JP7429336B1 - In-store management system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an in-store management system that can reduce the burden of managing multiple POS terminals. [Solution] The in-store management system includes a plurality of POS terminals in which products are registered by users, usage status of the plurality of POS terminals, issued receipt information of at least one of the plurality of POS terminals, and a plurality of POS terminals. The present invention includes a management server that generates at least one list of operation histories of POS terminals, and an in-store management device that displays the list generated by the management server. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an in-store management system that manages a plurality of POS terminals in a store.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, stores such as convenience stores and supermarkets are increasingly introducing self-checkout systems in which users register the products they wish to purchase and make payments. For example, in Patent Document 1, a mobile terminal owned by a customer reads identification information attached to a product to identify the product, stores it as purchased product data, and transmits the purchased product data to a cash register. A self-checkout system for payment has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-070308

A self-checkout system has the advantage of eliminating the need for an employee at each cash register and reducing the number of employees. However, if a problem occurs with a POS terminal such as a self-checkout, employees will need to check and take action. In a self-checkout system, it is necessary for one employee to manage multiple POS terminals, which increases the burden on the employee.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an in-store management system that can reduce the burden of managing multiple POS terminals.

The in-store management system according to the present invention includes a plurality of POS terminals in which products are registered by users, usage status of the plurality of POS terminals, issued receipt information of at least one of the plurality of POS terminals, and a plurality of POS terminals. The management server includes a management server that generates at least one list of the operation history of the POS terminal, and an in-store management device that displays the list generated by the management server. If the number of POS terminals during shopping is equal to or greater than a threshold, a notification is sent to the in-store management device to urge more people to the checkout area .

According to the in-store management system of the present invention, by generating and displaying a list of at least one of the usage status of multiple POS terminals, issued receipt information, and operation history, employees can management burden will be reduced.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an in-store management system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the in-store management system according to the first embodiment. 3 is an example of an initial screen displayed on the in-store management device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is an example of a usage status screen displayed on the in-store management device according to the first embodiment. It is an example of a detailed screen displayed on the in-store management device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing of each device in the usage status monitoring function of the first embodiment. 3 is an example of a receipt reprint screen displayed on the in-store management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of each device in the receipt viewing and reprinting functions of the first embodiment. 3 is an example of an operation history screen displayed on the in-store management device according to the first embodiment. It is an example of a detailed screen displayed on the in-store management device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing of each device in the operation history reference function of the first embodiment. 7 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing of each device in the usage status monitoring function according to modification 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of an in-store management system according to a second embodiment. It is an example of the manually registered product management screen displayed on the in-store management device according to Embodiment 2. It is an example of a security product management screen displayed on the in-store management device according to Embodiment 2. It is an example of a coupon management screen displayed on the in-store management device according to Embodiment 2. 7 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing of each device in the display information management function of Embodiment 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, an in-store management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the configurations shown in each figure can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an in-store management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The in-store management system 100 of this embodiment is used in a retail store such as a convenience store or a supermarket.

As shown in FIG. 1, the in-store management system 100 includes a plurality of POS terminals 1, a management server 2, an in-store management device 3, and a printing device 4. The POS terminal 1, the management server 2, and the in-store management device 3 are connected to enable wireless communication via a network 200 such as a LAN or the Internet. Although three POS terminals 1 are shown in FIG. 1, the number of POS terminals 1 is not limited to this.

The POS terminal 1 is used by users who visit a store to register products and make payments. For example, the POS terminal 1 is a portable terminal such as a POS dedicated terminal, a PC, a tablet, or a smartphone. be. The POS terminal 1 has the function of a POS register for registering, paying for, and making payments for products purchased by users. The POS terminal 1 in this embodiment is a tablet mounted on a shopping cart. A user uses the POS terminal 1 to register products while shopping.

The management server 2 is provided at a system headquarters that oversees a plurality of stores. The management server 2 has the function of a POS server that collectively manages user information, registration information, and payment information at multiple stores, and the function of an in-store server that manages multiple POS terminals 1 for each store. There is.

The in-store management device 3 is an information terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone operated by a store employee. An employee uses the in-store management device 3 to manage a plurality of POS terminals 1 in the store.

The printing device 4 is a device that prints a receipt that has been settled at the POS terminal 1. The printing device 4 is connected to the in-store management device 3 for wireless communication.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the in-store management system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 1 includes a control device 11, a display device 12, an operating device 13, a reading device 14, and a communication device 15.

