how to handle the goods carried by the customer. There are two types of handling methods to be guided. One handling method is product code input using the barcode scanner 203, and the other is input designation from the touch panel 211. As the former guidance, the characters “Please touch the barcode on the glass surface” are guided along with the pattern AP1 indicating the state. As the latter guidance, the characters “Products without barcodes are registered on the next screen” are guided along with the pattern AP2 indicating the next screen. These pictures AP1 and AP2 are displayed based on the support image data stored in the HDD 258.

  At this time, when starting the self-checkout process, the control unit 253 displays information indicating that the device is in standby as operation status information indicating the operation status of whether the device is in standby or product scanning. The data is output toward the assigned attendant terminal 501.

  On the initial guidance screen A, the user can select whether to use the shopping bag or the my basket with the two selection buttons A1 and A2. My basket means a shopping basket that the customer owns. When the selection button A1 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the self-checkout process in the shopping bag 401 is started. When the selection button A2 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the self-checkout process in the my basket is started.

  At this time, when the control unit 253 starts the self-checkout process, the control unit 253 displays information indicating that the device is in operation as the operation status information indicating the operation status of whether the device is on standby or scanning the product. The data is output toward the assigned attendant terminal 501.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the selection button A2 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, and the self-checkout process in the my basket is started (first column, second row from the left in FIG. 8). The difference between the processing in the shopping bag 401 and the processing in the my basket is the 0 point setting in the scale device 301. When executing the process with the my basket, the control unit 253 displays a pattern AP3 on the LCD 210 indicating that the store basket is placed on the mounting table 303a of the scale device 301 and that the my basket should be expanded therein. Guide customers. The pattern AP3 is also displayed based on the support image data stored in the HDD 258. A set completion button A3 and a return button A4 are displayed on the initial guidance screen A (first column, second row from the left in FIG. 8) after the my basket is selected. When the set completion button A3 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 notifies the scale device 301 that 0 point setting should be executed. When the return button A4 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the screen returns to the initial initial guidance screen A (first column, first row from the left in FIG. 8).

  On the initial guidance screen A (first column, first row and second row from the left in FIG. 8), a stop button Y and a call button Z are displayed at the lower left. The cancel button Y is a button for instructing to cancel the process, and the call button Z is a button for calling a salesclerk of an information desk (attendant). The control unit 253 generates and causes the cancel button Y and the call button Z to appear as necessary in each screen that transitions according to a series of flows of the self-checkout process.

  In the initial initial guidance screen A (first column, first row from the left in FIG. 8), the initial guidance screen A after the selection button A1 or A2 is selected and specified by the touch panel 211 (for example, first from the left in FIG. 8) When the set completion button A3 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211 in the second column of the column, the control unit 253 generates the basic screen B and displays it on the LCD 210 (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8). Eye). The basic screen B is composed of a guidance display area B1 and a user area B2. The guidance display area B1 is arranged at the upper position, and the user area B2 is arranged at the lower position. The guidance display area B1 displays various kinds of guidance necessary for proceeding with self-checkout. The user area B2 displays various operation buttons and transaction information necessary for proceeding with self-checkout.

  In the guidance display area B1 on the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8) waiting for reading the barcode attached to the product, “Touch the product barcode on the glass surface. Please display "together with the picture AP0 indicating the state. The pattern AP0 is displayed based on the support image data stored in the HDD 258.

  In the user area B2 in the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8) waiting for reading the barcode attached to the product, a product without a barcode is used as various operation buttons. A product designation button B22 for designating is displayed, and transaction information B21 including the name of the product to be purchased, the number of points, the unit price, and the total price of the product to be purchased is displayed as the transaction information. In the screen example of the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left) shown in FIG. 8, the product has been registered so far, one juice, one milk, and three croquettes. Represents. When the number of purchased items is increased and cannot be displayed, the scroll button in the transaction information B21 can be touch-designated by the touch panel 211 to enable scroll display. In the same screen, juice and croquettes are displayed with a circle mark on the left side. This indicates a discount product. As an example, whether or not the product is a discount product can be displayed by giving discount information to the PLU file PF.

  According to the guidance display displayed in the guidance display area B1 of the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8), the customer holds the product in front of the barcode scanner 203 and attaches it to the product. Have the bar code read. Thereby, the control unit 253 executes the above-described search process (step S12 in FIG. 7), and acquires necessary information from the PLU file PF and the weight data file WDF.

  At this time, the control unit 253 reduces the brightness of the user area B2 in the basic screen B displayed on the LCD 210, generates the reading confirmation screen C, and displays the generated reading confirmation screen C so as to overlap the user area B2. (Third column, first row from the left in FIG. 8). The reading confirmation screen C includes transaction information P1 such as a unit price, a discount amount, a purchase point, and a purchase amount of the product from which the barcode retrieved from the PLU file PF is read, and is quoted from the product display recorded in the PLU file PF. The character P2 based on the text data of the commercialized product name of the product and the pattern P3 based on the image data of the product are included. The pattern P3 is displayed based on image data corresponding to the product code stored in the product data file. In addition, a numeric keypad TK is displayed on the reading confirmation screen C, and a multiplication input by changing the number of purchase points whose default setting is 1 point is made possible. When the multiplication is input, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 temporarily stores the fact and the entered numerical value in the RAM 254, and enables multiplication registration for the corresponding numerical value. Such a reading confirmation screen C may be displayed using, for example, a general pop-up display technique, or a technique using a display frame that displays the reading confirmation screen C on the basic screen B is used. May be. That is, as a result, it is only necessary that the reading confirmation screen C is displayed so as to overlap the basic screen B, and there is no restriction on the display technology employed for that purpose.

  What is important here is that the reading confirmation screen C is displayed only on the user area B2 in the basic screen B and is not displayed on the guidance display area B1. Thereby, the guidance display in guidance display area | region B1 can be continuously performed with respect to a customer. In the example shown in FIG. 8, when the barcode attached to the product is read by the barcode scanner 203, the first basic screen “Please touch the product barcode on the glass surface” is displayed in the guidance display area B1. The display transitions from the guidance in B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8) to the guidance “please place the product in a shopping bag or my basket” (from the left in FIG. 8 to the third Column first row). The control unit 253 changes not only the characters but also the pattern AP0 displayed in the guidance display area B1 to a pattern that supports the operation of putting the product into the shopping bag or my basket. By displaying the reading confirmation screen C without overlapping the guidance display area B1, the customer can easily confirm the guidance display and the transition in the guidance display area B1.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a basic screen B and a reading confirmation screen C for a product to be placed on the temporary placement table 306. As described above, the payment terminal 201 has a product placement location definition. Therefore, on the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8), the barcode of the product for which the temporary placement table 306 is defined as the product placement location definition is read by the barcode scanner 203. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit 253 displays, in the guidance display area B <b> 1, the characters “please place the product on the temporary table” and the pattern AP <b> 0 that supports the work for that purpose, , Transaction information P1 about the product from which the barcode is read, characters P2 based on the text data of the product name (“Tamago” in FIG. 9), and a pattern P3 based on the image data of the product (the egg pattern in FIG. 9) Is generated in the user area B2 and displayed on the LCD 210. The numeric keypad TK is also displayed on the reading confirmation screen C in this case, and a multiplication input can be made by changing the number of purchase points whose default setting is one point. As described above, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 temporarily stores the number and the numerical value to which this is input in the RAM 254 when the multiplication is input, and enables the multiplication registration for the corresponding numerical value.

