JP7193317B2 - Monitoring system and product sales data processing system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to monitoring systems and merchandise sales data processing systems.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a semi-self-type checkout system, for example, when a customer is using a payment device (accounting device) to pay for registered products, an event may occur that requires the intervention of a clerk. In such a case, there is known an example in which a settlement device sends a call signal to a product registration device to request a response from a store clerk (for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in such a conventional system, calls from customers are transmitted regardless of the usage status of the product registration device. Therefore, when the product registration device that received the call signal is performing product registration processing, there is a problem that the call cannot be responded to quickly.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a monitoring system capable of selecting a responder who can respond accurately and quickly to a customer's request for response while using an information processing device, and requesting the response. and to provide a merchandise sales data processing system.

The monitoring system of the embodiment includes at least one first information processing device operated by a store clerk for registering products purchased by customers, and at least one customer information processing device separate from the first information processing device. and a second information processing device operated by the company for accounting for the registered product . The first information processing device has response means and display means. In response to a call from the second information processing device, the response means responds to the second information processing device with the operating state of the first information processing device and information related to the first information processing device. . The display means displays that there is a response request from the second information processing device. Also, the second information processing apparatus includes calling means, selection means, and notification means. The calling means calls the first information processing device. The selection means selects the first information processing device to be requested to respond to the call based on the response from the response means. The notification means notifies the first information processing device selected by the selection means of the response request.

The commodity sales data processing system of the embodiment comprises at least one registration device for registering the commodity to be purchased by the customer by the operation of the store clerk, and the registration device, which is separate from the registration device, for the registered commodity to be purchased by the customer himself/herself. and at least one accounting device for accounting. The registration device has response means and display means. In response to a call from the accounting device, the response means responds to the accounting device with information regarding the operating state of the registration device and the registration device. The display means displays that there is a response request from the accounting device. The accounting device also includes calling means, selection means, and notification means. The calling means calls the registration device. The selection means selects a registered device for requesting response to the call based on the response by the response means. The notification means notifies the registration device selected by the selection means of the response request.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a monitoring system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of a self-service POS terminal. FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of a POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal. FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. FIG. 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the attendant terminal. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk master. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a register master. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the monitoring system. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a series of processes performed by the monitoring system. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by an attendant terminal or a POS terminal, indicating that a clerk has been called. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a series of processes performed by the monitoring system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a product sales data processing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an external view showing an example of a registration device. FIG. 15 is an external view showing an example of a checkout device. FIG. 16 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the registration device. FIG. 17 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the accounting device. FIG. 18 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the merchandise sales data processing system. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of a series of processes performed by the merchandise sales data processing system.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Description of the overall configuration of the monitoring system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment. The monitoring system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, is a system for monitoring the status of customers who register and pay at a self-service POS terminal 10 in a retail store such as a supermarket. More specifically, when it is difficult to continue the registration process and the accounting process, the customer calls the clerk, and in response to the call, the clerk operating the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 is operated. This is a system in which a clerk who can respond to a customer out of the clerk inside the store provides support.

The monitoring system 1 includes a plurality of self-service POS terminals 10 (10a, 10b, . 30 m). The self-service POS terminal 10 and the attendant terminal 20, and the POS terminal 30 and the attendant terminal 20 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly. The number of self-POS terminals 10 and POS terminals 30 connected to the attendant terminal 20 is not limited.

The self-POS terminal 10 performs a registration process for registering the sales of products purchased by the customer and a settlement process for the contents of the sales registration by the operation of the customer. The self-service POS terminal 10 is an example of a second information processing device.

The POS terminal 30 performs registration processing for registering the sales of products purchased by customers and settlement processing for the contents of the sales registration by the operation of the store clerk. Note that the POS terminal 30 is an example of a first information processing device.

The attendant terminal 20 is an information processing device such as a personal computer operated by a store clerk called an attendant. The attendant terminal 20 is associated with the self-POS terminal 10 . The attendant terminal 20 includes a display section 65 and an operation section 66 shown in FIG. The display unit 65 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. The operation unit 66 is, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard placed over the display unit 65 . Then, the attendant terminal 20 acquires the operating state of the associated self-POS terminal 10 at predetermined time intervals and displays it on the display unit 65 . The attendant confirms the operating state of the self-POS terminal 10 displayed on the attendant terminal 20 . Note that the attendant terminal 20 is an example of a first information processing device.

Also, the attendant terminal 20 receives a call originated from the self-POS terminal 10 by the customer when the customer operating the self-POS terminal 10 is at a loss as to how to operate it. When the attendant terminal 20 receives a call from the self-POS terminal 10, the attendant terminal 20 communicates with the POS terminal 30 associated with the attendant terminal 20, and acquires the operating state of the POS terminal 30 and information related to the POS terminal 30. do. Here, the information related to the POS terminal 30 includes the operating state of each POS terminal 30 and the attribute of the salesclerk who signs in to each POS terminal 30, such as years of experience.

Further, the attendant terminal 20 sends the operating state of the attendant terminal 20 and information related to the attendant terminal 20 and the operating state of the POS terminal 30 and information related to the POS terminal 30 to the self-POS terminal 10 that originated the call. Send. Here, the information related to the attendant terminal 20 is the operation state of the attendant terminal 20, the attribute of the salesclerk who is signed in to the attendant terminal 20, for example, the number of years of experience.

Note that in FIG. 1 , the monitoring system 1 may have a configuration in which one of the POS terminals 30 has the function of the attendant terminal 20 instead of having the attendant terminal 20 . Also, the POS terminal 30 may be, for example, a mobile terminal (handy terminal, smart phone, tablet terminal, etc.) possessed by each store clerk. Also, in the following description, the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 may be generically referred to simply as terminals for the sake of simplicity.

(Description of self-service POS terminal)
FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the self-service POS terminal 10a. The self-service POS terminal 10 a includes a main body 29 , a first mounting table 21 and a second mounting table 22 . The body portion 29 is provided between the first mounting table 21 and the second mounting table 22 . Since the self-POS terminals 10a, 10b, .

Main unit 29 includes first housing 11 , second housing 12 , deposit/withdrawal unit 13 , scanner 14 , display operation panel 15 , card reader/writer 16 , and printer 17 .

The first housing 11 is formed in a substantially box-like shape, and incorporates a control unit 40 (FIG. 4), which will be described later, the deposit/withdrawal unit 13, and the like. The second housing 12 is an outer shell of the scanner 14 and the printer 17 and is provided on the upper surface of the first housing 11 .

The deposit/withdrawal unit 13 includes a bill deposit port 131 , a bill deposit port 132 , a coin deposit port 133 , and a coin deposit port 134 . The deposit/withdrawal unit 13 receives banknotes and coins inserted into the bill deposit port 131 and the coin deposit port 133, sorts them by denomination, and stores them. Then, the deposit/withdrawal unit 13 dispenses change from the banknote dispensing port 132 or the coin dispensing port 134 in response to a request from the control unit 40 .

The scanner 14 has an imaging window 141 provided in the upper part of the second housing 12 and an imaging section (not shown) provided behind the imaging window 141 . The imaging unit captures an image of a code symbol such as a bar code held in front of the imaging window 141 when a customer registers a product to be purchased. Then, the imaging unit decodes the captured code symbol image. Furthermore, the imaging section outputs the decoded code information to the control section 40 . It should be noted that decoding of the code symbols may be performed by another part such as the control unit 40 .