The control device 11 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control device 11 includes a product registration section 111, a payment processing section 112, and a display control section 113. Each part of the control device 11 is a functional part realized by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. Note that at least any of the parts of the control device 11 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

The product registration unit 111 registers the product read by the reading device 14 as a product to be purchased and makes payment. The payment processing unit 112 performs payment processing for products registered and paid for by the product registration unit 111. The POS terminal 1 of this embodiment allows payment by prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode. When the user selects payment using a prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode, the payment processing unit 112 performs processing based on the input prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode information. Perform payment processing. The display control unit 113 controls the display device 12 to display information on the product read by the reading device 14, information regarding product clearing and payment, notifications from the management server 2, and the like.

The display device 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information on registered products, information on product settlement and payment, notifications from the management server 2, and the like.

The operating device 13 is, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the display device 12. The operating device 13 is operated by the user, and is used for logging in when starting use, manual registration of products without barcodes, payment instructions, selection of payment method, and input of information for payment (PIN code, etc.). be operated on.

The reading device 14 is a device that irradiates the product with a laser scanning line to read a barcode attached to the product. The product information read by the reading device 14 is transmitted to the control device 11 . Further, the reading device 14 may include a card reader that reads information on a prepaid card or credit card, a scanner that reads information on electronic money or a barcode, or a camera.

The communication device 15 is a network interface that transmits and receives data to and from the management server 2 by wireless communication. When the user logs into the POS terminal 1, the communication device 15 transmits the information input at the time of login to the management server 2 as user information. Furthermore, when a product is registered in the POS terminal 1, the communication device 15 transmits information about the registered product to the management server 2 as registration information. Furthermore, when the user makes a payment, the communication device 15 transmits information regarding the payment to the management server 2 as payment information. Furthermore, the communication device 15 transmits the usage status and operation history of the POS terminal 1 to the management server 2.

The management server 2 includes a control device 21, a communication device 22, a POS management section 23, and a plurality of in-store management sections 24. The control device 21 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control device 21 stores the information received from the POS terminal 1 in the POS management section 23 or the in-store management section 24. Specifically, the control device 21 stores the user information received from the POS terminal 1 in the user information database 231 of the POS management section 23. Further, the control device 21 stores the registration information received from the POS terminal 1 in the registration information database 232 of the POS management section 23. Further, the control device 21 stores the payment information received from the POS terminal 1 in the payment information database 233 of the POS management unit 23. Further, the control device 21 stores the usage status received from the POS terminal 1 in the usage status database 241 of the in-store management section 24. Further, the control device 21 stores the operation information received from the POS terminal 1 in the operation history database 242 of the in-store management section 24.

Further, based on a request from the in-store management device 3 and based on information stored in the POS management section 23 and the in-store management section 24, the control device 21 determines the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1, issued receipts, and operations. A list of history is generated and sent to the in-store management device 3.

The communication device 22 is a network interface that sends and receives data to and from the POS terminal 1 and the in-store management device 3. The communication means of the communication device 22 may be either wired or wireless. The communication device 22 receives user information, registration information, payment information, usage status, and operation information from the POS terminal 1 . The communication device 22 also transmits a list of the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1, issued receipts, and operation history to the in-store management device 3.

The POS management unit 23 is a storage device that stores data used when functioning as a POS server, and includes a user information database 231, a registration information database 232, and a payment information database 233. Note that in FIG. 2, "database" is abbreviated as "DB". The data stored in the POS management unit 23 is data shared by a plurality of stores managed by the management server 2, and is managed by the system headquarters.

The user information database 231 is a storage device that stores user information such as the name, address, and prepaid card number of the user who uses the POS terminal 1. The registration information database 232 is a storage device that stores registration information received from the POS terminal 1. The registration information includes information such as product division (category), product code, product name, number of products, and price. The registration information database 232 stores registration information of a plurality of products for one shopping trip as one registration list. Further, the registration information database 232 may store information such as the purchasing store and the date and time of purchase as the registration information. The payment information database 233 is a storage device that stores payment information such as products purchased by users, payment date and time, and payment method.

The in-store management unit 24 is a storage device that stores data used when functioning as an in-store server, and includes a usage status database 241 and an operation history database 242. The data stored in the in-store management section 24 is data provided individually for each store, and is managed by an employee of each store. The management server 2 includes an in-store management section 24 for each store to be managed.