  Returning to the description based on FIG. After the barcode attached to the product is read by the barcode scanner 203, the control unit 253 waits for the weight check process. For this purpose, the guidance display area B1 after the barcode attached to the product is read is displayed with the text “Put the product in a shopping bag or my basket” together with the pattern AP0 supporting the work for that purpose. Is displayed (third column, first row from the left in FIG. 8). Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the temporary placement table 306 is defined as the product placement location definition, the guidance display area B <b> 1 includes the characters “Please place the product on the temporary placement table”. The guidance shown with the pattern AP0 supporting the work for that is displayed. Therefore, in accordance with these guidances, the customer puts the commodity whose bar code is read by the bar code scanner 203 into the shopping bag 401 or my basket, or puts it on the temporary table 306. The scale device 301 measures the weight of the products placed on the placement units (the placement table 303a and the temporary placement table 306), and outputs the measurement result to the settlement terminal 201 as weight data. The settlement terminal 201 receives the weighing result and executes a weight check process.

As a result of the weight check process, if it is determined that there is no identity between both weights, it means that some operation error or fraud has been made. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 253 stops the progress of the merchandise sales data processing, changes the emission color of the light emitting unit 218 provided at the tip of the display pole 217 from blue to red, The fact that the fraud has been performed is notified to, for example, a salesclerk of an attendant. As a result of stopping the progress of the merchandise sales data processing, the reading confirmation screen C remains displayed as the display screen of the LCD 210, and the customer is shown that the processing does not proceed.
(3) Product information registration by screen input As mentioned above, on the initial initial guidance screen A (first column, first row from the left in FIG. 8), “Products without barcodes are registered on the next screen. The characters “masu” are guided along with the pattern AP2 indicating “next screen”. In response to this, the control unit 253 displays the “easy” in the user area B2 in the basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8) in order to enable registration of a product without a barcode. ”,“ Fruit ”,“ Sozai ”,“ Seafood ”,“ Others ”, and“ Assortment ”, a product designation button B22 including touch buttons indicating six types of product genres is prepared. Therefore, the customer touches and designates the product designation button B22 with the touch panel 211 when the product to be purchased is not attached with a barcode. When any one of these product designation buttons B22 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the transaction information B21 of the user area B2 in the basic screen B is switched and displayed on the department selection screen E (second column from the left in FIG. 8). 2nd line).

  The department selection screen E shown in FIG. 8 (second column, second row from the left) shows an example in which “Sozai” is touch-designated by the touch panel 211. In this case, as the department selection screen E, a product display BM that enables selection of various foods included in the category of “Sazai” is displayed in a scrollable manner by scroll buttons with a total of 16 types of 4 columns and 4 rows. The The product display BM displayed on the department selection screen E includes a product name BT and a design BP. On the department selection screen E, a return button E1 is also displayed. When the return button E1 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the department selection screen E is switched to the transaction information B21 and displayed on the basic screen B (FIG. 8). The display returns to the second column, first row) from the left.

  When the transaction information B21 of the user area B2 in the basic screen B is switched and displayed on the department selection screen E (second column, second row from the left in FIG. 8), the control unit 253 displays “ "Please press the button on your product" is displayed along with the pattern AP0 supporting the work. Thereby, the customer can know what operation should be performed next.

  Therefore, according to the guidance, if the customer touches and designates one food item on the touch panel 211 from the department selection screen E (second column, second row from the left in FIG. 8), the food item is displayed in the user area B2 in the basic screen B. A department registration screen F for the third column (second column, second row from the left in FIG. 8) appears. The department registration screen F (third column, second row from the left) shown in FIG. 8 shows an example in which “Tamago Tofu” is designated by touch. In this case, the department registration screen F for “Tamago Tofu” appears. The department registration screen F includes transaction information P1 including unit price, discount amount, purchase points, purchase amount, etc. of a product, characters P2 based on text data of the product name of the product, and a pattern based on image data of the product. P3 and a numeric keypad TK are included. The numeric keypad TK enables multiplication input by changing the number of purchase points whose default setting is one point. As described above, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 temporarily stores the number and the numerical value to which this is input in the RAM 254 when the multiplication is input, and enables the multiplication registration for the corresponding numerical value.

  As an example, these various data are cited from information recorded in a department file provided separately from the PLU file PF in the payment terminal 201. The department registration screen F includes a cancel button F1 and a determination button F2. When the cancel button F1 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the screen returns to the screen (second column, second row from the left in FIG. 8) in which the department selection screen E is displayed in the user area B2 of the basic screen B.

  When the department registration screen F is displayed in the user area B2 in the basic screen B (third column, second row from the left in FIG. 8), the control unit 253 displays “when changing the score” in the guidance display area B1. Is input from a numeric key, and the character “please press the“ OK ”button” is displayed together with a picture AP0 supporting the work for that. Thereby, the customer can know what operation should be performed next.

  Therefore, in accordance with the guidance, on the department registration screen F (third column, second row from the left in FIG. 8), if necessary, the purchase number is changed by the numeric keypad TK and multiplication is input, and then the enter button F2 is pressed on the touch panel 211. When the touch designation is made, the department registration (product code input) for the selected food, “Tamago Tofu” in the example shown in FIG. 8 is completed by the number of purchase points multiplied by default or the numeric keypad TK. Therefore, the control unit 253 reduces the brightness of the user area B2 in the basic screen B displayed on the LCD 210, generates the reading confirmation screen C, and displays the generated reading confirmation screen C so as to overlap the user area B2 ( (4th column, 2nd row from the left in FIG. 8). In addition, the control unit 253 shifts the display of the guidance display area B1 in the basic screen B to the display of “please place the product in a shopping bag or my basket” (the fourth column from the left in FIG. 8). 2nd line). Although not shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 253 changes not only characters but also the pattern AP0 displayed in the guidance display area B1 to a pattern that supports the operation of putting a product in a shopping bag or my basket. By displaying the reading confirmation screen C without overlapping the guidance display area B1, the customer can easily confirm the guidance display and the transition in the guidance display area B1.

Here, when the department registration is made by touch-designating the five types of product designation buttons B22 “yasai”, “fruit”, “sozai”, “seafood”, and “others” on the touch panel 211, that is, “assortment” When the product designation button B22 other than “” is touch-designated and the department is registered, the processing after the reading confirmation screen C is displayed over the user area B2 in the basic screen B is the weight described below. Check processing.
(4) Weight Check Process (1) Process Flow FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the weight check process. First, when the start of the self-checkout process is designated, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 enters a registration waiting state for registering product information. In the weight check process, in this state, the apparatus waits for determination of whether or not a product code has been input (step S101). If the input of the product code is determined (Y in step S101), the process proceeds to a product bagging waiting phase whose processing contents are shown in FIG. 13 (step S102). The product bagging waiting phase ends when the product with the product code input is placed on the placement unit (mounting table 303a or temporary placing table 306) of the scale device 301 and passes the weight check (step of FIG. 12). (See S211). On the other hand, if it is determined that the product code is waiting for input (N in step S101), the current weight stored in the weight check file (not shown) is referred to (step S103), and not shown in the same manner. A change in weight with respect to the original weight stored in the weight check file is determined (step S104). The determination that the product code is waiting to be input (N in step S101) is determined when the start of the self-checkout process is designated and the product code has not yet been input, or the product bagging phase for the previous product is This is done in either case of normal termination.

