JPH07131549A - Commodity ordering kit for mail-order sales - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a commodity ordering kit which can automatically order the commodities through a telephone set by combining a handy scanner with a commodity catalog where the commodity information are displayed in optical codes. CONSTITUTION:A service center is called by a telephone set and an optical code C added to a commodity 11 of a commodity catalog A is read by an optical code reading part 51 of a handy scanner B. The scanner B reads the code C and converts this code into a DTMF signal to transmit it through a speaker. Therefore it is possible to order the commodities by putting the speaker of the scanner B close to the handset of the telephone set and then transmitting the DTMF signal. Furthermore the scanner B is provided with a memory to store the code C that is read and scanned by the part 51. So that the ordering commodities can be collectively sent.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention uses a telephone or the like to
The present invention relates to a mail order product ordering kit used in an automatic order entry system capable of automatically ordering products listed in a catalog.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, when a user calls a computer at a service center using a telephone, operates a numeric keypad, and designates a product code, the service center responds by voice to accept a product order, and after acceptance, An automatic order entry system that consistently handles tasks from the creation of slips to the shipment of products with a computer at the center is used in mail order, but the drawback of such a system is that after searching for products in the catalog The operation was particularly troublesome because the numeric keys on the telephone were operated. For this reason, it is customary for people unfamiliar with the operation to avoid using the phone, call the operator on the telephone, and place an order for the product, which is sufficient for a large investment and construction of a computer system. It is currently not used.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. While operating a handy scanner while viewing a product catalog and inputting an optical code added to the product catalog, the present invention is performed through a telephone. The purpose is to provide a product ordering kit that enables automatic ordering.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention proposed to achieve the above object proposes a mail order product ordering kit having the following structure in which a product catalog and a handy scanner are combined. . That is, according to the present invention proposed in claim 1, the product catalog displays product information such as a product name and a price for each item of the product by an optical code such as a barcode, and the handy scanner reads the information. The optical code is converted from a speaker into a DTMF signal and output.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the handy scanner is provided with a memory for storing and holding the optical code read and scanned by the optical code reading section. According to the present invention proposed in claim 3, the handy scanner is provided with a registration function capable of registering and retaining the transaction information stored and retained in the memory until a cancel operation is performed.

According to the present invention proposed in claim 4, the handy scanner has a function of calculating input data. In the present invention proposed in claim 5, the optical code is divided and formed for each product information such as product name and price. According to the present invention proposed in claim 6, the handy scanner is provided with a display section for displaying the optical code read by the optical code reading section as character information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the handy scanner further includes a printer device for converting the optical code stored in the memory into character information and outputting the character information. [Operation] In the present invention, it is possible to place an order for a product by calling the service center in the following procedure. When the telephone calls the service center and the service center receives and responds, the speaker of the handy scanner is brought close to the handset of the telephone and a DTMF signal is output to place an order for the product.

DTMF output from a handy scanner
The signal may be sent by operating the numeric keypad of the telephone, but the one written in the form of optical code in the catalog etc.
It is also possible to read and scan with a handy scanner in advance, store and hold the data, and send it as it is. With a handy scanner having a registration function as described in claim 3, transaction information that does not change with each order of a product such as the orderer's ID code and transaction account, and when calling a service center You can also register and put in the necessary telephone numbers of the center. Further, the transaction information and merchandise information that can be registered are not limited to optical codes, and the data input by operating the ten keys provided on the handy scanner or other function keys may be registered.

To select a product, open the catalog to find the product to be ordered, operate the handy scanner, read the optical code attached to the product,
The data is converted into a DTMF signal and output, and the signal is sent to the service center. However, in the case where the memory described in claim 2 is provided,
The product information displayed on all the products to be ordered can be temporarily read in the memory and then collectively sent in the form of a DTMF signal, which facilitates the operation.

Further, the telephone number of the service center which is the call destination can be registered. In this case, after removing the handset of the telephone, the handy scanner is operated to store the stored telephone number in DTMF. A service center can be called automatically simply by converting it to a signal and outputting it. According to the handy scanner described in claim 4, since it has a calculation function, it is possible to immediately calculate and confirm the number of inputted products, the product price, the total of bonus points, etc.

In the structure described in claim 5, since the optical code is separately formed by classifying the product name, the purchase unit, the price, etc., the master file is not required for the handy scanner or the computer of the service center. ,
The system configuration can be simple and inexpensive. Further, claim 6
With the configuration described in, since the optical code read by the optical code reading unit for each product to be ordered can be displayed as character information on the display unit, after selecting the product while looking at the catalog, it is possible to check whether the order contents are correct. It is convenient because confirmation can be done immediately before ordering the product.