The display operation panel 15 includes a display device 151 and a touch panel 152 and is attached to the top of the second housing 12 . The display 151 displays various screens under the control of the controller 40 . The touch panel 152 is provided on the display surface of the display device 151 and outputs operation information based on the touched position to the control unit 40 .

The card reader/writer 16 is arranged beside the second housing 12 on the upper surface of the first housing 11 . A card reader/writer 16 reads and writes information on a card medium. For example, the card reader/writer 16 reads information used for credit settlement or electronic settlement from a card medium such as a credit card or a prepaid or postpaid electronic money card, and outputs the information to the control unit 40 .

The printer 17 has a printing unit (not shown) built in the second housing 12 and a receipt issuing port 171 provided on the front surface of the second housing 12 . The printer 17 issues the receipt printed by the printing unit from the receipt issuing port 171 .

The first mounting table 21 is a table on which a basket containing pre-registered products is placed, and is fixed to the side surface of the main body 29 . The second mounting table 22 is a table on which registered products are placed, and is installed on the opposite side of the first mounting table 21 with the body portion 29 interposed therebetween.

The second mounting base 22 includes a hook 23 for hanging the take-out bag containing the data-registered product, and a temporary mounting base 24 for temporarily placing the data-registered product before putting it in the take-out bag. Prepare. On the temporary placing table 24, for example, items such as eggs and bread, which are likely to be damaged or deformed and are to be bagged last, are temporarily placed.

(Description of POS terminal)
FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the POS terminal 30a. As shown in FIG. 3, the POS terminal 30a performs registration processing and payment processing for products sold at the store while the salesclerk and the customer face each other. In the registration process, a product code is acquired by optically reading a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the product, and the product name and price (product information) of the product associated with the acquired product code are entered. is acquired and displayed, and the product information is stored in RAM or the like. Based on the product information memorized by the registration process, the payment processing includes displaying the total amount related to the transaction, calculating and displaying the amount of change based on the deposit received from the customer, instructing the change machine to issue change, and displaying the product information. and payment information (total amount, deposit amount, amount of change, etc.) is printed. Since the POS terminals 30a, 30b, . . . , 30m all have the same configuration, only the POS terminal 30a will be described below.

The POS terminal 30 a has a main body 2 and a money storage box 3 . The money storage box 3 has a drawer for storing money, and stores money (bills and coins) entrusted by customers, securities such as gift certificates, and change to be handed to customers.

The main body 2 includes an operation section 4 , an operator monitor 5 , a customer display section 6 , a receipt printer 7 , a card reader 8 and a scanner 9 .

The operation unit 4 is a keyboard provided with keys such as a number key for entering numbers, a subtotal key for declaring the end of product registration, and a total key for declaring the end of transaction. The operator monitor 5 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays information to the operator. A touch panel may be arranged on the display surface of the operator monitor 5 to serve as the operation unit 4 .

The customer display unit 6 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays information to customers.

A receipt printer 7 pulls out a roll-shaped receipt paper stored in the main body 2, prints product information, payment information, etc. with, for example, a thermal printer equipped with a thermal transfer type print head, and issues it as a receipt. A card reader 8 reads card information from a card such as a credit card presented by a customer.

A scanner 9 reads the code symbol attached to the product. The scanner 9 has an imaging unit (not shown). The imaging unit has a light receiving sensor composed of a CCD or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit receives light of 380 to 780 nm in the visible light region, for example, and captures an image.

In addition, the scanner 9 cuts out an image of a code symbol such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code attached to the product from the captured image of the product. Then, the scanner 9 reads the code information recorded in the code symbol based on the cut-out image of the code symbol.

(Description of hardware configuration of self-service POS terminal)
FIG. 4 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-POS terminal 10a. As shown in FIG. 4 , the self-POS terminal 10 a includes a control section 40 , a storage section 41 , a controller 42 and a communication interface 43 .

The control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 40b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 40c. The CPU 40a is the main control entity. The ROM 40b stores various fixed data and various tables. The RAM 40c develops control programs and various data and functions as a work memory when the CPU 40a performs various processes.

The storage unit 41 stores a control program P1, a PLU file F1, a sales file F2, a store clerk master F3, and a cash register master F4.

The control program P1 is a program executed by the CPU 40a. The CPU 40a, ROM 40b, RAM 40c, and storage unit 41 are connected to each other via a bus 44. The control unit 40 transfers the control program P1 stored in the storage unit 41 and various data stored in the ROM 40b to the RAM 40c. , and run it. Thereby, the control unit 40 executes various control processes.

The PLU file F1 is a file in which code information such as a JAN code uniquely assigned to each product and product information related to the product such as the name, price and product classification of the product are stored in association with each other. The sales file F2 is a file that stores product registration information generated by the self-POS terminal 10a performing product registration processing.

The store clerk master F3 is a master file that stores the identification ID of the store clerk who may sign in to the attendant terminal 20 and the self-service POS terminal 10 and the attributes of the store clerk. The attributes of the store clerk are, for example, age, sex, years of operating experience of the attendant terminal 20 and the self-service POS terminal 10, and the like. A specific configuration of the store clerk master F3 will be described later.

The register master F4 is a master file storing position information (layout) of the self-POS terminal 10, the attendant terminal 20, and the POS terminal 30 in the store. Based on the positional information stored by the cash register master F4, for example, the distance from each self POS terminal 10a, 10b, . . . , 10n to the attendant terminal 20 and each POS terminal 30a, 30b, . shall be A specific configuration of the registration master F4 will be described later.

The controller 42 connects the CPU 40 a to peripheral devices such as the deposit/withdrawal unit 13 , the scanner 14 , the display operation panel 15 , the card reader/writer 16 and the printer 17 via the bus 44 . The controller 42 controls operations of these peripheral devices according to instructions from the control unit 40 .

The communication interface 43 connects the self-POS terminal 10 a and the attendant terminal 20 via the bus 44 . The self-POS terminal 10a transmits a request for calling a clerk to the attendant terminal 20.例文帳に追加In addition, the attendant terminal 20 provides the self-POS terminal 10a with the operating states of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminals 30 (30a, 30b, . 30m).

(Description of hardware configuration of POS terminal)
FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 30a. As shown in FIG. 5, the POS terminal 30a includes a control unit 50, a storage unit 51, a controller 52, and a communication interface 53.

The control unit 50 includes a CPU 50a, a ROM 50b, and a RAM 50c. The CPU 50a is the main control entity. The ROM 50b stores various fixed data and various tables. The RAM 50c develops control programs and various data and functions as a work memory when the CPU 50a performs various processes.

Storage unit 51 stores control program P2, PLU file F1, and sales file F2. The control program P2 is a program executed by the CPU 50a. The PLU file F1 and sales file F2 are as described above.

The CPU 50a, ROM 50b, RAM 50c, and storage unit 51 are connected to each other via a bus . That is, the control unit 50 executes various control processes by causing the CPU 50a to expand the control program P2 stored in the storage unit 51 and various data stored in the ROM 50b into the RAM 50c and operate the RAM 50c.

The controller 52 connects the CPU 50 a to peripheral devices such as the operation unit 4 , the operator monitor 5 , the customer display unit 6 , the receipt printer 7 , the card reader 8 and the scanner 9 via a bus 54 . The controller 52 controls operations of these peripheral devices according to instructions from the control unit 50 .