The usage status database 241 is a storage device that stores usage status of a plurality of POS terminals 1 for each POS terminal 1. The usage status includes the status of the POS terminal 1, the number of registered products, the remaining battery level of the POS terminal 1, the number of purchased items, the purchased amount, continuous operating time, wireless communication connection status, and the like. The status of the POS terminal 1 is "Suspended", "Standby", "Logging in", "Shopping", "Shopping canceled", "Checking out", "Payment completed", "Not in operation", "Employee". Including "call" etc. "Out of service" means that the POS terminal 1 has malfunctioned and is not in operation. "Standby" means that the POS terminal 1 has not been used even once that day, and is "not in operation." " is a state where wireless communication is not connected.

The operation history database 242 is a storage device that stores operation information received from each POS terminal 1 for each POS terminal 1. The operation information is information related to the operation of the POS terminal 1 by the user, and includes "login", "addition of product", "payment", "cancellation of product", "use of coupon", and the like.

The in-store management device 3 includes a control device 31, a display device 32, an operating device 33, and a communication device 34. The control device 31 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control device 31 makes a request to the management server 2 based on the instructions input to the operation device 33, and also receives the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1, issued receipts, a list of operation history, etc. from the management server 2. is displayed on the display device 32.

The display device 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1, issued receipts, a list of operation history, etc. received from the management server 2. The operating device 33 is, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the display device 32. The employee operates the operating device 33 to make a request to the management server 2 or the printing device 4, or to select a display.

The communication device 34 is a network interface that transmits and receives data to and from the management server 2 by wireless communication. The communication device 34 transmits a request instructed by the employee to the management server 2 or the printing device 4. The communication device 34 also receives the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1, issued receipts, a list of operation history, etc. from the management server 2.

Next, the functions of the in-store management device 3 of this embodiment will be explained. The in-store management device 3 of this embodiment can implement the following functions.
(1) Function to monitor usage status of POS terminal 1 (2) Function to view and reprint issued receipts (3) Function to view operation history of POS terminal 1

When an employee performs any of the above functions, he or she first logs into the POS terminal management system using the in-store management device 3. As a result, the initial screen 70 is displayed on the display device 32 of the in-store management device 3. FIG. 3 is an example of the initial screen 70 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the initial screen 70 includes login information 701 and display items 702. Login information 701 includes the store name and the identification number of the employee who operates the in-store management device 3. Display items 702 are items corresponding to each function of the in-store management device 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the display items 702 include "usage status", "receipt reprint", and "operation history". When an employee selects one of the display items 702, the corresponding function is executed. Each function will be explained in detail below.

(1) POS terminal usage status monitoring function When “usage status” is selected on the initial screen 70, the usage status monitoring function is executed. The usage status monitoring function is a function for displaying a list of usage statuses of a plurality of POS terminals 1 in the store in the in-store management device 3. In the usage status monitoring function, a usage status screen 71 and a detailed screen 72 are displayed on the display device 32.

FIG. 4 is an example of the usage status screen 71 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the usage status screen 71 includes a list display button 711 and a list display section 712. By operating the list display button 711, a list of the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1 is displayed on the list display section 712. The usage status list includes the cash register number, status, remaining battery level, number of purchased items, purchase price, and continuous operating time for each POS terminal 1. The cashier number is the identification number of the POS terminal 1, and the continuous operating time is one shopping time.

When an employee selects any of the usage statuses displayed in the list display section 712, a detailed screen 72 showing details of the selected usage status is displayed. FIG. 5 is an example of the details screen 72 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the details screen 72 displays the cash register number, remaining battery level, number of purchased items, and purchase price of the POS terminal 1 corresponding to the selected usage status, as well as the information of the user using the POS terminal 1. Contains additional information such as prepaid card number, prepaid card balance, communication status, details of purchased products, and whether coupons have been used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of each device in the usage status monitoring function of the first embodiment. First, the usage status is sent from the POS terminal 1 to the management server 2 periodically (for example, every minute) (S10). Alternatively, the POS terminal 1 may also transmit the usage status when some operation occurs on the POS terminal 1 (for example, login by a user) or when requested by the management server 2. As described above, the status of the POS terminal 1 transmitted as the usage status includes the status when the user is not logged in, such as "dormant" or "standby". Therefore, the POS terminal 1 periodically transmits usage status to the management server 2 before the user logs in and even after payment is completed.