  As described above, the original weight is 0 (g) when no product code is input, and when the product code is input, all products with the product code are weighed in principle. It means a measured value by the weighing device 301 in a state where it is placed on the placement unit (the placement table 303a or the temporary placement table 306) of the device 301. As long as normal operation is performed, it should not be determined in step S104 that there is a weight change with respect to the original weight. Therefore, if it is not determined in step S104 that there is a weight change with respect to the original weight (N in step S104), the process returns to the determination of whether or not the product code is input in step S101.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the current weight has increased from the original weight (Y in step S104, Y in S105), the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 executes error notification (step S106). Such an event occurs when an operation error or fraud in which a product for which a product code has not been input is placed on the placement unit (the placement table 303a or the temporary placement table 306) of the scale device 301 is performed. . In this case, the control unit 253 performs error notification, and the control unit 253 changes the emission color of the light emitting unit 218 provided at the tip of the display pole 217 from blue to red, and the operation error or fraud is performed. This is notified to, for example, a salesclerk of an attendant. Further, the weight error screen D1 is displayed on the LCD 210 of the self-checkout terminal 101 (see FIG. 11A).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the current weight has decreased from the original weight (Y in step S104, N in 105), the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 performs error notification (step S110). Such an event occurs when a product after registration of product information already placed on the placement unit (mounting table 303a or temporary table 306) of the scale device 301 is removed. In this case, as an error notification, the control unit 253 changes the emission color of the light emitting unit 218 provided at the tip of the display pole 217 from blue to red to indicate that the operation error or fraud has been performed. Notify the staff of the attendant (attendant). Further, the weight error screen D2 is displayed on the LCD 210 of the self-checkout terminal 101 (see FIG. 11B).

  Thereafter, the control unit 253 refers to the current weight updated and stored in a weight check file (not shown) (step S107), and determines the current weight = the original weight (Y in step S108). The product placed on is interpreted as having been returned to its original state, and error cancellation processing is executed in step S109. As an error canceling process, the control unit 253 restores the brightness of the user area B2 in the basic screen B of the LCD 210, erases the weight error screens D1 and D2, and then returns to the basic screen B (second column from the left in FIG. 8). Return to the first line).

  FIG. 11A shows a weight error screen D1 when a product whose barcode has not been read is placed on the placement unit (the placement table 303a or the temporary placement table 306) of the scale device 301 as a result of the weight check process. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example. When it is determined that the current weight has increased from the original weight (Y in step S105), the control unit 253 reduces the brightness of the entire basic screen B and displays a weight error screen D1 as illustrated in FIG. Generated and displayed over the basic screen B. On the weight error screen D1, the characters “A product whose bar code has not been read are in a bag. Please remove the product” are displayed together with a pattern DP1 that supports the work for that purpose.

  FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a weight error screen D2 when a product has been removed from the mounting table as a result of the weight check process. When it is determined that the current weight has decreased from the original weight (N in Step S105), the control unit 253 reduces the brightness of the entire basic screen B, and displays a weight error screen D2 as illustrated in FIG. Generated and displayed over the basic screen B. On the weight error screen D2, the characters “Please return the item removed from the bag to the bag” are displayed together with the pattern DP2 that supports the work for that purpose.

  The patterns DP1 and DP2 are displayed based on the support image data stored in the HDD 258.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of weight check processing in the product bagging waiting phase. First, when the control unit 253 determines input of a product code in step S101 in FIG. 10 (Y in step S101), the control unit 253 proceeds to a product bagging waiting phase (step S102). When the control unit 253 proceeds to the product bagging waiting phase, first, the control unit 253 displays a bagging message on the LCD 210 (step S201). The bagging message is displayed in the guidance display area B1 "Please place the product in a plastic bag or my basket" (see Fig. 8) or in the guidance display area B1 "Please place the product on the temporary table." (See FIG. 9).

  As a subsequent process, the control unit 253 searches the weight data file WDF (see FIG. 5B) constituting the product data file, and acquires the set weight, the upper limit allowable value, and the lower limit allowable value of the product to be processed. Then, the weight A is obtained as a weight range in which the acquired upper limit allowable value and lower limit allowable value are set as threshold values for the allowable width of the set weight of the product (step S202). As an example, when the set weight is 310 (g) and the upper limit allowable value and the lower limit allowable value are 10 (g), the weight A is 300 to 320 (g).

  Subsequently, the control unit 253 refers to the current weight updated and stored in a weight check file (not shown) (step S203), and compares the current weight with the original weight temporarily stored in the weight check file. Is determined (step S204). Until the product is placed on the placement unit (the placement table 303a or the temporary placement table 306), the control unit 253 returns to the current weight reference process shown in step S202 through the weight change determination process (step S204). N). When a change in weight of the current weight with respect to the original weight is determined as a result of placing the product for which the product code is input on the placement unit (Y in step S204), the control unit 253 performs the weight check. Execute the judgment process. That is, the control unit 253 calculates the current weight-the original weight = the weight B as an increase in the current weight that is increased by placing the product on the placement unit (step S208), and the weight B and the weight described above are calculated. The identity with the weight A which is the range is determined (step S209). The identity determination between the weight A and the weight B is made based on whether or not the weight B is included in the weight A which is the weight range.

  When it is determined that the weight A and the weight B are the same (Y in Step S209), the control unit 253 updates the original weight to the current weight value in the weight check file (not shown) (Step S210). After shifting to the registration waiting phase (step S211), the processing in the product bagging waiting phase is terminated.

  On the other hand, when determining that the weight A and the weight B are not identical (N in Step S209), the control unit 253 determines whether or not the weight B calculated in Step S208 is 0 or more ( In step S212), an error notification corresponding to that is executed (step S213, step S214). If it is determined that the weight B> 0 due to a product on which the product code is not input placed on the placement unit of the scale device 301 (Y in step S212), the control unit 253 has made an operation error or fraud. Error notification processing corresponding to this is executed (step S213). That is, the emission color of the light emitting part 218 provided at the tip of the display pole 217 is changed from blue to red, and for example, an operation mistake or an improper operation is reported to an attendant or the like of an attendant. I will report to you. Further, the weight error screen D1 is displayed on the LCD 210 of the self-checkout terminal 101 (see FIG. 11A). On the other hand, when it is determined that the weight B <0 due to the removal of the product after registration of the product information from the placement unit of the scale device 301 (N in step S212), the control unit 253 performs an error notification process corresponding thereto. Is executed (step S214). That is, the emission color of the light emitting part 218 provided at the tip of the display pole 217 is changed from blue to red, and for example, an operation mistake or an improper operation is reported to an attendant or the like of an attendant. I will report to you. Further, the weight error screen D2 is displayed on the LCD 210 of the self-checkout terminal 101 (see FIG. 11B).