According to the configuration of claim 7, the product information read by the handy scanner, the total number of products, the total amount of money, etc. can be printed on the recording paper for confirmation, and the printed recording paper is a copy document. It is more convenient because it can be saved as.

[0013]

EXAMPLE An example using a bar code as an optical code will be described below. FIG. 1 shows an example of a product catalog used in the present invention. In the product catalog A, the appearance of the product 11, the product name, the product characteristics, and the price display 1
In addition to 2, the product information of these items is added by a bar code C. It is desirable to use micro-bar codes for these bar codes C in order to prevent the size of the product catalog A from increasing, but as shown in FIG. 2, product names, prices, individual items, cases, etc. If you display the transaction unit and bonus points added to the product for sales promotion as individual bar codes in multiple stages, you can scan by simply moving the handy scanner B from the upper bar code C to the lower bar code C. Can be done. Further, since the master file that associates the product name with the price is not required, the system can be simplified (claim 4).

FIG. 3 shows an example of an operation manual of the automatic order entry system provided for the convenience of the goods orderer. The operation manual 2 in the example in the figure describes the outline and operation method of the automatic order entry system, but it can be formed as a single sheet, or a small piece is added to the page edge of the product catalog A, and it is shown in that part. You may. When formed into a sheet, it is convenient because it can be used by being sandwiched in the product catalog A.

The operation manual 2 includes a service station guide column 21 in which the telephone number of the service station is described, a pick-up order (the orderer goes to the distribution center for the ordered product), and a delivery order (the ordered product is sent to the home or the like). There is a service information column 22 that indicates the types of services that can be provided such as delivery), advance order (reservation order), order confirmation, and the telephone number 21a and service type described in these columns 21 and 22. 22a ... Has a bar code C added thereto.

Reference numerals 23 and 24 denote pockets for storing the orderer's ID card 3 and secret card 4, which are required when the orderer is limited to a specific sales member. When a product provider conducts continuous transactions with a specific member,
Since the ID card 3 and the secret card 4 are distributed in advance to the members by the product provider, if the ID card 3 and the secret card 4 are housed in the pockets 23 and 24, the reading and scanning can be performed from above. Here, ID in the example
Personal information such as the orderer's address, name, and qualification deadline is written on the card 3, and the bar code C is added to the orderer's ID code 31, but it is not always necessary to add the bar code C. .

On the other hand, the secret card 4 shown in the figure has a password 41 necessary for using the automatic order entry, secret information 42 such as the branch number of the paying bank, and a deposit account. Password 41
The bar code C is added to the secret information 42 and
This is not always necessary. In this example, I
The D card 3 and the secret card 4 are separately prepared for security measures, but they may be integrated into one piece, in which case only one pocket is required. In addition, the pocket 23.
Instead of 24, a sticking column may be provided and an ID card or the like may be stuck thereto. Further, such an operation manual may be combined with a product catalog. Also, I
The transaction information such as the D code and the bank account of the orderer described in the secret card or the like may be directly registered in the handy scanner as will be described later without being attached to the operation manual.

The product catalog may include telephone numbers of service stations required for automatic order entry, types of services that can be provided, and personal information of the orderer such as the orderer's ID card and passcode. In that case, it is convenient because order entry is possible without reading the operation manual. FIG. 4 shows an example of the handy scanner. The handy scanner B shown in the figure
An optical code reading unit 51 is provided at the lower end of the main body 50. When the barcode is read by the reading unit 51 while operating the reading key 54, as will be described later, the main body 50 is converted into an electric signal. Data such as product information stored in a memory (not shown) inside the DTMF signal converter is stored in a memory (not shown) and the transmission key 55 is pressed. It is output as a signal, input from a telephone handset or the like, and then transmitted to a service center through a public telephone line.

Further, on the upper part of the optical code reading section 51,
A reading confirmation lamp 52 is provided, and an all clear key 53 is provided above the transmission key 55. Reference numeral 56 is a registration key for registering the input data, 57 is a power switch, and 58a and 58b are display portions 60.
A scroll key for scrolling the display (made up of an LCD or the like), and 59 is a clear key for erasing the input data.

Although the ten-key pad is not provided in this example, if the ten-key pad is provided, the information necessary for automatic order entry is stored and held in the memory by using both the reading scan of the optical code and the operation of the ten-key pad. it can. When reading the bar code C, the reading confirmation lamp 52 is turned on if the optical code reading section 51 provided at the lower end of the main body 50 is aligned with the bar code C while pressing the reading key 55.
The buzzer sounds and the bar code C is read in the memory. When the barcode C is not properly read, the reading confirmation lamp 52 does not light up and the buzzer does not sound, so if the difference is determined, the barcode can be read without error. In addition, since the read data is displayed on the display unit 60 after being converted into character information as shown in FIG. 5,
You can immediately check the correctness of the entered data, transaction information,
When displaying and confirming the product information on the display unit 60, the scroll keys 58a and 58b may be operated to confirm.