When the management server 2 receives the usage status from the POS terminal 1, it stores the received usage status in the usage status database 241 (S11). Further, when the management server 2 receives a new usage status from the same POS terminal 1, it updates the usage status of the POS terminal 1 stored in the usage status database 241. That is, the usage status database 241 stores the latest usage status of each POS terminal 1.

When the employee operates the in-store management device 3 and operates the list display button 711 on the usage status screen 71, the in-store management device 3 requests the usage status of each POS terminal 1 in the store (S12 ). The management server 2 generates a usage status list including the information stored in the usage status database 241 (S13), and transmits it to the in-store management device 3 (S14). The in-store management device 3 displays the received usage status list on the list display section 712 of the display device 32 (S15).

Further, when the employee selects any one of the usage status list, the in-store management device 3 requests the management server 2 for details of the selected usage status (S16). The management server 2 generates a detailed screen 72 based on the usage information and registration information of the POS terminal 1 corresponding to the requested usage status and the usage status (S17), and sends the screen data of the detailed screen 72 to the in-store management device. 3 (S18). The in-store management device 3 displays a detailed screen 72 on the display device 32 based on the received screen data (S19).

As mentioned above, the usage monitoring function allows one employee to easily monitor the status of multiple POS terminals 1 by displaying the usage status of multiple POS terminals 1 in the store in a list on the in-store management device 3. can be monitored. Further, the usage status employee can check the usage status list to confirm details about the status of the POS terminal 1 of interest.

(2) Function for viewing and reprinting issued receipts When "reprint receipt" is selected on the initial screen 70, the functions for viewing and reprinting receipts are executed. The receipt viewing and reprinting function is a function that displays a list of issued receipts on the display device 32 and reprints them on the printing device 4. For example, if an employee wants to check the contents of past receipts, if a user requests to reprint the receipt, or if the receipt cannot be printed due to a problem such as a paper jam in the printing device 4 after payment at the POS terminal 1. This function is implemented when reprinting is performed using another printing device 4, for example. In the receipt viewing and reprinting function, a receipt reprinting screen 73 is displayed on the display device 32.

FIG. 7 is an example of the receipt reprint screen 73 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the receipt reprint screen 73 includes a search condition input section 731, a search button 732, a search result display section 733, a receipt display section 734, and a print button 735. The search condition input section 731 is an input section for inputting conditions for searching for a receipt to be reprinted. The search condition is, for example, a card number or a cash register number. The card number is the number of the user's prepaid card. Note that the search condition may be a receipt number, shopping time, or the like.

The search result display section 733 displays search results of issued receipts searched using the search conditions. In the example of FIG. 7, the search results of issued receipts searched using the card number "12345678" as a search condition are displayed. The search result is payment information that satisfies the search conditions and includes the card number, cash register number, receipt number, and shopping time. The search result display section 733 can sort and display search results by card number, cash register number, receipt number, or shopping time.

When the employee selects any of the search results displayed in the search result display section 733, a receipt corresponding to the selected search result is displayed on the receipt display section 734. When the print button 735 is pressed, printing of the receipt displayed on the receipt display section 734 is instructed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of each device in the receipt viewing and reprinting function of the first embodiment. First, when a search condition is input into the search condition input section 731 of the receipt reprint screen 73 and the search button 732 is pressed, the input search condition is transmitted from the in-store management device 3 to the management server 2 (S20). The management server 2 searches the payment information database 233 for payment information based on the search conditions received from the in-store management device 3 (S21). Then, a list of payment information (receipt information) that satisfies the search conditions is transmitted to the in-store management device 3 as a search result (S22). The in-store management device 3 displays the received search results on the search result display section 733 of the display device 32 (S23).

Then, in the in-store management device 3, one of the search results displayed in the search result display section 733 is selected as a printing target (S24), and the in-store management device 3 sends the selected receipt to be printed to the management server 2. is requested (S25). The management server 2 generates receipt data corresponding to the search result of the selected print target using the payment information (S26), and transmits it to the in-store management device 3 (S27). The in-store management device 3 displays the receipt on the receipt display section 734 based on the receipt data received from the management server 2 (S28).