  Thereafter, the control unit 253 refers to the current weight updated and stored in a weight check file (not shown) (step S215), and determines the current weight = the original weight (Y in step S216), the placement unit of the scale device 301 The product placed on is interpreted as having returned to the original state, an error canceling process is executed (step S217), and the process returns to the process of step S204.

(2) Skip Weight Check Process FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a basic screen B and a reading confirmation screen C for a product not subject to weight check. As described above, the payment terminal 201 has a weight check execution definition. Therefore, the control unit 253 refers to the definition of whether or not to perform weight check, and confirms on the reading confirmation screen C as illustrated in FIGS. Button X is displayed and the weight check process is skipped. Here, when displaying the confirmation button X on the reading confirmation screen C, the control unit 253 also displays the transaction information P1, the character P2 based on the text data of the product name, and the pattern P3 based on the image data of the product. . In the reading confirmation screen C, when the confirmation button X is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 allows the product sales data process to proceed and restores the brightness of the user area B2 in the basic screen B to the original. The reading confirmation screen C is erased. As a result, the display on the LCD 210 returns to the basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8).

  In this way, the weight check process is skipped for products not subject to weight check. As shown in FIG. 13A, in spite of skipping the weight check process, the guidance display area B1 after the bar code attached to the product is read indicates that “the product is placed in a shopping bag or my basket. Enter the guidance and press the confirm button "along with the picture AP0 supporting the work for that purpose.

However, the control unit 253 displays the product placement location after reading the barcode in the guidance display area B1 in accordance with the product placement location definition (packing skip) in the weight data file WDF (see FIG. 9). Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, the control unit 253 displays “” in the guidance display area B <b> 1 in the case of a product defined in the product placement location definition (bag skipping) with the floor as the placement location. “Place the product on the side of the plastic bag stand and press the confirmation button” is displayed together with the pattern AP0 supporting the work.
(5) Product Information Registration for Packed Products (1) Packed Product Input Method FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen transition when executing a self-checkout process for packed products. “Assembly” set in the product designation button B22 in the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8) means a packed product. That is, in a supermarket or the like, it is common practice to install a corner where various food items are arranged so that customers can freely pack fried foods, tempura, yakitori, etc. The product to be packed at such a corner is “packing”.

  In the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8), when the product designation button B22 “packing” is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 is displayed on the LCD 210. In the basic screen B, the brightness of the user area B2 is reduced, screen generation is performed so that the transaction information B21 displayed in the user area B2 is switched to the department selection screen E, and this department selection screen E is displayed on the LCD 210. (First column, first row from the left in FIG. 14). On the department selection screen E, a product display BM that enables selection of various foods included in the category of “packing” is displayed in a scrollable manner by scroll buttons with a total of 16 types of 4 columns and 4 rows.

  When the transaction information B21 of the user area B2 in the basic screen B is switched and displayed on the department selection screen E (first column, first row from the left in FIG. 14), the control unit 253 displays “ "Please press the button on your product" is displayed along with the pattern AP0 supporting the work. Thereby, the customer can know what operation should be performed next.

  Therefore, according to the guidance, when one food item is touch-designated on the touch panel 211 from the department selection screen E for “packing”, the control unit 253 generates a department registration screen F for the food item, and the user in the basic screen B The department registration screen F generated in the user area B2 is displayed with the brightness of the area B2 lowered (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 14). FIG. 14 shows an example in which “croquette” is touch-designated. In this case, the department registration screen F for “croquette” appears (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 14). The department registration screen F includes transaction information P1 such as the unit price of the product, the discount amount, the number of points purchased, and the purchase amount. In addition, a numeric keypad TK is included. The numeric keypad TK enables multiplication input by changing the number of purchase points whose default setting is one point. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the number of purchase points is changed to 2 by the numeric keypad TK.

  When the department registration screen F is displayed in the user area B2 in the basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 14), the control unit 253 displays “when changing the score” in the guidance display area B1. Is input from a numeric key, and the character “please press the“ OK ”button” is displayed together with a picture AP0 supporting the work for that. Thereby, the customer can know what operation should be performed next.

  Therefore, in accordance with the guidance, on the department registration screen F (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 14), the purchase number is changed by the numeric keypad TK as necessary, and multiplication is input. When the touch designation is made, the department registration for the selected food, “croquette” in the example shown in FIG. 14, is completed by the number of purchase points multiplied by default or the numeric keypad TK. Thereafter, the control unit 253 displays the department selection screen E again without displaying the reading confirmation screen C (for example, the fourth column and the second row from the left in FIG. 8) (from the left in FIG. 14 to the third Column first row). However, in the second and subsequent department selection screen E (first column, third row from the left in FIG. 14), a determination button E2 is displayed instead of the return button E1. Therefore, the food displayed on the department selection screen E can be registered repeatedly until the enter button E2 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211.

  In the section selection screen E after the second time (third column, first row from the left in FIG. 14), the control unit 253 presses the button of the item you have in the guidance display area B1, and displays all items in the pack. When the input is completed, the text “please press the“ OK ”button” is displayed together with the picture AP0 supporting the work for that purpose. Thereby, the customer can know what operation should be performed next.

  Therefore, according to the guidance, the customer repeats the operation for registration on the department selection screen E and the department registration screen F for all the foods packed by himself. Then, when the registration work for all the food items in the pack is completed, the customer touches the enter button E2 with the touch panel 211. As a result, the control unit 253 generates the reading confirmation screen C, and displays the reading confirmation screen C generated in the user area B2 in an overlapping manner while reducing the brightness of the user area B2 in the basic screen B (FIG. 14). 3rd column, 2nd row from the left). In addition, the control unit 253 shifts the display of the guidance display area B1 in the basic screen B to a display of “please place the product in a shopping bag or my basket” (in the third column from the left in FIG. 14). 2nd line).

(2) Second weight check process Thereafter, a weight check process is executed. In this case, in the self-checkout process of the packed product, a weight check process different from the weight check process described above is executed. For convenience, the above-described weight check process will be referred to as a first weight check process, and the weight check process for a “packaged” product will be referred to as a second weight check process.

  As described above, in the user area B2 (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8) in the first basic screen B, in order to enable registration of products without barcodes, A product designation button B22 including touch buttons indicating six types of product genres of “fruit”, “sazai”, “seafood”, “others”, and “assortment” is displayed. The product finally specified based on the touch specification of these product specification buttons B22 is a non-PLU product set in the department file, not set in the PLU file PF. Among these products, a non-PLU that is finally designated based on the touch designation of the product designation button B22 including touch buttons of “Yasai”, “Kumono”, “Sozai”, “Seafood”, and “Others”. For merchandise, the corresponding weight data is set in the department file. Therefore, the first weight check process can be performed. On the other hand, the corresponding weight data is not set in the department file for the non-PLU product that is finally specified based on the touch specification of the product specification button B22 including the “packing” touch button. For this reason, the first weight check process cannot be executed, and the second weight check process is executed.

  In the second weight check process, it is determined based on the output from the scale device 301 whether a product is placed on the placement table 303a. That is, when the weighing weight increases even a little in the scale device 301, it is determined that the registered packed product is correctly placed in the shopping bag 401 or my basket, or placed on the temporary table 306. In other words, a simple weight check process is executed.