The communication interface 53 connects the POS terminal 30 a and the attendant terminal 20 via the bus 54 . The POS terminal 30a receives from the attendant terminal 20 an inquiry about the operating state of the POS terminal 30a and information about the POS terminal 30a. Also, the POS terminal 30a transmits to the attendant terminal 20 the operating state of the POS terminal 30a and information related to the POS terminal 30a. Further, the POS terminal 30 a receives a notification of calling a salesclerk from the attendant terminal 20 .

(Description of the hardware configuration of the attendant terminal)
FIG. 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the attendant terminal 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6 , the attendant terminal 20 includes a control section 60 , a storage section 61 , a controller 62 and a communication interface 63 .

The control unit 60 includes a CPU 60a, a ROM 60b, and a RAM 60c. The CPU 60a is the main control entity. The ROM 60b stores various fixed data and various tables. The RAM 60c develops control programs and various data and functions as a work memory when the CPU 60a performs various processes.

The storage unit 61 stores the control program P3.

The control program P3 is a program executed by the CPU 60a. The CPU 60a, ROM 60b, RAM 60c, and storage unit 61 are connected to each other via a bus 64. The control unit 60 transfers the control program P3 stored in the storage unit 61 and various data stored in the ROM 60b to the RAM 60c. , and run it. Thereby, the control unit 60 executes various control processes.

The controller 62 connects the CPU 60 a to the display unit 65 and the operation unit 66 which are peripheral devices via the bus 64 . The controller 62 receives instructions from the control unit 60 and controls the operations of these peripheral devices.

The communication interface 63 connects the attendant terminal 20 and the self-POS terminal 10a via the bus 64 . Also, the communication interface 63 connects the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 a via the bus 64 .

The attendant terminal 20 transmits and receives each of the above-described information to and from the self-POS terminals 10 (10a, 10b, . . . , 10n) and the POS terminals 30 (30a, 30b, . . . , 30m).

(Description of store clerk master)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the store clerk master F3. The store clerk master F3 is provided in the self-POS terminal 10 (10a, 10b, .

The store clerk ID 80 is an identification number that uniquely identifies the store clerk. Note that the store clerk signs in when operating the POS terminal 30 and the attendant terminal 20 . More specifically, when the clerk operates the POS terminal 30 and the attendant terminal 20, the clerk enters a clerk ID and a passcode to make the POS terminal 30 and the attendant terminal 20 operable. While the POS terminal 30 and the attendant terminal 20 are in the signed-in state, the clerk ID of the signed-in clerk is stored.

The sex 81 is information indicating the sex of the store clerk. The gender 81 may be registered at the same time as the store clerk ID 80 is registered.

The age 82 is information indicating the age of the store clerk. The age 82 may be obtained by registering, for example, the date of birth at the same time as registering the store clerk ID 80, and calculating from the registered date of birth. Thereby, the age 82 is automatically updated for each birthday.

The number of years of experience 83 is information indicating the length of experience regarding the operation of the POS terminal 30 and the attendant terminal 20 of the store clerk. Years of experience 83 can be updated, for example, based on the date of registration of salesclerk ID 80 . In place of the years of experience 83, the number of times the POS terminal 30 and the attendant terminal 20 have been operated may be stored. The number of operations can be updated, for example, by accumulating and storing the number of times of sign-in.

(Description of cash register master)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the register master F4. The cash register master F4 is provided in the self-POS terminals 10 (10a, 10b, . do. More specifically, the register master F4 stores terminal information 90, floor information 91, and location information 92. FIG.

The terminal information 90 is information specifying the self-POS terminal 10 , the attendant terminal 20 , and the POS terminal 30 , which are terminals that configure the monitoring system 1 .

The floor information 91 is information indicating the number of the floor on which each terminal is installed in the store. That is, when the floor information 91 is "1", it indicates that the terminal is installed on the first floor of the store.

The location information 92 is information indicating the position where each terminal is installed in the store. Location information 92 further comprises x information 92a and y information 92b. The x information 92a indicates the position in the x direction where the terminal is installed. The y information 92b indicates the position in the y direction where the terminal is installed. Note that the x direction and the y direction respectively indicate mutually orthogonal directions in the store, and the pair of the x information 92a and the y information 92b indicates the installation position of the device on the floor specified by the floor information 91 of the store. shall be uniquely identifiable.

(Description of the functional configuration of the monitoring system)
FIG. 9 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the monitoring system 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, to simplify the explanation, the monitoring system 1 includes a self-service POS terminal 10a which is an example of a second information processing device, an attendant terminal 20 which is an example of a first information processing device, and a first information processing device. 1 shows a configuration including a POS terminal 30a, which is an example of one information processing apparatus. , 10n, the attendant terminal 20, and the POS terminals 30a, 30b, . . . , 30m are connected as described in FIG.

The self-POS terminal 10a includes a communication control section 210a, an operation control section 210b, a display control section 210c, a call processing section 210d, a selection processing section 210e, and a notification processing section 210f.

The communication control unit 210 a controls communication between the self-POS terminal 10 a and the attendant terminal 20 .

The operation control unit 210b controls the self-POS terminal 10a based on the operation information of the display operation panel 15 of the self-POS terminal 10a by the customer.

The display control unit 210c controls the display state of the display operation panel 15 of the self-POS terminal 10a.

The call processing unit 210d receives an operation of a call button (not shown) on the display operation panel 15 by the customer using the self-POS terminal 10a. In addition, the call processing unit 210d calls the attendant terminal 20 to request assistance from a salesclerk. Note that the call processing unit 210d is an example of calling means.

Based on the responses from the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30a, the selection processing unit 210e selects a terminal (attendant terminal 20 or POS terminal 30a) requesting a response to the call requested by the call processing unit 210d. Note that the selection processing unit 210e is an example of a selection unit. A method of selecting a terminal for which response is requested will be described later.

The notification processing unit 210f notifies the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30a selected by the selection processing unit 210e of the response request. Note that the notification processing unit 210f is an example of notification means.

The attendant terminal 20 includes a communication control section 220a, an operation control section 220b, a display control section 220c, an inquiry processing section 220d, a state detection section 220e, a response processing section 220f, and a notification processing section 220g.

The communication control unit 220a controls communication between the attendant terminal 20 and the self-service POS terminal 10a. Also, the communication control unit 220a controls communication between the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30a.

The operation control unit 220b controls the self-POS terminal 10a based on the operation information of the attendant terminal 20 detected by the operation unit 66 by the attendant.

The display control unit 220c controls the display state of the display unit 65 to display that there is a response request from the self-POS terminal 10a to the attendant terminal 20. FIG. Note that the display control unit 220c is an example of display means.

The inquiry processing unit 220d inquires of the POS terminal 30a about the operating state of the POS terminal 30a and information related to the POS terminal 30a.

The state detector 220 e detects the operating state of the attendant terminal 20 . Specifically, the state detection unit 220e detects whether the attendant terminal 20 is in a signed-in state.

The response processing unit 220f responds to the self-POS terminal 10a with the operating state of the attendant terminal 20, information about the attendant terminal 20, and the operating state of the POS terminal 30a, and information about the POS terminal 30a. Note that the response processing unit 220f is an example of response means.

The notification processing unit 220g receives a response request to the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30a from the self-POS terminal 10a. Further, when receiving a response request to the POS terminal 30a, the notification processing unit 220g notifies the POS terminal 30a of the received information.

The POS terminal 30a includes a communication control section 230a, an operation control section 230b, a display control section 230c, a state detection section 230d, a response processing section 230e, and a notification reception section 230f.