Then, when the print button 735 is pressed by the employee, an instruction to reprint the selected receipt is sent from the in-store management device 3 to the printing device 4 (S29). The reprint instruction includes print data of the receipt displayed on the receipt display section 734. Upon receiving the reprint instruction from the in-store management device 3, the printing device 4 reprints the receipt based on the print data included in the reprint instruction (S30).

As mentioned above, with the receipt viewing and reprinting function, even if you do not know the receipt number, you can reprint the receipt by searching for issued receipts and selecting the receipt to reprint from the search results. can. Furthermore, by displaying the card number, cash register number, receipt number, and shopping time as the search results, employees can easily identify the target receipt.

(3) POS terminal operation history reference function When "operation history" is selected on the initial screen 70, the operation history reference function is executed. The operation history reference function is a function in which the in-store management device 3 displays a list of operation histories of a plurality of POS terminals 1 in the store. In the operation history reference function, an operation history screen 74 and a details screen 75 are displayed on the display device 32 of the in-store management device 3.

FIG. 9 is an example of the operation history screen 74 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the operation history screen 74 includes a search condition input section 741, a search button 742, and a search result display section 743. The search condition input section 741 is an input section for inputting conditions for searching the operation history. The search condition is, for example, a card number or a cash register number. The card number is the number of the user's prepaid card. Note that the search condition may be date and time, shopping time, or the like.

The search result display section 743 displays search results of operation history searched using the search conditions. In the example of FIG. 9, the search results of the operation history searched using the card number "1815762485157" as the search condition are displayed. The search results include date and time, shopping time (start time - end time), card number, and cash register number. The search result display section 743 can sort and display search results by date and time, shopping time (start time - end time), card number, or cash register number.

Furthermore, when the employee selects any of the operation histories displayed on the search result display section 743, the in-store management device 3 displays a detailed screen 75 of the selected operation history. FIG. 10 is an example of the details screen 75 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the details screen 75 includes time, implementation screen, process, details, and result. The process is the operation content performed by the user of the POS terminal 1, and the execution screen is the screen of the POS terminal 1 when the process is performed. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 10, the standby screen is displayed on the POS terminal 1 at 12:07:32, indicating that the scanning process has been carried out and was successful.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of each device in the operation history reference function of the first embodiment. First, when the POS terminal 1 is operated by the user, operation information is transmitted from the POS terminal 1 to the management server 2 (S40). Operation information includes execution screens for operations such as "standby", "PIN input", and "shopping", processes accompanying operations such as "scan", "PIN input", and "add product", and details. including the results of the processing.

When the management server 2 receives the operation information from the POS terminal 1, it stores the received operation information in the operation history database 242 (S41). The management server 2 stores, for each POS terminal 1, the received operation information and the date and time when the operation information was received in association with each other. As a result, the operation history of each POS terminal 1 is accumulated in the operation history database 242.

Then, when a search condition is input into the search condition input field 741 of the operation history screen 74 displayed on the in-store management device 3 and the search button 742 is pressed, the search condition input from the in-store management device 3 to the management server 2 is It is transmitted (S42). The management server 2 searches the operation history in the operation history database 242 based on the search conditions received from the in-store management device 3 (S43). Then, the search result, which is a list of operation histories that satisfy the search conditions, is transmitted to the in-store management device 3 (S44). The in-store management device 3 displays the received search results on the search result display section 743 of the display device 32 (S45).

Further, in the in-store management device 3, when any of the search results displayed in the search result display section 743 is selected, the in-store management device 3 requests the management server 2 for details of the selected operation history. (S46). The management server 2 generates a detailed screen 75 containing details of the requested operation history (S47), and transmits the screen data to the in-store management device 3 (S48). The in-store management device 3 displays the detailed screen 75 on the display device 32 based on the received screen data (S49).

As mentioned above, in the operation history reference function, by displaying a list of the operation history of multiple POS terminals 1 on the in-store management device 3, it is possible to check when and who started using the POS terminal 1, and when and what POS terminal Employees can keep track of information such as whether they registered for POS Terminal 1, when they paid for it, whether they canceled their shopping, what coupons they used, and what the screen on POS terminal 1 looked like at that time. can. With this, it is possible to easily go back in time and check whether the user has properly settled the payment or whether the user's complaint is valid. Further, by collecting information about what kind of actions were taken at the POS terminal 1 during a specific time period, it is possible to understand the behavioral trends of the users.