  In this case, in the standby screen (third column, second row from the left in FIG. 14) in which the reading confirmation screen C is displayed so as to overlap the user region B2 in the basic screen B, the guidance display region B1 displays “Register product”. Display the same guidance as when performing the first weight check, “Put in bag or my basket”.

  However, the self-checkout operation at the self-checkout terminal 101 of the present embodiment is such that the barcode attached to the product is read by the barcode scanner 203, and the product from which the barcode is read is stored in the shopping bag 401 or my basket. The basic operation is to place it on the table or on the temporary table 306. For this reason, in the case of a non-PLU product that is finally registered based on the touch designation of the product designation button B22, an operation different from normal is required. Due to such operational differences, the customer puts the registered packed product in the plastic bag 401 or my basket, or places it in the temporary storage table 306, and then mistakenly puts the unregistered product in the plastic bag 401 or my bag. It is expected that it will be placed in a basket or placed on the temporary table 306, that is, every second occurrence. When such an occurrence occurs twice, a non-PLU product for which the first weight check process is executed is an error, so that no major problem occurs.

  On the other hand, in the case of a non-PLU product for which the second weight check process is executed, that is, a packed product in this embodiment, it is merely determined whether or not the product is placed on the placement table 303a. In other words, since the second weight check process, which is a simple weight check process, is executed, even if every second unregistered product occurs, this cannot be regarded as an error. In this case, after recognizing the increase in weight based on the output from the scale device 301, a countermeasure may be considered in which an error is generated when a further increase in weight is recognized. However, the scale device 301 cannot execute the weighing for a predetermined time after the article is placed on the placing table 303a until the vibration is settled. For this reason, it is necessary to set the standby time as a predetermined time or more until the vibration is settled, and when this occurs twice within this standby time, this cannot be regarded as an error.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, for a product for which the second weight check is executed, it is determined whether the weight measured by the scale device 301 exceeds a specified value, and if it exceeds, an error is determined. Execute. As a result, when a product is placed twice following a packed product, an error can be made if the total weight exceeds the specified weight. When such an error occurs, for example, the control unit 253 may display a screen on the LCD 210 that displays the weight error screen D1 as illustrated in FIG.
(6) Cancellation designation FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cancellation screen that appears when the cancellation button Y is pressed. When the stop button Y displayed on each screen is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit generates a stop screen H as illustrated in FIG. 15, reduces the overall brightness of the basic screen B, and the user area B2. The generated stop screen H is displayed in an overlapping manner. On the cancel screen H, two selection buttons H1 and H2 labeled “Yes” and “No” are displayed together with the words “Are you sure you want to stop shopping?”, And a call button Z is also displayed. Is done. When the selection button H1 displayed as “Yes” is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 stops all the processes, and displays the LCD 210 on the first initial guidance screen A (first from the left in FIG. 8). Return to column first row). On the other hand, when the selection button H2 displayed as “No” is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 returns the process to the previous state.
(7) Call designation FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a salesclerk call screen that appears when the call button Z is pressed. When the call button Z displayed on each screen is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 generates a clerk call screen I as illustrated in FIG. The store clerk call screen I generated is overlaid and displayed in the user area B2. On the clerk call screen I, two selection buttons I1 and I2 displayed as "Yes" and "No" are displayed together with the characters "Call clerk. Are you sure?" When the selection button I1 displayed as “Yes” is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 causes the salesclerk call screen I to transition as illustrated in FIG. On the clerk call screen I shown in FIG. 16B, a call stop button I3 is displayed with the words “I will stop the call” along with the characters “I'm waiting for the store clerk now. Therefore, when the call stop button I3 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 executes a store clerk calling process. As the calling process, the control unit 253 outputs the clerk calling information to the attendant terminal 501 to which the own device is assigned. On the other hand, when the selection button I2 displayed as “No” is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 stops the clerk calling process and returns the process to the previous state.
(8) Settlement Return to the description based on FIG. In the user area B2 in the basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8), an accounting button B23 displayed as “accounting” is displayed. The touch designation of the accounting button B23 means a tightening designation. Therefore, when the accounting button B23 is touch-designated by the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 executes a settlement process. That is, the control unit 253 generates an accounting screen J and displays it on the user area B2 (second column, third row from the left in FIG. 8). The accounting screen J displays the total amount, the payment method selection buttons J1 to J5, and “return to the detail screen” for returning to the first basic screen B (second column, first row from the left in FIG. 8). And a return button J6 displayed. The selection button J1 is cash, the selection button J2 is credit, the selection button J3 is an electronic money type contactless IC card, the selection button J4 is a bank account withdrawal type contactless IC card, and the selection button J5 is a gift certificate / coupon. Select and specify. Accordingly, in the payment terminal 201, when the customer designates the closing by touching the accounting button B23 on the touch panel 211, the control unit 253 uses the magnetic amount such as cash or credit card for the payment amount calculated in the merchandise sales data processing. Payment processing using a card, an electronic money type contactless IC card, and a bank withdrawal type contactless IC card is executed.
(9) Checker Mode FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen transition in the checker mode. When the bar code for the clerk carried only by the clerk is read by the bar code scanner 203 when the initial guidance screen A (see FIG. 8) is displayed on the LCD 210, the control unit 253 causes the self-checkout terminal 101 to Switch to checker mode. When the device is set to the checker mode, the store clerk can make various settings of the self-checkout terminal 101. The store clerk performs various settings by operations performed from the numeric keypad 207 as an input unit and the touch panel 211. At this time, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 displays operation guidance for making various settings on the LCD 210, and supports operations by the store clerk.

  When the device is set to the checker mode, the control unit 253 sets the screen display to the checker mode initial screen R (first column, first row from the left in FIG. 17), and enables operation by the store clerk. On the checker mode initial screen R, a change replenishment button R1, an accounting operation button R2 and a maintenance mode button R3 are displayed so as to be able to be touched. R4 and R5 are displayed so that touch designation is possible. Therefore, when the change replenishment button R1, the accounting operation button R2 or the maintenance mode button R3 is touch-designated on the touch panel 211, it is possible to execute the change replenishment, the accounting operation and the maintenance, respectively.

  In the change replenishment by touching the change change button R1, the completion button R6 is displayed together with the message “Please press the completion button when the change change / recovery operation is finished” and the message is displayed from the left in FIG. 1st column, 2nd row), change replenishment work etc. to the depositing / dispensing device 221 becomes possible.

  The accounting operation by touch-specifying the accounting operation button R2 is used, for example, in the checkout process when using the above-described gift certificate or coupon, and it becomes possible to input the deposit amount using the numeric keypad (from the left in FIG. 17). 2nd column 2nd row). Therefore, if the change amount is input, the control unit 253 displays the final screen from the settlement end screen M (second column, third row from the left in FIG. 17) displaying the guidance “Please take change and receipt”. The screen display can be sequentially changed to N (third column, third row from the left in FIG. 17), and the settlement process can be terminated.