When transmitting the information read to the handy scanner 5, the speaker (not shown) of the handy scanner 5 is connected to the handset 71 of the telephone as shown in FIG.
It is enough to operate the send key 55 to output the DTMF signal, and when confirming the ordered product, a voice message returned from the service center or an order confirmation form returned from the service center. May be received by a facsimile machine and printed out. In the latter case, it is convenient to place an order with a handy scanner using a telephone attached to the fax machine instead of the telephone, because the order confirmation information can be printed out from the facsimile machine.

Further, in the above example, the handy scanner is provided with the memory (claim 2), but the memory may not be provided, and in this case, the data may be transmitted each time the data is read. The handy scanner described in claim 7 is shown with a printing device added. With such a configuration, the transaction information and product information stored and held in the memory of the handy scanner can be printed out on the recording paper by the printing device.

Further, the handy scanner may be combined with a data terminal device which is used by connecting to a telephone or the like. In this case, transaction information or product information read and scanned by the handy scanner is transmitted by a weak electric wave or infrared rays. If you send it to the device, you can read the optical code and read the D
It is convenient because it can transmit TMF signals.

[0024]

According to the merchandise ordering kit of the present invention, it is possible to simply select the required merchandise while viewing the merchandise catalog using a home telephone or the like and read the optical code attached to the merchandise with a handy scanner. , You can easily order. According to the present invention proposed in claim 1, after selecting the product to be ordered from the product catalog and inputting the optical code attached to the product into the handy scanner, the product is brought close to the handset of the telephone to transmit the DTMF signal. You can place an order for a product simply by outputting it.

According to the invention proposed in claim 2, since the handy scanner is provided with the memory for storing and holding the optical code read and scanned by the optical code reading section, the handy scanner is ordered by referring to the product catalog. After entering the optical code attached to all the products to be shipped, it is possible to send them all at once using the telephone. According to the present invention proposed in claim 3, transaction information can be registered in the memory of the handy scanner, and further, once registered in the memory, it can be canceled or registered and held until there is a rewriting operation. By registering data to be used repeatedly, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the same data thereafter.

According to the present invention proposed in claim 4, since the handy scanner has a function of calculating input data, the total number of ordered products, the total price, the total of bonus points, etc. can be immediately calculated. It can be confirmed and is convenient. According to the present invention proposed in claim 5, since the optical code is divided and formed for each product information such as product name and price, the master file is not required, and the optical code is made to correspond one-to-one. Since the information processing can be performed only by converting, the system configuration can be simplified.

According to the present invention proposed in claim 6, since the handy scanner is provided with the display section for displaying the optical code read by the optical code reading section as character information, the read data is correct. You can confirm immediately whether or not. According to the present invention proposed in claim 7, since the handy scanner has a configuration in which a printer device for converting the optical code stored in the memory into character information and outputting the same is added, the input data The contents can be printed on recording paper for confirmation and used as a copy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a product catalog constituting a product ordering kit of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of product information described in a product catalog.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation manual of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a handy scanner that constitutes the product ordering kit of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of product information displayed on a display unit of a handy scanner.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of use when placing an order by telephone using a handy scanner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A ... Product catalog B ... Handy scanner C ... Optical reading code 11 ... Product 2 ... Operation manual 21 ... Service center guidance column 22 ... Service type guidance column 3 ... ID card 31 ... ID code 4 ... Secret card 41 ... Password 42 ... Bank information 6 ... Print output device 71 ... Telephone handset

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A mail order merchandise ordering kit combining a merchandise catalog and a handy scanner, wherein the merchandise name, price, and other merchandise information are included in the merchandise catalog, such as a bar code for each merchandise item. The handy scanner is a mail order product ordering kit configured to convert the read optical code into a DTMF signal from a speaker and output the converted DTMF signal. 2. The mail order product ordering kit according to claim 1, wherein the handy scanner is further provided with a memory for storing and holding the read and scanned optical code. 3. The mail order product order according to claim 1, wherein the handy scanner has a registration function capable of canceling transaction information stored in a memory or holding a registration until a rewriting operation is performed. kit. 4. The mail order product ordering kit according to claim 1, wherein the handy scanner is configured to have a function of calculating input data. 5. The mail order product ordering kit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical code is divided and formed for each product name, price, and other transaction information. 6. The communication according to claim 1, wherein the handy scanner is provided with a display section for converting an optical code read by an optical code reading section into character information and displaying the character information. Product order kit for sale. 7. The handy scanner further comprises a printer device for converting the optical code stored in the memory into character information and outputting the character information.
4. The mail order product ordering kit according to either 4 or 6.