The communication control unit 230 a controls communication between the POS terminal 30 a and the attendant terminal 20 .

The operation control unit 230b controls the POS terminal 30a based on the operation information of the POS terminal 30a by the store clerk detected by the operation unit 4. FIG.

The display control unit 230c controls the display state of the operator monitor 5 to display that the self-POS terminal 10a requests the POS terminal 30a to respond. Note that the display control unit 230c is an example of display means.

The state detector 230d detects the operating state of the POS terminal 30a. Specifically, the state detection unit 230d detects whether the POS terminal 30a is in a signed-in state. Also, the state detection unit 230d detects whether the POS terminal 30a is in an idle state. The idle state is a state in which the POS terminal 30a is signed in and neither registration processing nor accounting processing has been performed. Further, the state detection unit 230d detects whether the POS terminal 30a is in a state of performing registration processing or accounting processing, and detects whether a subtotal key or cash total key is pressed. By detecting that the subtotal key has been pressed, it is possible to know that the registration process has ended, so that it is possible to predict that the accounting process will be executed next. Further, by detecting the depression of the cash total key, it can be known that the accounting process has been completed, so it can be predicted that the POS terminal 30a will shift to the idle state after a while.

The response processing unit 230e responds to the self-POS terminal 10a via the attendant terminal 20 with the operating state of the POS terminal 30a and information related to the POS terminal 30a. Note that the response processing unit 230e is an example of response means.

The notification receiving unit 230f receives a response request to the POS terminal 30a via the attendant terminal 20 from the self-POS terminal 10a. In addition, the notification receiving unit 230f transmits to the attendant terminal 20 whether or not it is possible to respond to the response request from the clerk who is operating the POS terminal 30a.

(Description of how to select a terminal to request response)
A call priority determination process in which the selection processing unit 210e provided in the self-POS terminal 10 selects a terminal (attendant terminal 20 or POS terminal 30) requesting a response will be described.

The selection processing unit 210e selects the operating states of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 and information related to the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 from among the responses from the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 received by the communication control unit 210a. to get

Then, the selection processing unit 210 e first identifies the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 to which the clerk is signed in based on the operating states of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 .

Next, the selection processing unit 210e identifies the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 in the idle state from among the attendant terminals 20 and the POS terminals 30 signed in by the store clerk.

Subsequently, the selection processing unit 210e confirms the number of years of experience of the salesclerk who is signed in to the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 in the idle state. Then, the operator with the longest years of experience is identified.

Then, the selection processing unit 210e selects a terminal signed in by a salesclerk with the longest experience among the salesclerks who have signed in to the terminal in the idle state (attendant terminal 20 or POS terminal 30). Select as requesting terminal. The number of years of experience of the salesclerk may be obtained from the information stored in the salesclerk master F3.

Note that the method by which the selection processing unit 210e selects a terminal for which a response is requested is not limited to the method described above. For example, the selection processing unit 210e may select, from among the terminals in the idle state, the terminal closest to the self-service POS terminal 10a to which the customer has called the clerk as the terminal for requesting assistance. Here, the distance from the self-service POS terminal 10a to each terminal can be calculated using the position information of each terminal stored in the cashier master F4.

In addition, the operator's attribute (e.g., years of experience) and location information of each terminal (e.g., distance from self-POS terminal 10a to each terminal) may be used together to select a terminal for which response is requested. . In this case, for example, if there are multiple terminals operated by an operator with the same years of experience, the closest terminal may be selected. Also, if there are a plurality of terminals at the same distance from the self-POS terminal 10a, the terminal operated by the operator with the longest experience can be selected.

Furthermore, the selection processing unit 210e ranks the terminals in the idle state based on the attributes of the operating clerk (e.g., years of experience) and the location information of each terminal (e.g., distance from the self-service POS terminal 10a). you can go Then, the selection processing unit 210e may select a terminal having a higher rank among the ranked terminals as a terminal for which a response is requested. In this case, a response request may be made to a plurality of selected terminals, and the response request may be made to the operator of the terminal who has responded to the request for response earliest.

Further, if there is no terminal in the idle state, the selection processing unit 210e selects the POS terminal 30 in which the pressing of the cash total key is detected as a candidate for the response request. This is because the POS terminal 30 can be expected to transition to an idle state after a while since the transaction has been completed. If there is no terminal in the idle state and the POS terminal 30 whose cash key is pressed is not detected, the selection processing unit 210e selects the POS terminal 30 whose subtotal key is pressed as a candidate for a response request. select. This is because the POS terminal 30 has completed the registration process, and can be expected to transition to the idle state when the subsequent accounting process is completed.

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the monitoring system)
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a series of processes performed by the monitoring system 1. As shown in FIG. The flow of processing will be described below with reference to FIG.

A customer who is paying for a purchased product using the self-POS terminal 10a calls a clerk when he/she gets lost in the operation of the terminal, or when the operation of the terminal is defective, or when normal operation cannot be continued. . Specifically, a call button (not shown) displayed on the display operation panel 15 is pressed. When the call button is pressed, the self-POS terminal 10a inquires of the attendant terminal 20 about the status of the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 (status inquiry 70).

When the attendant terminal 20 receives the status inquiry 70, it inquires the POS terminal 30 (30a, 30b, . . . ) associated with the attendant terminal 20 about the terminal status (status inquiries 71a, 71b). In addition, when the status inquiry 70 is received, the attendant terminal 20 detects the operating status of the attendant terminal 20 and extracts information related to the attendant terminal 20 (not shown in FIG. 10).

The POS terminal 30 (30a, 30b, . Then, the POS terminals 30 (30a, 30b, . . . ) transmit the detected operating states of the POS terminals 30 and information related to the POS terminals 30 to the attendant terminal 20 (state and related information notifications 72a, 72b).

The attendant terminal 20 transmits the operational status of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminals 30 (30a, 30b, .

The self-POS terminal 10a determines the priority of the terminal to notify the call based on the status of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 (30a, 30b, . . . ) and the information on each terminal received from the attendant terminal 20. (call priority judgment 74).

Next, the self-POS terminal 10a notifies the attendant terminal 20 of the terminal that notifies of the call selected as a result of the call priority determination 74 (clerk call notification 75).

The attendant terminal 20 notifies the terminal calling the clerk from among the POS terminals 30 (30a, 30b, . . . ) of the clerk call (clerk call notice 76). Note that the example shown in FIG. 10 shows an example of calling a salesclerk using the POS terminal 30b.

When the POS terminal 30b receives the clerk call from the attendant terminal 20, the call display 77 is displayed on the operator monitor 5. FIG. Specifically, the operator monitor 5 displays a screen W1 shown in FIG. Details of the screen W1 will be described later.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, the self-POS terminal 10a may call an attendant who is signed in to the attendant terminal 20. FIG. In this case, the screen W1 described above is displayed on the display unit 65 (FIG. 6). Also, the self-POS terminal 10a may call a plurality of terminals among the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 (clerks operating the terminals).

(Explanation of call screen)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen W1 displayed by the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30, indicating that a salesclerk has been called. More specifically, the screen W<b>1 is displayed on the display unit 65 of the attendant terminal 20 or the operator monitor 5 of the POS terminal 30 . The screen W1 indicates that the clerk call button has been pressed at "self-checkout #2" of the self-POS terminals 10 (10a, 10b, . . . , 10n). Here, "self-checkout #2" is one of the self-service POS terminals 10 (10a, 10b, . ) is determined in advance.