In the maintenance mode in which the maintenance mode button R3 is designated by touch, the screen display is the maintenance screen K1, and various maintenance by the store clerk is possible. When the image use extension button KK1 included in the maintenance screen K1 is touch-designated, the image use extension screen K2 is displayed as the screen display, and an extension password for extending and updating the use permission period of the image data can be input. The extension password is displayed on the image use extension screen K2 by touch designation from the numeric keypad TK or input by the numeric keypad 207 provided on the case, and then on the confirmation button KK2 displayed on the image use extension screen K2 or the case provided on the case. The input is completed by the confirmation key that does not.
3. End-of-use expiration date determination process In the reading confirmation screen C and department registration screen F shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 13 and 14, transaction information P1 relating to the product from which the barcode is read, and image data corresponding to the product code are displayed. A base pattern P3 is displayed. Among these, the image data for displaying the pattern P3 must not be used after the expiration date of use when the license agreement for the image data contracted with the licensor is defined.

  Similarly, the initial guidance screen A shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 11 (a), FIG. 11 (b), FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is displayed on the guidance display area B1 of the basic screen B and the weight error screens D1 and D2. As for the image data for displaying the designs AP0 to AP3, DP1, DP2 and the design BP displayed on the department selection screen E shown in FIGS. Must not be used after the expiration date.

  The use permission expiration date determination process executed by the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 according to the present embodiment is a means necessary to solve this point. The use permission time limit determination process is a process for comparing the use permission time limit acquired by the search process with the current time and determining whether the image data may be displayed on the display unit. In the following, for a product to which a product code can be inputted with a barcode attached, an introduction process for determining a use permission period when determining use of image data corresponding to the product will be introduced.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the usage permission expiration date determination process. When the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 finishes the search process (step S12 in FIG. 7), the control unit 253 starts a use permission expiration date determination process. At this point, the RAM 254 temporarily stores the input product code, the unit price corresponding to the product code, the weight, the product display (product name and image data), and the expiration date for use. Here, the unit price, the product name, the image data, and the expiration date for use temporarily stored in the RAM 254 are stored in the PLU file PF constituting the product data file. The weight temporarily stored in the RAM 254 is stored in the weight data file WDF constituting the product data file.

  When the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 starts the use permission expiration date determination process, the control unit 253 grasps the current time and temporarily stores it in the RAM 254 (step S301). As an example, the control unit 253 can acquire an accurate current time by NTP (Network Time Protocol) that is executed simultaneously with the activation of the self-checkout terminal 101.

  As a subsequent process, the control unit 253 compares the current time acquired in step S301 with the use permission time limit of the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 254 (step S302). If the control unit 253 determines that the use permission time limit of the image data is before the current time (Y in step S302), the weight check process that follows the end of the use permission time limit determination process (step S13 in FIG. 7). When the product information registration process (step S14 in FIG. 7) is executed, the preparation information is applied as data for displaying the pattern P3 on the LCD 210 (step S303), and the use permission expiration date determination process ends. The preparation information is information indicating that product image data is not displayed.

  FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of preparation information displayed on the display unit. When the control unit 253 determines that the use permission time limit of the image data is before the current time (Y in step S302), as an example, the preparation image DD1 illustrated in FIG. It is generated and set as data for displaying the pattern P3 on the LCD 210 when executing the weight check process (step S13 in FIG. 7) and the product information registration process (step S14 in FIG. 7). The preparation image DD1 has a white background as a base and has a character “Now Printing” and a logo indicating a store name arranged in two stages at the top and bottom.

  FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of preparation information displayed on the display unit. As another example, the control unit 253 generates a preparation character string DD2 as illustrated in FIG. 19B as preparation information. The preparation character string DD2 is text data “(preparing product image)”.

  As another example, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 applies NULL (empty data) as preparation information, thereby performing weight check processing (step S13 in FIG. 7) and product information registration processing (step in FIG. 7). The image P3 may not be displayed on the LCD 210 when executing S14).

  Note that the preparation image DD1 and the preparation character string DD2 may be stored in advance in the ROM 256, the RAM 254, and the HDD 258.

  Returning to the description based on FIG. In step S302, when the control unit 253 determines that the image data use permission time limit is after the current time (N in step S302), as a subsequent process, whether or not the image data use permission time limit will come soon. Is determined (step S304). In the determination in step S304, the control unit 253 determines that the use permission time limit of the image data is about to come when the time period obtained by subtracting the use permission time limit from the current time is less than a predetermined period. As an example, the predetermined period is 30 days. This predetermined period can be set to an arbitrary period by a function realized by a program (not shown) executed by the CPU 506 of the attendant terminal 501.

  When the control unit 253 determines that the period between the use permission deadline and the current time is equal to or longer than the predetermined period (N in step S304), the weight check process (see FIG. 7 (step S13) and the product information registration process (step S14 in FIG. 7), the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 254 is applied as data for displaying the pattern P3 on the LCD 210 (step S305). ), The end-of-use license expiration date determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 253 determines that the period between the license expiration date and the current time is less than the predetermined period (Y in step S304), the control unit 253 executes warning processing (step S306). Then, the process of step S305 described above is executed, and the use permission expiration date determination process is terminated. The warning process shown in step S306 is a process for displaying warning information on the LCD 210 as a display unit. This warning information indicates that the expiration date of the license agreement is about to arrive and that the image data is no longer displayed on the LCD 210 as the display unit. In another example of the warning process (step S306), a warning flag indicating that the license agreement will soon be reached may be set in association with the product code and stored in the HDD 258 serving as a storage unit. In this case, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 displays warning information on the product code for which the warning flag is set on the LCD 210 while the self-checkout process is not being executed, and the license agreement is about to arrive. It is possible to warn the store clerk that there is image data to be displayed. As yet another example, in the warning process executed in step S306, the control unit 253 displays a warning on the display 503 provided in the attendant terminal 501 as a host device connected to the self-checkout terminal 101 so as to be capable of data communication. The self-checkout terminal 101 may notify the store clerk of the expiration of the license agreement regardless of whether or not the self-checkout process is performed by the customer's operation.

  As described above, the term of use permission expiration date determination processing in the case of determining the use of image data corresponding to a product for which a barcode is attached and a product code can be input has been introduced. Such a license expiration date determination process does not include support image data or a barcode that is the basis of the images AP0 to AP3 (see FIG. 8 and the like) displayed on the initial guidance screen A that is an operation guidance to the operator. The present invention can also be applied to image data stored in a department file that is the basis of a picture BM (see FIG. 8 or the like) displayed on the department selection screen E in order to enable registration of a product. The use permission expiration date determination process for the support image data may be executed until the pictures AP0 to AP3 are displayed as operation guidance for the operator. Further, the use permission expiration date determination process for the image data stored in the department file may be executed until the department selection screen E is displayed.