As described above, in the in-store management system 100 of the present embodiment, by displaying the usage status, issued receipts, and operation history of the multiple POS terminals 1 in the store in a list on the in-store management device 3, The burden on the employee who manages the terminal 1 can be reduced.

Note that the usage status stored in the usage status database 241 may be used for purposes other than monitoring by employees. For example, the management server 2 may notify the in-store management device 3 when the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1 satisfies notification conditions.

The notification condition is, for example, that the number of POS terminals 1 whose "status" in the usage status is "currently paying" is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the number of POS terminals 1 that are "currently paying" is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is estimated that the payment area is congested. Therefore, in this case, congestion can be alleviated by notifying the in-store management device 3 to request measures such as increasing the number of people in the checkout area.

Further, the notification condition is, for example, that the number of POS terminals 1 whose "state" in the usage status is "shopping" is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the number of POS terminals 1 that are "shopping" is greater than or equal to the threshold, it is estimated that the store is crowded, and it is predicted that the checkout area will be crowded in the future. Therefore, in this case, by notifying the in-store management device 3 to request measures such as increasing the number of people in the store or in the checkout area, it is possible to appropriately respond to users and alleviate congestion.

Further, the notification condition is, for example, that the number of POS terminals 1 whose "state" in the usage status is "not in operation" or whose "wireless communication connection status" is "unconnected" is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the number of POS terminals 1 whose "status" is "not in operation" or whose "wireless communication connection status" is "not connected" is greater than or equal to the threshold, many POS terminals 1 are taken out of the store, such as in a parking lot. It is expected that Therefore, in this case, by sending a notification to the in-store management device 3 to urge collection of the POS terminal 1, the employee can efficiently collect the POS terminal 1 at an appropriate timing. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the number of POS terminals 1 in the store from becoming insufficient and to prevent employees from needlessly heading outside the store to collect items.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of each device in the usage status monitoring function according to the first modification. First, as in the first embodiment, the usage status is sent from the POS terminal 1 to the management server 2 periodically (for example, every minute) (S10). When the management server 2 receives the usage status from the POS terminal 1, it stores the received usage status in the usage status database 241 (S11). Then, the management server 2 determines whether the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1 satisfies the notification conditions (S50).

If the notification condition is satisfied (S50: YES), the management server 2 notifies the in-store management device 3 (S51). Then, the in-store management device 3 displays a notification on the display device 32 (S52). Thereby, it is possible to notify the in-store management device 3 according to the usage status of the plurality of POS terminals 1.

In addition, the management server 2 may notify the system headquarters if the number of POS terminals 1 whose "status" in the usage status is "dormant" continues for a certain period of time to be equal to or greater than a threshold value. . In this case, assuming that there are a plurality of POS terminals 1 that are out of order at the store, the administrator of the system headquarters can dispatch personnel to the store to perform repairs. Alternatively, the management server 2 may notify the system headquarters if the number of POS terminals 1 whose "status" in the usage status is "standby" continues for a certain period of time to be equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this case, since the number of POS terminals 1 in the store is considered to be surplus, the number of POS terminals 1 in the store can be adjusted at the system headquarters.

Embodiment 2.
An in-store management system 100A according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The in-store management system 100A of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the in-store management device 3 performs (4) the display information management function of the POS terminal 1. The configuration and other functions of the in-store management system 100A are the same as in the first embodiment.

In the plurality of stores managed by the management server 2, each store handles different products. Therefore, among the display information displayed on the POS terminal 1, manually registered products without barcodes, security products, coupons, etc. need to be different for each store. Conventionally, when changing the display information on the POS terminal 1, a store employee requests the change to the system headquarters, and the system headquarters makes the change. In this case, as the number of stores increases, the burden on the system headquarters to respond to the requests of each store increases, resulting in a delay in response. Also, since changes are made at the system headquarters based on requests, if there is a misunderstanding, a change error will occur.

Therefore, in the in-store management system 100A of the present embodiment, the display information of the POS terminal 1 is changed by the in-store management device 3 for the purpose of reducing the burden on the system headquarters, immediately reflecting changes, and suppressing the occurrence of change mistakes. The structure is as follows.

FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of the in-store management system 100A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the in-store management section 24A of the management server 2A of this embodiment includes a display information database 243. The display information database 243 is a storage device that stores data related to display information displayed on the POS terminal 1. Data related to display information includes a list of manually registered products, a registration screen of manually registered products, a list of security products, a list of coupons, a coupon display screen, and the like.