The screen W1 is superimposed on the screen displayed on the display unit 65 by the attendant terminal 20 or the screen displayed on the operator monitor 5 by the POS terminal 30 and is displayed as an interrupt (pop-up display). The screen W1 includes information indicating from which self-POS terminal 10 the call was made. The example of FIG. 11 shows that a call was made from "self-checkout #2" as described above.

The screen W1 further includes a response permission button B1 and a response refusal button B2. The response permission button B1 is a button for instructing the clerk who is signed in to the terminal on which the screen W1 is displayed to respond to the call. The response refusal button B2 is a button for instructing that the clerk who is signed in to the terminal on which the screen W1 is displayed cannot respond to the call. When the clerk presses the response permission button B1 or the response refusal button B2, information indicating which button was pressed is transmitted to the self-service POS terminal 10, which is the caller, "self-checkout #2" in the example of FIG.

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the monitoring system)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a series of processes performed by the monitoring system 1. As shown in FIG. The flow of processing will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the self-service POS terminal)
First, the flow of processing performed by the self-POS terminal 10a will be described. The call processing unit 210d determines whether the call button displayed on the display operation panel 15 of the self-POS terminal 10a has been pressed (step S10). If it is determined that the call button has been pressed (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the call button has not been pressed (step S10: No), step S10 is repeated. If the customer completes the checkout process at the self-POS terminal 10a without pressing the call button (step S10: No), the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is not executed.

When it is determined in step S10 that the call button has been pressed, the call processing unit 210d inquires of the attendant terminal 20 about the states of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 (step S11).

The communication control unit 210a determines whether a response has been received from the attendant terminal 20 (step S12). If it is determined that a response has been received from the attendant terminal 20 (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when it is not determined that a response has been received from the attendant terminal 20 (step S12: No), step S12 is repeated. If no response is obtained within a predetermined time, the self-POS terminal 10a determines that timeout has occurred, and terminates the processing in FIG.

When it is determined in step S12 that a response has been received from the attendant terminal 20, the selection processing unit 210e performs call priority determination processing for selecting a terminal requesting a response (step S13). The contents of the call priority determination process are as described above.

Subsequently, the notification processing unit 210f performs a notification process of notifying a terminal selected by the call priority determination process to request a response (step S14). Note that this notification is transmitted to the attendant terminal 20 . Notification to the POS terminal 30 is performed by the attendant terminal 20 .

The communication control unit 210a determines whether it has received a message indicating that it is possible to respond from the terminal requesting the response, out of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 (step S15). If it is determined that it has received a message indicating that it is available (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it has received a message indicating that it is available (step S15: No), step S15 is repeated. If no response is obtained within a predetermined time, the self-POS terminal 10a determines that timeout has occurred, and terminates the processing in FIG.

Next, the display control unit 210c displays on the display operation panel 15 that the store clerk will respond to the call and that the customer should wait until the customer arrives (step S16). After that, the self-POS terminal 10a ends the processing of FIG.

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the attendant terminal)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the attendant terminal 20 will be described. The inquiry processing unit 220d of the attendant terminal 20 determines whether an inquiry about the operating states of the attendant terminal 20 and the POS terminal 30 has been received from the self-POS terminal 10a (step S20). If it is determined that the inquiry about the operating state has been received (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is not determined that an inquiry about the operating state has been received (step S20: No), step S20 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S20 that an inquiry about the operating state has been received from the self-POS terminal 10a, the call processing unit 210d inquires of the POS terminal 30 about the operating state of the POS terminal 30 (step S21).

The communication control unit 220a determines whether a response has been received from the POS terminal 30 (step S22). If it is determined that a response has been received from the POS terminal 30 (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that no response has been received from the POS terminal 30 (step S22: No), step S22 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S22 that a response has been received from the POS terminal 30, the response processing unit 220f converts the operating state of the POS terminal 30 and information related to the POS terminal 30 into response information based on the contents of the response. (step S23). Further, when the inquiry destination of the inquiry received in step S20 includes the attendant terminal 20, the response processing unit 220f, regardless of whether or not there is a response from the POS terminal 30, information as response information.

Subsequently, the response processing unit 220f transmits the response information generated in step S23 to the self-POS terminal 10a (step S24).

The notification processing unit 220g determines whether a call notification requesting the clerk to respond has been received from the self-POS terminal 10a (step S25). If it is determined that the call notification has been received (step S25: Yes), the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the call notification has been received (step S25: No), step S25 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S25 that the notification has been received, the notification processing unit 220g determines whether the received notification is addressed to the attendant terminal 20 (step S26). If it is determined that the received notification is addressed to the attendant terminal 20 (step S26: Yes), the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if the received notification is not determined to be addressed to the attendant terminal 20 (step S26: No), the process proceeds to step S30.

If the notification received in step S25 is addressed to the attendant terminal 20, the display control unit 220c displays a call notification requesting the clerk to respond on the display unit 65 (step S27).

After step S27, the operation control unit 220b determines whether the response permission button B1 (FIG. 11) displayed on the display unit 65 has been pressed (step S28). If it is determined that the response permission button B1 has been pressed (step S28: Yes), the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the response permission button B1 has been pressed (step S28: No), step S28 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S28 that the response permission button B1 has been pressed, the notification processing unit 220g notifies the self-POS terminal 10a that the call is available (step S29). Then, the attendant terminal 20 ends the processing of FIG. 12 . Although not shown in FIG. 12, in the case where the depression of the response refusal button B2 is detected in step S28, the notification processing unit 220g notifies the self-POS terminal 10a that it cannot respond to the call. . In that case, the self-POS terminal 10a waits for a response from another terminal that notified the response request.

On the other hand, if the notification received in step S25 is not determined to be addressed to the attendant terminal 20 in step S26, the notification processing unit 220g notifies the POS terminal 30, which is the notification destination, of the received notification. (step S30).

Then, the notification processing unit 220g notifies the POS terminal 30, which is the notification destination, of the received notification (step S31).

Subsequently, the notification processing unit 220g determines whether there is a response from the POS terminal 30 indicating that it is available (step S32). If it is determined that there is a response indicating that it can be handled (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, if it is not determined that there is a response indicating that it can be handled (step S32: No), step S32 is repeated. Although not shown in FIG. 12, when pressing of the response refusal button B2 is detected in step S32, the notification receiving unit 230f notifies the attendant terminal 20 that the call cannot be handled.

(Explanation of the flow of processing performed by the POS terminal)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the POS terminal 30 will be described. The following processing is similarly performed for all the POS terminals 30 associated with the attendant terminal 20, but the following description is given only for the POS terminal 30a.

First, the state detection unit 230d of the POS terminal 30a determines whether an inquiry about the operating state of the POS terminal 30a has been received from the attendant terminal 20 (step S40). If it is determined that the inquiry about the operating state has been received (step S40: Yes), the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if it is not determined that an inquiry about the operating state has been received (step S40: No), step S40 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S40 that an inquiry about the operating state has been received from the attendant terminal 20, the state detection unit 230d generates the operating state of the POS terminal 30a and information related to the POS terminal 30a as response information (step S41).

Subsequently, the response processing unit 230e transmits the response information generated in step S41 to the attendant terminal 20 (step S42).

The notification receiving unit 230f determines whether or not a call notification requesting the clerk to respond has been received from the attendant terminal 20 (step S43). If it is determined that the call notification has been received (step S43: Yes), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the call notification has been received (step S43: No), step S43 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S43 that the call notification has been received, the display control unit 230c displays the call notification requesting the clerk to respond on the operator monitor 5 (step S44).