  As another example, a use permission flag indicating the context between the use permission deadline of the image data and the current time is set in association with the image data, weight check processing (step S13 in FIG. 7), and product information registration processing. When executing (Step S14 in FIG. 7), the use permission flag corresponding to the image data may be determined so that the image data is not displayed on the LCD 210. That is, the use permission flag can be selectively set to “0” or “1” in association with the image data. When the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 determines in the determination process shown in S302 that the use permission time limit is before the current time (Y in S302), the use permission flag is set to “0”. If it is set and it is determined that the use permission period is after the current time (N in S302), the use permission flag is set to “1”. After setting the use permission flag in correspondence with the image data in this way, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 uses the image data to be displayed on the LCD 210 in the weight check process and the product information registration process. When the flag is “0”, the image data is not displayed on the LCD 210. In the case of this example, the use permission expiration date determination process does not necessarily have to be performed between the search process (step S12 in FIG. 7) and the weight check process (step S13 in FIG. 7), but before the time point when the image data is displayed. It only has to be done. As an example, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 executes a license expiration date determination process for a product data file or all image data stored in the HDD 258 when the self-checkout terminal 101 is activated. A use permission flag may be set for each piece of image data. As an example, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 is stored in the product data file or the HDD 258 when the self-checkout terminal 101 is in a standby state where the self-checkout process is not executed and the customer is waiting. It is also possible to set the use permission flag for each piece of image data by executing the use permission expiration date determination process for all the image data. Further, the above-mentioned use permission flag may be rewritable so that the headquarters which is a licensee of the license agreement for image data can set it to “0” or “1”.

As yet another example, if the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 determines that the use permission time limit is before the current time in the determination process shown in step S302 (Y in S302), the use permission time limit. The image data that has passed may be deleted.
4). License Agreement Extension Update Processing In order for the headquarters to continue to use image data even after the expiration date of use of the image data, the headquarters needs to update the license expiration date. The headquarters, which is the licensee, performs a procedure for extending and updating the license expiration date described with reference to FIG. 20 with the licensee of the license agreement in order to extend and update the license expiration date of the image data. At that time, the self-checkout terminal 101 executes an extension process for extension of the license for use explained with reference to FIG. The following introduces a case in which the product data with the product code stored in the PLU file PF is extended and updated with the expiration date for use of image data.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of a procedure for performing an extension update of the expiration date for use of image data.

  When the headquarters, which is the licensee of the contract, recognizes that the expiration date for use of the image data is coming soon by looking at the warning display displayed on the LCD 210 as the display unit (step A), It is determined whether or not to perform an extended update (step B). When the license agreement extension is renewed for the licensee of the contract (Y in Step B), the headquarters will extend the extension of the product code of the image data for which the licensee is to be extended and renewed. The period is notified (step C).

  When the licensee is notified of the product code and the extension period from the headquarters as a licensee, the licensee generates an extension password as second authentication information based on the product code and the extension period and issues it to the headquarters. (Step D).

  Explain the extended password. The extension password uses a product code and extension period notified from the headquarters as a licensee, and an update password as the first authentication information associated with the product code in the PLU file PF, and is a predetermined reversible. It is generated by being converted by the function F. The extended password generated by conversion by the reversible function F is converted by the inverse function inv-F for the reversible function F by the password verification program executed by the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101, and the product code, the extended period, and the update Broken down into passwords.

  Here, the update password is information that only the licensee can know. As shown in FIG. 5, the update password is information that cannot be recognized by the store clerk because the PLU file PF is stored after being subjected to processing such as encryption and invisibility. Therefore, the store clerk cannot generate an extended password generated using the reversible function F from the product code, the extended period, and the updated password.

  The headquarters as the licensee inputs the extended password issued by the licensee into the self-checkout terminal 101. When the extended password is input, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 executes a license expiration date extension update process, compares the input extended password with the update password corresponding to the product code, and both are the same. It is determined whether or not it has sex. When the control unit 253 determines that the input extension password and the update password have the same identity, the use permission time limit stored in the PLU file PF is extended and updated. The headquarters can continue to use the image data by extending and updating the expiration date of use.

  In the following, an explanation will be given of the extension processing for extension of the license agreement executed by the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 that enables the extension update of the license agreement expiration date.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the license extension extension update process.

  When the input of the extension password is completed on the image use extension screen K2 shown in FIG. 17 (Y in step S401), the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 inputs the extension password input by the function realized by the password verification program. Is converted using the inverse function inv-F, and the product code, the extension period, and the update password that constitute the extension password are acquired (step S402).

  As a subsequent process, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 searches the PLU file PF for the product code acquired from the extended password in step S402, and acquires the update password corresponding to the product code and the extended password in step S402. It is determined whether the updated password matches (step S403). That is, the process shown in step S403 is a process for determining the identity between the extended password issued by the licensee and the update password stored in the PLU file PF. By the processing shown in S403, it is possible to prevent the headquarters from arbitrarily extending the use permission period of the image data without agreeing with the licensor. In addition, since the extended password issued by the licensor includes the product code and the extension period, it is possible to extend and update the expiration date of use by simply inputting the extension password. That is, it is not necessary to separately input the product code, the extension code, and the update password.

  In addition, the licensee does not generate the extension password using the product code, the extension period, the update password, and the reversible function F and notify the licensee as described above. The password itself may be notified as an extended password that is the second authentication information. In this case, in the use permission period extension update process shown in FIG. In the determination process shown in step S403, password verification is performed based on whether or not the extension password and the update password match.

  When the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 determines that the extension password and the update password have the same identity in the process shown in step S403 (Y in step S403), the control unit 253 stores the extension password and the update password in the PLU file PF. Of various types of data, an extension renewal is performed to extend the license expiration date corresponding to the product code that constitutes the extension password by the extension period that constitutes the extension password (step S404). The process ends.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 determines that the extension password and the update password are not identical in the process shown in step S403 (N in step S403), the control unit 253 illustrated in the LCD 210 Error screen is displayed (step S405), and the license extension extension update process is terminated. The control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 displays an error screen in step S405 for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), and then displays an image use extension screen K2 for inputting an extension password on the LCD 210, and again the salesclerk. Prompts for an extended password.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for performing extension update of the use permission time limit of the image data. FIG. 22 shows that the headquarters who is the licensee of the license agreement for image data, as of February 14, 2007, has the image data whose license agreement corresponding to the product code 4900000000016 is March 3, 2007. An example will be shown in the case where it is desired to extend the usage by 180 days from the expiration date.

  The headquarters notifies the licensee of the license agreement for the image data of the product code “4900000000016” of the image data desired to be extended and the extension period “180 days” desired to be extended. At this time, the headquarters may pay the licensee an extended usage fee necessary for extended use.

  The licensee takes into account the update code “<PASS1>” corresponding to the product code 4900000000016 recognized only by the licensee in the product code “4900000000016” and the extension period “180 days” notified from the headquarters. The reversible function F is applied to generate an extended password “<PASS-X>”. The licensee notifies the generated extension password “<PASS-X>” to the headquarters that is the licensee.

  When the extended password “<PASS-X>” notified from the licensee is input to the self-checkout terminal 101, the expiration date “2007” for the image data corresponding to the product code 4900000000016 stored in the PLU file PF “March 3” is extended to “August 30, 2007”.

  As mentioned above, for products with product codes, we have introduced the case of extending and updating the expiration date for use of image data, but by notifying the licensee along with the extension period as the information specifying the image data, Also for the image data stored in the department file and the support image data stored in the HDD 258, it is possible to individually extend and update the usage permission period.