(4) Display information management function of the POS terminal 1 When an employee performs the display information management function of the POS terminal 1, he or she first logs into the POS terminal management system using the in-store management device 3. As a result, the initial screen 70 is displayed on the display device 32 of the in-store management device 3. In this embodiment, the display items 702 include "usage status,""reprintreceipt," and "operation history," as well as "manually registered products without barcodes,""securityproducts," and "coupons." include.

When "Register product without barcode" is selected on the initial screen 70, the display information management function for manually registered products is executed. In the manually registered product display information management function, a manually registered product management screen 76 is displayed on the display device 32 of the in-store management device 3.

FIG. 14 is an example of the manually registered product management screen 76 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the manually registered product management screen 76 includes an instruction input section 761, a product display section 762, a display button 763, and a delete button 764. The instruction input unit 761 includes an add button that instructs to add a new manually registered product, and a print button that instructs to print a list of manually registered products.

The product display section 762 displays the image, name, and price of the manually registered product. The display button 763 is a button for switching between displaying and non-displaying manually registered products on the POS terminal 1. Products that are "displayed" on the display button 763 are displayed as manually registered products on the POS terminal 1, and products that are "hidden" are not displayed as manually registered products on the POS terminal 1. Therefore, products that are not available at the store are marked as "hidden." The delete button 764 is a button for instructing deletion of manually registered products. When the delete button 764 is operated, the corresponding product is deleted from the manually registered products. Furthermore, on the manually registered product management screen 76, it is also possible to change the order of the manually registered products displayed.

When "Register security product" is selected on the initial screen 70, the security product display information management function is executed. In the security product display information management function, a security product management screen 77 is displayed on the display device 32 of the in-store management device 3.

FIG. 15 is an example of the security product management screen 77 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the security product management screen 77 includes an instruction input section 771, a product display section 772, and a delete button 773. The instruction input section 771 includes an add button that instructs to add a new security product, and a print button that instructs to print a list of security products.

The product display section 772 displays the product code, product name, and registration date of the security product. The delete button 773 is a button for instructing deletion of the security product. When the delete button 773 is operated, the corresponding product is deleted from the security products.

When "coupon" is selected on the initial screen 70, a coupon display information management function is executed. In the coupon display information management function, a coupon management screen 78 is displayed on the display device 32 of the in-store management device 3.

FIG. 16 is an example of the coupon management screen 78 displayed on the in-store management device 3 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the coupon management screen 78 includes display items 702, a category display section 781, a coupon display section 782, and a display button 783. The category display section 781 displays the category of the target product of the managed coupon. Categories of target products include "sweets," "vegetables/fruit," and "fresh fish." When any of the categories displayed in the category display section 781 is selected, coupons for products in the selected category are displayed on the coupon display section 782. Further, if "all coupons" is selected, all coupons are displayed on the coupon display section 782.

The coupon display section 782 displays the image, name, and content of the coupon. The display button 783 is a button for switching between displaying and non-displaying the coupon on the POS terminal 1. A coupon that is “displayed” on the display button 783 is displayed as a coupon that can be used on the POS terminal 1, and a coupon that is “hidden” is not displayed on the POS terminal 1. Therefore, coupons that are not available at stores are marked as "hidden."

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of each device in the display information management function of the second embodiment. First, the in-store management device 3 is operated by an employee, and an instruction to change manually registered products, crime prevention registered products, or coupons is transmitted to the management server 2 (S60). The change instruction is new registration, deletion, or display/non-display switching of manually registered products, crime prevention registered products, or coupons. When the management server 2 receives the change details from the in-store management device 3, it changes the manually registered products, crime prevention registered products, or coupon information in the display information database 243 according to the change details (S61).

After that, when receiving a request to display a manually registered product registration screen or a coupon screen from the POS terminal 1 (S62), the display data of the manually registered product registration screen or coupon screen is transmitted to the POS terminal 1 (S63). The display data at this time becomes display data whose display contents have been changed in the in-store management device 3. Then, a registration screen or a coupon screen for manually registered products after the change is displayed on the POS terminal 1 (S64).

Further, when a product is registered in the POS terminal 1 (S65), the management server 2 determines whether it is a security product or a coupon target based on the information after the display information database has been changed ( S66). If the product is a crime prevention product or a coupon target (S66: YES), display data notifying that fact is transmitted to the POS terminal 1 (S67). Then, it is displayed that the product registered on the POS terminal 1 is a security product or is eligible for a coupon (S68).

