JPS63198159A - Visual pos system for store and visit sale - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To permit customers to recognize the pertinency of their commodity selection while they view the pictures by repeating the picture-processing of information from a portable type monitor terminal and returning it to a monitor cathode-ray tube in a host computer. CONSTITUTION:A necessary catalogue is projected on the cathode-ray tube 1 of the portable type monitor terminal A and a catalogue model number is designated according to the preference of respective customers, whereby the objective pictures of respective customers stored in an electronic camera 14 or a video camera are inputted to the host computer B through a general telephone line or an optical cable and the like through the use of a still picture transmission equipment 3 provided in the monitor terminal A. Said pictures are combined with picture information incorporated into the computer B (incorporated with a picture processing device) and they are picture-processed. They are again returned to the cathode-ray tube 1 of the monitor terminal A through the use of the line and the like and are projected for the convenience for selecting the model number. Furthermore, the contents of order or estimate are recorded and added up. Thus, the needs of the customers are securely captured, and a sales efficiency can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Object of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a visual POS system for store sales or door-to-door sales using a catalog.

[Conventional technology] The variety of products handled makes it difficult to prepare for the store, the size of the sales floor makes it difficult to display special products, or the variety of products handled can be increased without expanding the store area. For reasons such as the inability to carry samples that exceed the limit due to sales (hereinafter referred to as door-to-door sales), catalog sales businesses have been increasing and becoming popular.Businesses that are compatible with this type of catalog sales include, for example, Japanese clothing. Sales, clothing sales, interior coordination, painting,
Artworks, architectural assessments or beauty salons (Lailag),
There are various industries such as cosmetics sales.

In time, advanced electronic technology will be used to store various catalogs on video tapes or optical discs, which can be carried or installed together with a portable playback device, allowing customers to effectively view various catalogs without taking up much space. Traditionally, as a relatively advanced sales technology, methods for recording, classifying, and aggregating the contents of orders and placing the ordered items accurately and quickly in the distribution system have been developed as a relatively advanced sales technology. It is being done.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] By the way, the above-mentioned means achieve their purpose and effect, but it is also possible to take into account whether or not the target object matches the catalog model number (No, ), for example. In other words, when it comes to clothes, for example, the problem is that it is not possible to satisfy the customer's wishes by having the customer try it on in front of a mirror and see for themselves whether it looks good on them, whether it suits their tastes, etc. There is a point. However, such requests are often felt to be especially necessary for products such as Japanese clothing, clothing and their accessories, hats, beauty products, etc., and in these cases, the process of trying on clothes is more important than simply presenting a catalog in front of the customer. By doing so, it can be expected that customers will be more motivated to purchase, and that the selection of objects will be appropriate, thereby reducing the occurrence of one-time failures such as returning or replacing purchased items (products) at a later date.

Therefore, the system of the present invention allows customers to try out or try on the products of each model number one by one, even though products other than those in stock are sold using a catalog or door-to-door sales using a catalog at a store that stocks the products. It is possible to have almost the same effect as that of the previous model, thereby more accurately grasping customer needs and improving sales efficiency.・It aims to provide a visual POS system for stores and on-demand sales that facilitates statistics and inventory management.

Configuration of the Invention [Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the system of the present invention includes the following configuration requirements.

(1) Using the following resale monitor terminal (A) and a regular image transmission device that displays the required catalog on the cathode ray tube of the assembly machine and specifies the catalog model number according to each customer's preference, By inputting it to a host computer via an optical cable, etc., it is combined with the image information stored in the computer, processed, and sent back to the cathode ray tube of the monitor terminal for display using the line, etc. A visual POC system for stores and on-site sales, which facilitates the selection of model numbers and records and aggregates the contents of orders and estimates.

(A) A mechanical monitor consisting of a cathode ray tube 1 for monitoring, a catalog recording/playback device 2, a still image transmission device 3, a keyboard 4 for control and commands, a printer 5 for printing keyboard input, and various input/output jacks. Terminal.

(B) The information from each portable monitor terminal is image-processed and sent back to the monitor cathode ray tube repeatedly, and the contents of orders or quotations transmitted via general telephone lines or optical cables, etc. A host computer equipped with functions for recording, classifying, and aggregating information.

[Function] When a customer visits a customer carrying a portable monitor terminal (^) or comes to a store and specifies desired catalog information or an out-of-stock product, the user operates the search mechanism using the keyboard 4 to search for the desired size. , model no.

catalogs are selected from the recording/playback device 2, displayed sequentially on a monitor cathode ray tube, and presented in front of the customer. At that time, the monitor television may be a black and white image or a color image. - During the catalog display on the street, if you are lucky enough to find a product that meets the customer's needs in the catalogue, use the keyboard to display a still image on the monitor TV and enter the corresponding model number in the catalogue. , display.

On the other hand, an image of the customer's desired appearance is captured using the equipped electronic camera or video camera, and the image is input to the central host computer (B) via a telephone jack using a regular telephone line or optical cable using a still image transmission device. At the same time, the model number specified by the customer is transmitted, and based on this information, the computer's built-in image processing device is used to match the customer's appearance and the product with the model number entered on the computer side. The images, which are edited in terms of ratio and relative position and combined, are transferred to the monitor television of the terminal via the telephone line or optical cable. Note that a known image processing device is installed in advance in the host computer.