  As another example, the update password is not individually set for each image data, but a group code for specifying a group configured by specifying one or a plurality of image data in the image data file. The update password may be stored in correspondence with each group code. In this case, in the procedure shown in FIG. 20 to FIG. 22, the headquarters as the licensee of the license agreement for the image data assigns the group code to the licensee instead of the information specifying the image data such as the product code and the image file name. Notify In addition, the extended password generated by the licensee includes a group code. Then, when the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 confirms the identity between the extended password and the update password, the image file belonging to the group specified by the group code included in the extended password among the product data files. It is possible to rewrite the expiration date of the license.

  As another example, the update password may not be set individually for each piece of image data, but may be set for the entire product data file that stores the image data. In this case, in the procedure shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the headquarters as the licensee of the image data license agreement needs to notify the licensee of information specifying the image data such as the product code and the image file name. Absent. Also, the extended password generated by the licensor does not include information specifying this image data. Then, when the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 confirms the identity of the extension password and the update password, the entire use permission expiration date field of the product data file can be rewritten. In this case, the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 may be uniformly extended and updated for all product codes. In addition, image data is individually specified by input from the numeric keypad 207 or the touch panel 211 as an input unit or data input from the attendant terminal 501 as a host device, and only the expiration date for use corresponding to the specified image data is extended. An update may be performed.

  In the foregoing, the case where the process for realizing the usage permission expiration management of the image data is performed by the self-checkout terminal 101 alone has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the PLU file PF is stored in the HDD 510 of the attendant terminal 501, and the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101 performs merchandise sales data processing including search processing, use license expiration date determination processing, etc. In the processing, an inquiry may be made to the attendant terminal 501 via the communication interface 261 to acquire various data such as image data stored in the PLU file PF. By doing so, it becomes possible to centrally manage the product data file composed of the PLU file PF, the weight data file WDF, and the like with the attendant terminal 501, and to more reliably manage the expiration date of the license for use of image data. It can be carried out. In this case, the role of the information processing unit that executes information processing is assigned to the control unit 253 of the self-checkout terminal 101, the microcomputer of the attendant terminal 501, or both. It may be. When the microcomputer of the attendant terminal 501 plays a part or all of the role as the information processing unit, the attendant terminal 501 is a host device that distributes data to each self-checkout terminal 101.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall system configuration as an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of each part in a self-checkout system. It is a perspective view which shows a self-checkout terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical hardware constitutions of a payment terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a goods data file. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electrical hardware constitutions of an attendant terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the self-checkout process in a self-checkout terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen transition at the time of the self-checkout process execution in a self-checkout terminal. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the basic screen and reading confirmation screen about the goods which should be mounted in a temporary placement stand. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a weight check process. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a weight check error screen when a product whose barcode has not been read is placed on the placement unit of the scale device as a result of the weight check process, and (b) is a weight check process. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the weight check error screen when the goods have been removed from the mounting table as a result. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the weight check process in the goods bagging waiting phase. (A) is a schematic diagram illustrating a basic screen and a reading confirmation screen (a product placement place is a mounting table) for a product not subject to weight check, and (b) is a basic screen and a reading confirmation screen for a product not subject to weight check ( It is a schematic diagram which illustrates a goods mounting place (floor surface). It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen transition at the time of execution of the self-checkout process of packed goods. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the cancellation screen which appears when a cancellation button is pushed. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a clerk call screen (call selection) that appears when the call button is pressed, and (b) is a clerk call screen (calling) that appears when the call button is pressed. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen transition in checker mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a use permission term determination process. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the preparation information displayed on a display part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the procedure at the time of carrying out the extension update of the use permission term of image data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a use permission term extension update process. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the procedure at the time of carrying out the extension update of the use permission time limit of image data.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Self-checkout terminal (product sales data processing apparatus), 203 ... Bar code scanner (product code input part), 210 ... LCD (display part), 207 ... Numeric keypad (product code input part, password input means), 211 ... Touch panel (product code input unit, password input means) 256 ... ROM (storage unit), 254 ... RAM (storage unit), 258 ... HDD (storage unit), 501 ... Attendant terminal (higher level machine), 503 ... Display (higher level) Machine display unit), PF ... PLU file (product data file), WDF ... weight data file (product data file)

Claims (6)

A product sales data processing device comprising a display unit for displaying various information, and displaying various product and image data of various patterns on the display unit,
First authentication information is defined, and a storage unit that stores the image data and the expiration date for use of the image data in association with each other;
An authentication information input means for inputting the second authentication information;
The first authentication information is compared with the second authentication information input by the authentication information input means, and it is determined that the first authentication information and the input second authentication information are identical. If so, update the license agreement expiration date stored in the storage unit,
Acquires the license expiration date corresponding thereto and the image data to be displayed on the display unit from the storage unit, the acquired license expiration date if it is determined that the current time earlier, the said image data A merchandise sales data processing device that is not displayed on the display unit. Various products for supporting a selection operation of a section for classifying various products from the product code input unit, including a product code input unit for inputting a product code for specifying a product and a display unit for displaying various information. And a product sales data processing device for displaying image data of various patterns on the display unit,
First authentication information is defined, and a storage unit that stores image data and an expiration date for use of the image data in association with a department code that identifies the department;
An authentication information input means for inputting the second authentication information;
The first authentication information is compared with the second authentication information input by the authentication information input means, and it is determined that the first authentication information and the input second authentication information are identical. If so, update the license agreement expiration date stored in the storage unit,
When the storage unit is searched and image data corresponding to the department code of the department to be displayed on the display unit and the usage agreement deadline are acquired, and it is determined that the obtained usage agreement expiration date is before the current time A merchandise sales data processing apparatus that does not display the image data on the display unit. Various products for supporting a product registration operation including a product code input operation from the product code input unit, including a product code input unit for inputting a product code for specifying a product and a display unit for displaying various information And a product sales data processing device for displaying image data of various patterns on the display unit,
First authentication information is defined, and a storage unit that stores the image data in association with the product code in association with the expiration date of use of the image data;
An authentication information input means for inputting the second authentication information;
The first authentication information is compared with the second authentication information input by the authentication information input means, and it is determined that the first authentication information and the input second authentication information are identical. If so, update the license agreement expiration date stored in the storage unit,
One in merchandise sales data processing of the transaction, said searches the storage unit acquires the image data and the license expiration date corresponding to the commodity code entered by said commodity code input unit, the acquired license information currently not displaying the image data on the display unit if it is determined that the time is earlier, merchandise sales data processing apparatus. A setting means for setting, in association with the image data, a use permission flag indicating that the use permission time limit of the image data has passed when it is determined that the acquired use permission time limit is before the current time; Prepared ,
If it is determined with reference to the use permission flag that the use time limit has passed, the image data is not displayed on the display unit.
The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When it is determined in the comparison between the acquired use license deadline and the current time that the use license deadline is after the current time and the period between the use license deadline and the current time is less than a predetermined period. The product sales data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a warning process is performed to display warning information indicating that the expiration date of the license agreement is about to be displayed on the display unit. The second authentication information includes an extension period for extending the license period,
  When it is determined that the first authentication information and the input second authentication information have the same, it is determined that the license expiration date stored in the storage unit has the same. Extend for the extension period included in the second authentication information,
  The merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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