After step S44, the operation control unit 230b determines whether the response permission button B1 (FIG. 11) displayed on the operator monitor 5 has been pressed (step S45). If it is determined that the response permission button B1 has been pressed (step S45: Yes), the process proceeds to step S46. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the response permission button B1 has been pressed (step S45: No), step S45 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S45 that the response permission button B1 has been pressed, the notification receiving unit 230f notifies the attendant terminal 20 that the call is available (step S46). Then, the POS terminal 30a ends the processing of FIG.

Although not shown in FIG. 12, when the selection processing unit 210e selects a plurality of terminals, the notification processing unit 210f notifies the selected terminals of a response request. At this time, the store clerk operating the terminal notified of the response request indicates his or her intention by pressing the response permission button B1 or response refusal button B2. Then, if one of the plurality of terminals to which the response request has been notified receives a response permitting response, the notification processing unit 210f of the self-POS terminal 10a selects one of the terminals to which the response request has been notified to respond. The terminal other than the terminal that returned the response of permission is instructed to request the notified response, that is, to erase the screen W1. As a result, when one of the terminals accepts the response request, the operator of the other terminal notified of the response request presses the response permission button B1 or the response refusal button B2 according to the instructions on the screen W1. No need.

In the first embodiment described above, the control program P1 (P2, P3) executed by the control unit 40 (50, 60) may be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 41 (51, 61). Alternatively, it may be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc., in an installable format or executable format. may Also, the control programs P1 (P2, P3) may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network and downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the control program P1 (P2, P3) may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

As described above, according to the monitoring system 1 of the first embodiment, when the customer using the self-service POS terminal 10a (second information processing device) cannot perform the operation, the call processing unit 210d ( In response to a call made to the attendant terminal 20 (first information processing device) by the calling means), the response processing unit 220f (response means) of the attendant terminal 20 sends the attendant terminal to the self-POS terminal 10a. 20 and information related to the attendant terminal 20, and the operational state of the POS terminal 30 and information related to the POS terminal 30. The selection processing unit 210e (selection means) of the self-POS terminal 10a selects the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 requesting response to the call based on the response from the response processing unit 220f. Then, the notification processing unit 210f (notification means) notifies the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 selected by the selection processing unit 210e of the response request. The attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 notified of the response request displays that there is a response request from the self-POS terminal 10a. Therefore, when the progress of processing is interrupted while the customer is using the self-POS terminal 10a, it is possible to accurately and quickly select a person to respond to the customer's request for response and request the response. can.

Further, according to the monitoring system 1 of the first embodiment, the information related to the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 is the attribute (for example, the number of years of experience) of the operator of the terminal, and the selection processing unit 210e , the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 (first information processing apparatus) is selected based on the attribute of (for example, an operator with a long experience is operating). Therefore, it is possible to select a store clerk who can reliably respond to a response request from the self-POS terminal 10a.

Further, according to the monitoring system 1 of the first embodiment, the information related to the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 (first information processing device) is the self-POS terminal 10a (second information processing device) and the attendant terminal 20 Or position information (for example, distance) from the POS terminal 30, and the selection processing unit 210e selects the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 based on the position information (for example, the distance from the self-service POS terminal 10a is short). . Therefore, it is possible to select a store clerk who can quickly go to the self-POS terminal 10a in response to a response request from the self-POS terminal 10a.

Further, according to the monitoring system 1 of the first embodiment, the information related to the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 (first information processing device) includes the attributes (for example, years of experience) of the operator of the terminal, and the self-POS Positional information (for example, distance) between the terminal 10a (second information processing device) and the attendant terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30, the selection processing unit 210e selects the attendant based on the operator's attribute and the positional information. Select the terminal 20 or the POS terminal 30 (for example, if there are multiple terminals operated by an operator with the same years of experience, select the closest terminal). Therefore, it is possible to select a store clerk who can quickly go to the self-POS terminal 10a in response to a response request from the self-POS terminal 10a.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the merchandise sales data processing system 100 according to the second embodiment. The merchandise sales data processing system 100, as shown in FIG. 13, is a system for monitoring the status of customers who are performing accounting processing with accounting devices 300 (300a, 300b, . . . , 300n) in retail stores such as supermarkets. . More specifically, when it is difficult to continue the accounting process, the customer calls the store clerk, and the store clerk operating the registration device 400 (400a, 400b, . . . , 400m) responds to the call. Among them, it is a system in which a clerk who can respond provides support.

The merchandise sales data processing system 100 includes a plurality of accounting devices 300 (300a, 300b, . . . , 300n) and a plurality of registration devices 400 (400a, 400b, . . . , 400m). The accounting device 300 and the registration device 400 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly. Note that there is no limit to the number of accounting devices 300 and registration devices 400 .

The registration device 400 is a device for registering products purchased by customers. Note that the registration device 400 is an example of a first information processing device.

The accounting device 300 is a device for accounting for products purchased by customers. The checkout device 300 is, for example, a self-service POS terminal and configured separately from the registration device 400 . Note that the checkout device 300 is an example of a second information processing device.

(Explanation of registration device)
FIG. 14 is an external view showing an example of the registration device 400a. FIG. 14(a) is an external view of the registration device 400a as viewed from the store clerk's side. FIG. 14(b) is an external view of the registration device 400a viewed from the customer side. As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), a registration device 400a installed on the upper surface of a workbench 408 includes a vertical scanner 401 having a reading window. The scanner 401 has an imaging unit (not shown) behind the reading window. . . , 400m have the same configuration, the following description will be given only for the registration device 400a.

The registration device 400 a also includes an operator monitor 403 having a touch panel 404 on the top of the scanner 401 and a keyboard 405 . The operator monitor 403 displays the product name, price, and the like of the product imaged by the imaging unit of the scanner 401 . Note that the touch panel 404 and keyboard 405 are for assisting the input of information on the product to be registered.

A customer monitor 407 is provided on the left side of the registration device 400a as seen from the store clerk side, facing the customer side. The customer monitor 407 displays the name, unit price, quantity, total price, etc. of the product registered by the registration device 400a.

The registration device 400a reads a code symbol such as a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product, or reads the product included in the image captured by the imaging unit, or based on the image of the product captured by the imaging unit. Identify by general object recognition. Specifically, the registration device 400a refers to a PLU file F1 (see FIG. 16) that stores a product code that identifies each product sold at a store in association with the product name, price, etc. of the product. , uniquely identifies the product corresponding to the product code included in the read code symbol.

Further, the registration device 400a displays on the operator's monitor 403 a screen for confirming the specified product and receiving input such as the number of products. Then, the registration device 400a registers the specified product. Note that registration means that the product code of the product read from the PLU file F1 shown in FIG. 16 is associated with the number of products (the number of purchases) and the like, and stored in the sales file F2.

(Description of Accounting Device)
FIG. 15 is an external view showing an example of the checkout device 300a. As shown in FIG. 15, the accounting device 300a includes a deposit/withdrawal device 301, a touch panel 302, a monitor 303, a receipt printer 304, a card reader 305, and a light emitting unit 306 on the top of a housing 325. ing. . . , 300n have the same configuration, the following description will be given only for the accounting device 300a.