As described above, according to the in-store management system 100A of this embodiment, the display information displayed on the POS terminal 1 can be managed for each store, thereby reducing the burden on the system headquarters. In addition, since the display information database 243 provided in the in-store management section 24 of the management server 2 can be changed by the in-store management device 3, the changes can be reflected immediately and mistakes in changes can be suppressed.

The above is a description of the embodiments, but the above embodiments can be modified and combined. For example, in the above embodiment, the POS terminal 1 is attached to a shopping cart and is portable, but if the POS terminal 1 is used for product registration and payment by the user, it may be fixed in the payment area etc. It may be something. In this case as well, the burden on employees can be reduced by centrally managing usage status and other information.

Further, all or part of each function of the POS terminal 1, the management server 2, and the in-store management device 3 may be provided by another device or server. As a specific example, the POS management section 23 and the in-store management section 24 of the management server 2 may be provided in separate servers. Alternatively, the database of the POS management section 23 and the database of the in-store management section 24 may be provided in different servers.

Furthermore, the in-store management device 3 has (1) a function to monitor the usage status of the POS terminal 1, (2) a function to view and reprint issued receipts, (3) a function to refer to the operation history of the POS terminal 1, and (4) a function to view the operation history of the POS terminal 1. Any device that implements at least one of the display information management functions of the terminal 1 may be used.

1 POS terminal, 2, 2A management server, 3 in-store management device, 4 printing device, 11, 21, 31 control device, 12, 32 display device, 13, 33 operating device, 14 reading device, 15, 22, 34 communication device , 23 POS management department, 24, 24A In-store management department, 70 Initial screen, 71 Usage status screen, 72 Detail screen, 73 Receipt reprint screen, 74 Operation history screen, 75 Detail screen, 76 Manually registered product management screen, 77 Crime prevention Product management screen, 78 Coupon management screen, 100, 100A In-store management system, 111 Product registration section, 112 Payment processing section, 113 Display control section, 200 Network, 231 User information database, 232 Registration information database, 233 Payment information database, 241 usage status database, 242 operation history database, 243 display information database, 701 login information, 702 display items, 711 list display button, 712 list display section, 731 search condition input section, 732 search button, 733 search result display section, 734 Receipt display section, 735 Print button, 741 Search condition input section, 742 Search button, 743 Search result display section, 761 Instruction input section, 762 Product display section, 763 Display button, 764 Delete button, 771 Instruction input section, 772 Product display section, 773 delete button, 781 category display section, 782 coupon display section, 783 display button.

Claims (7)

Multiple POS terminals where products are registered by users,
a management server that generates a list of at least one of usage status of the plurality of POS terminals, issued receipt information of at least one of the plurality of POS terminals, and operation history of the plurality of POS terminals;
an in-store management device that displays the list generated by the management server ,
The management server is an in-store management system that notifies the in-store management device to request an increase in the number of people in the check-out area when the number of the POS terminals whose usage status is in checkout or shopping is greater than or equal to a threshold value . The plurality of POS terminals transmit the usage status to the management server periodically or in response to an operation of the user,
The management server is
comprising a usage status database that stores the usage status received from a plurality of the POS terminals,
The in-store management system according to claim 1, wherein the list of usage statuses is generated using the usage statuses stored in the usage status database. The plurality of POS terminals transmit payment information regarding payment of the registered products to the management server,
The management server is
comprising a payment information database that stores the payment information received from the plurality of POS terminals;
The in-store management system according to claim 1, wherein the list of the issued receipt information is generated using the payment information stored in the payment information database. The plurality of POS terminals transmit operation information to the management server according to the operation of the user,
The management server is
comprising an operation history database that stores the operation information received from the plurality of POS terminals,
The in-store management system according to claim 1, wherein the list of the operation history is generated using the operation information stored in the operation history database. The management server includes a display information database that stores display information displayed on the POS terminal,
The in-store management system according to claim 1, wherein the in-store management device displays a management screen for changing the display information stored in the display information database. 6. The in-store management system according to claim 5, wherein the display information is information regarding display of manually registered products, security products, or coupons. If the number of POS terminals whose usage status is inactive or whose wireless communication connection status is not connected is equal to or greater than a threshold, the management server sends a notification to the in-store management device urging collection of the POS terminals. The in-store management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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