The deposit/withdrawal device 301 includes a coin slot 321 , a banknote slot 322 , a banknote dispensing slot 323 , and a coin dispensing slot 324 . The deposit/withdrawal device 301 stores banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 322 in a banknote storage unit (not shown). In addition, the deposit/withdrawal device 301 stores coins inserted into the coin slot 321 in a coin storage unit (not shown). Then, the deposit/withdrawal device 301 dispenses change of banknotes to the banknote dispensing port 323 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 310 (FIG. 17). The deposit/withdrawal device 301 also dispenses change in coins to the coin dispensing port 324 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 310 (FIG. 17).

The monitor 303 has a touch panel 302 on its surface. The monitor 303 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays information related to accounting processing, such as the total amount of one transaction, in images and characters. Touch panel 302 outputs information corresponding to the touched position to control unit 310 (FIG. 17).

The receipt printer 304 has a printing unit (not shown) and a receipt issuing port 326 . The receipt printer 304 issues the receipt printed by the printing unit according to the instruction of the control unit 310 from the receipt issuing port 326 .

The card reader 305 reads and writes information on a credit card, membership card, or the like inserted from the card slot 327 .

The light emitting unit 306 is installed at the upper end of the display pole 328 and emits light when a customer using the checkout device 300a presses a call button (not shown) displayed on the touch panel 302, for example. The light-emitting unit 306 includes, for example, an LED that emits red light, so that surrounding salespeople can easily notice the light emission. It should be noted that the light-emitting portion 306 may be composed of a light-emitting member other than the LED, and the color of the emitted light is not limited to red.

The customer operates the checkout device 300a to pay for the product with cash, credit card, electronic money, or the like, that is, checkout. In accounting processing, the accounting device 300a displays the total amount of one transaction based on the product registration information received from the registration device 400, and controls accounting processing for the total amount. The product registration information includes information such as the total price of one transaction to be processed, product information of the product to be traded, the device number of the registration device 400 that is the data transmission source, and the name of the store clerk in charge of the registration process. The product registration information may include other information necessary for receipt printing, such as sales promotion information for receipt printing.

(Description of the hardware configuration of the registration device)
FIG. 16 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the registration device 400a. As shown in FIG. 16, the registration device 400a includes a control unit 410, a storage unit 411, a controller 412, and a communication interface 413.

The control unit 410 includes a CPU 410a, a ROM 410b, and a RAM 410c. The CPU 410a is the main control entity. The ROM 410b stores various fixed data and various tables. The RAM 410c develops control programs and various data and functions as a work memory when the CPU 410a performs various processes.

Storage unit 411 stores control program P4, PLU file F1, and sales file F2. The control program P4 is a program executed by the CPU 410a. The PLU file F1 and sales file F2 are as described above.

The CPU 410 a , ROM 410 b , RAM 410 c and storage unit 411 are connected to each other via a bus 414 . That is, the control unit 410 executes various control processes by causing the CPU 410a to expand the control program P4 stored in the storage unit 411 and various data stored in the ROM 410b into the RAM 410c and operate the RAM 410c.

The controller 412 connects the CPU 410 a with the touch panel 404 , keyboard 405 , operator monitor 403 , scanner 401 , and customer monitor 407 via the bus 414 . Controller 412 controls the operation of these peripheral devices according to instructions from control unit 410 .

Communication interface 413 connects registration device 400a and accounting device 300 via bus 414 . The registration device 400a receives from the accounting device 300 an inquiry about the operation status of the registration device 400a and information related to the registration device 400a. Further, the registration device 400a transmits the operating state of the registration device 400a and information related to the registration device 400a to the accounting device 300a. Furthermore, the registration device 400a receives a notification of calling a clerk from the checkout device 300a.

(Description of the hardware configuration of the accounting device)
FIG. 17 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of accounting device 300a. As shown in FIG. 17 , accounting device 300 a includes control unit 310 , storage unit 311 , controller 312 , and communication interface 313 .

The control unit 310 includes a CPU 310a, a ROM 310b, and a RAM 310c. The CPU 310a is the main control entity. The ROM 310b stores various fixed data, various tables, and the like. The RAM 310c develops control programs and various data and functions as a work memory when the CPU 310a performs various processes.

The storage unit 311 stores a control program P5, a transaction file F5, a store clerk master F3, a store clerk master F3, and a cash register master F4.

The control program P5 is a program executed by the CPU 310a. The CPU 310 a , ROM 310 b , RAM 310 c and storage unit 311 are connected to each other via a bus 314 . That is, the control unit 310 executes various control processes by causing the CPU 310a to expand the control program P5 stored in the storage unit 311 and various data stored in the ROM 310b into the RAM 310c and operate the RAM 310c.

The transaction file F5, sales file F2, store clerk master F3, and store clerk master F3 are as described above.

The CPU 310 a , ROM 310 b , RAM 310 c and storage unit 311 are connected to each other via a bus 314 . That is, the control unit 310 executes various control processes by causing the CPU 310a to expand the control program P5 stored in the storage unit 311 and various data stored in the ROM 310b into the RAM 310c and operate the RAM 310c.

The controller 412 connects the CPU 410 a with the touch panel 404 , keyboard 405 , operator monitor 403 , scanner 401 , and customer monitor 407 via the bus 414 . Controller 412 controls the operation of these peripheral devices according to instructions from control unit 410 .

Communication interface 413 connects registration device 400a and accounting device 300 via bus 414 . The registration device 400a receives from the accounting device 300 an inquiry about the operation status of the registration device 400a and information related to the registration device 400a. Further, the registration device 400a transmits the operating state of the registration device 400a and information related to the registration device 400a to the accounting device 300a. Furthermore, the registration device 400a receives a notification of calling a clerk from the checkout device 300a.

(Description of the functional configuration of the product sales data processing system)
FIG. 18 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product sales data processing system 100. As shown in FIG. 18, for the sake of simplicity, the merchandise sales data processing system 100 includes a checkout device 300a, which is an example of a second information processing device, and a registration device 400a, which is an example of a first information processing device. It is shown for the case of the configuration provided with. Actually, as described with reference to FIG. 13, accounting devices 300 (300a, 300b, . . . , 300n), attendant terminals 20, and registration devices (400a, 400b, .

The accounting device 300a includes a communication control section 320a, an operation control section 320b, a display control section 320c, a call processing section 320d, a selection processing section 320e, and a notification processing section 320f.

Each functional unit included in the accounting device 300a has the same function as each component included in the self-service POS terminal 10a described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 9).

The registration device 400a also includes a communication control unit 420a, an operation control unit 420b, a display control unit 420c, an inquiry processing unit 420d, a state detection unit 420e, a response processing unit 420f, and a notification processing unit 420g. .

Each functional unit included in the registration device 400a has the same function as each component included in the attendant terminal 20 described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 9).

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the product sales data processing system)
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of a series of processes performed by the product sales data processing system 100. As shown in FIG. The flow of processing will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the accounting device)
First, the flow of processing performed by the accounting device 300a will be described. The call processing unit 320d determines whether the call button displayed on the monitor 303 of the accounting device 300a has been pressed (step S50). If it is determined that the call button has been pressed (step S50: Yes), the process proceeds to step S51. On the other hand, if it is determined that the call button has not been pressed (step S50: No), step S50 is repeated. If the customer completes the checkout processing at the checkout device 300a without pressing the call button (step S50: No), the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 is not executed.

If it is determined in step S50 that the call button has been pressed, the call processing unit 320d inquires of the registration device 400 (400a, 400b, . . . ) about the state of the registration device 400 (step S51).

The communication control unit 320a determines whether a response has been received from the registration device 400 (step S52). If it is determined that a response has been received from the registration device 400 (step S52: Yes), the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, if it is determined that no response has been received from the registration device 400 (step S52: No), step S52 is repeated. It should be noted that, if no response is obtained for a predetermined period of time, the checkout device 300a determines that timeout has occurred, and terminates the processing of FIG.

If it is determined in step S52 that a response has been received from the registration device 400, the selection processing unit 320e performs call priority determination processing for selecting the registration device 400 requesting the response (step S53). The contents of the call priority determination process are as described in the first embodiment.

Subsequently, the notification processing unit 320f performs a notification process of notifying a terminal selected by the call priority determination process to request a response (step S54). That is, this notification is sent to the registration device selected in step S53 among the registration devices 400. FIG.

The communication control unit 320a determines whether or not it has received from the terminal requesting the response among the registration devices 400 that the response is possible (step S55). If it is determined that it has received a message indicating that it is available (step S55: Yes), the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it has received a message indicating that it is available (step S55: No), step S55 is repeated. It should be noted that, if no response is obtained for a predetermined period of time, the checkout device 300a determines that timeout has occurred, and terminates the processing of FIG.

Next, the display control unit 320c displays on the monitor 303 of the checkout device 300a a request to wait until the store clerk responds to the call (step S56). After that, accounting device 300a terminates the processing of FIG.

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the registration device)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the registration device 400 (400a, 400b, . . . ) will be described. The inquiry processing unit 420d of the registration device 400 determines whether an inquiry about the operating state of the registration device 400 has been received from the accounting device 300a (step S60). If it is determined that an inquiry about the operating state has been received (step S60: Yes), the process proceeds to step S61. On the other hand, if it is not determined that an inquiry about the operating state has been received (step S60: No), step S60 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S60 that an inquiry about the operating state has been received from the accounting device 300a, the response processing unit 420f generates the operating state of the registration device 400 and information related to the registration device 400 as response information (step S61).

Subsequently, the response processing unit 420f transmits the response information generated in step S61 to the accounting device 300a (step S62).

The notification processing unit 420g determines whether a call notification requesting the clerk to respond has been received from the checkout device 300a (step S63). If it is determined that the call notification has been received (step S63: Yes), the process proceeds to step S64. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the call notification has been received (step S63: No), step S63 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S63 that the call notification has been received, the display control unit 420c displays the call notification requesting the clerk to respond on the operator monitor 403 (step S64).

Following step S64, the operation control unit 420b determines whether the response permission button B1 (FIG. 11) displayed on the operator monitor 403 has been pressed (step S65). If it is determined that the response permission button B1 has been pressed (step S65: Yes), the process proceeds to step S66. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the response permission button B1 has been pressed (step S65: No), step S65 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S65 that the response permission button B1 has been pressed, the notification processing unit 420g notifies the accounting device 300a that the call is available (step S66). Then, the registration device 400 ends the processing of FIG. 19 . Although not shown in FIG. 19, in step S65, when pressing of the response refusal button B2 is detected, the notification processing unit 420g notifies the accounting device 300a that the call cannot be handled. In that case, the accounting device 300a waits for a response from another registration device that notified the response request.

As described above, according to the merchandise sales data processing system 100 of the second embodiment, when the customer using the checkout device 300a (second information processing device) cannot perform the operation, the call processing unit 320d (calling means) calls the registration device 400 (first information processing device), and the response processing unit 420f (response means) of the registration device 400 calls the accounting device 300a. It responds with information about the operating status of the device 400 and the registration device 400 . The selection processing unit 320e (selection means) of the accounting device 300a selects the registration device 400 to be requested to respond to the call based on the response from the response processing unit 420f. Then, the notification processing unit 320f (notification means) notifies the registration device 400 selected by the selection processing unit 320e of the response request. The registration device 400 notified of the response request displays that there is a response request from the accounting device 300a. Therefore, when the progress of processing is interrupted while the customer is using the checkout device 300a, it is possible to accurately and quickly select a person to respond to the response request sent by the customer and request the response. .

Further, according to the product sales data processing system 100 of the second embodiment, the selection processing unit 320e of the checkout device 300a selects the registration device 400 that has been signed in and is on standby. Therefore, since the clerk who is signed in to the registration device 400 that has not performed the registration process is requested to respond, it is possible to quickly respond to the call.

Further, according to the product sales data processing system 100 of the second embodiment, the information related to the registration device 400 is the operator attribute (for example, years of experience) of the registration device 400, and the selection processing unit 320e (for example, an operator with many years of experience is operating), the registration device 400 is selected. Therefore, it is possible to select a store clerk who can reliably respond to a response request from the checkout device 300a.

Further, according to the product sales data processing system 100 of the second embodiment, the information related to the registration device 400 is positional information (for example, distance) between the accounting device 300a and the registration device 400, and the selection processing unit 320e The registration device 400 is selected based on the location information (for example, closer to the checkout device 300a). Therefore, it is possible to select a store clerk who can quickly visit the checkout device 300a in response to a request from the checkout device 300a.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 monitoring system 10 (10a, 10b, ..., 10n) self POS terminal (second information processing device)
20 attendant terminal (first information processing device)
30 (30a, 30b, ..., 30m) POS terminal (first information processing device)
100 Merchandise sales data processing system 210d, 320d Call processing unit (calling means)
210e, 320e selection processing unit (selection means)
210f, 320f Notification processing unit (notification means)
220c, 420c display control section (display means)
220f, 420f Response processing section (response means)
300 (300a, 300b, ..., 300n) accounting device (second information processing device)
400 (400a, 400b, ..., 400m) Registration device (first information processing device)

JP 2016-62353 A

Claims (5)

at least one first information processing device operated by a store clerk for registering products to be purchased by a customer ; A monitoring system comprising a second information processing device for accounting for products ,
The first information processing device is
A response that responds to a call from the second information processing device with an operating state of the first information processing device and information related to the first information processing device to the second information processing device. means and
display means for displaying that there is a response request from the second information processing device;
The second information processing device is
calling means for calling the first information processing device;
selection means for selecting the first information processing device that requests response to the call based on the response from the response means;
notification means for notifying the first information processing apparatus selected by the selection means of a response request;
surveillance system. The information related to the first information processing device is an attribute of an operator of the first information processing device,
The selection means selects the first information processing device based on the attribute of the operator.
A surveillance system according to claim 1 . The information related to the first information processing device is position information of the second information processing device and the first information processing device,
The selection means selects the first information processing device based on the position information.
A surveillance system according to claim 1 . The information relating to the first information processing device includes an attribute of an operator of the first information processing device and location information of the second information processing device and the first information processing device, ,
The selection means selects the first information processing device based on the attribute of the operator and the position information.
A surveillance system according to claim 1 . At least one registration device for registering commodities to be purchased by a customer and at least one checkout device for accounting for the registered commodities to be purchased by the customer, which is separate from the registration device, by the operation of a store clerk. A product sales data processing system comprising:
The registration device
response means for responding to a call from the accounting device with the operating state of the registration device and information related to the registration device to the accounting device;
display means for displaying that there is a response request from the accounting device;
The accounting device
calling means for calling the registration device;
selection means for selecting a registered device requesting response to the call based on the response from the response means;
a notification means for notifying the registration device selected by the selection means of a response request;
A merchandise sales data processing system with

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