The monitor TV has the model number specified by the customer.

Since the image that is equivalent to the customer trying out the product himself is displayed, the customer can confirm the validity of his/her product selection while looking at the image.

In addition, as a result, although the selection was attractive from the catalogue, it may not suit the customer's taste when tried on, or it may not balance well with other portable items or accessories, or it may not match the customer's preferences. If the product of the model number is not ordered for various reasons, the above-mentioned procedure is repeated for the product of the model number selected from the catalog again to meet the customer's needs. In addition, the model number in the catalog.

It is also possible to specify and memorize multiple items for each exhibition and automatically change to the next model if the item does not fit. However, photographing the customer's appearance using an electronic camera or the like can only be done once.

In this way, a specific model number is finally agreed upon with the customer.

When an order for a product is decided, the details of the order, estimate, etc. are recorded on the printer by operating the keyboard of the terminal, the slip is handed to the customer as a "copy", and the information is immediately transferred to the host computer side. Alternatively, the information can be input into the terminal's memory, and then input into the central host computer after returning to the office.The information can be used as data for the POS system, and can be used to place subsequent product orders.
It is used to create slips for unloading and distribution.

;゛1 Embodiment] - Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the system of the present invention, in which A is a portable monitor terminal machine, which has a 6'' cathode ray tube 1 for monitoring and a built-in catalog for recording. VT
Still image transmission device 3 equipped with R, VH 3 or optical disc (CD) playback device 2 and floppy disk drive 7
, superimpose the size and model number on the monitor TV screen, operate the means to search for the model number in the catalog, and turn on and off the image freeze mechanism.
A keyboard 4- is used to perform various operations and controls of the terminal, such as inputting and operating commands to the printer 5.
The board includes, for example, a numeric keypad, A to 2, ON, OF
F, clear, search mechanism and screen freeze mechanism ON, O
It is equipped with an FF key and may be a touch sensor. A printer mechanism 5 operated by a key on a board 4 records the contents of the order, the estimate, etc. and hands it to the orderer as a "copy," and the printer mechanism 5 stores the order contents and estimate and prints them on the host computer after returning to the office. A memory 6 for inputting information to the telephone line B is further provided with an area 1 for storing the usage time of each telephone line. Reference numeral 8 denotes a liquid crystal display for the keyboard, which displays the model number superimposed on the monitor television 1 and the telephone line usage time. In addition, a telephone line jack 9, a home monitor connection jack 10, a host computer input jack 11, a home power supply jack 12, and a battery power supply 13 are installed.

Reference numeral 14 denotes an electronic camera or video camera that is set with terminal A. If the video camera is used as a set, the floppy disk drive mechanism can be bypassed and connected, so the mechanism can be omitted. .

B is a host computer provided in the center and includes an image processing device. And the relationship between each block is
It is as shown in the diagram.

Further, the electronic camera 14 is connected to the floppy disk drive 7 of the terminal A by inserting into the drive mechanism 7 a video floppy disk on which the customer's desired appearance (pose) is recorded by the camera 14. The still image transmission device 3 and the host computer 15 are connected through a telephone jack 9, a telephone, a general telephone line, an optical cable, or the like.

The operating energy for each of the blocks described above is supplied from a battery 13 built into the terminal A, or by connecting an external power source (commercial power source) to a separately provided power jack 12.

One embodiment of the POS system of the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, and its operation is approximately as described in the section ``Function'' above. The following is the explanation.

(+) At the place you visit, connect the external power jack 12 of the terminal to a commercial power source, connect the telephone jack 9 to a general telephone line, call the host computer B, and turn on the terminal.
, and operate the keyboard 4 to activate the VTR 2 using the search mechanism to sequentially display the model numbers and products in the catalog desired by the customer or for the purpose of direct sales on one screen of the monitor television.

(2) Once the model number selected by the customer in the catalog is determined, the model image displayed on the monitor 1 is frozen and its specifications are explained to the customer. In this case, the LCD display 8
, the corresponding catalog model number.

is displayed, and the information is input into the memory 6, a floppy disk is inserted into the disk drive mechanism 7, and the information is superimposed with the catalog model number through the still image transmission device 3, a general telephone line or an optical cable, etc. Transferred to host computer B with a built-in image processing device, the same image and superimposed catalog model No.
, and the product in the same computer 15 to create the required composite image information, which is displayed on the monitor 1 of terminal A.
and display it on that screen.

When using a video camera, the imaging information is directly input to the still image transmission device 3.

(4) Using the catalog model number and trial image displayed on monitor 1, the customer can once again check their product selection to make sure there are no mistakes in the selection conditions such as material, price, model, etc. Examine the model number and product in light of selection criteria such as whether or not it is.

(5) The results are divided into two parts. One of these is when a customer orders a product with the relevant model number. At this time, the user operates the keyboard 4 to operate the printer 5, and enters information such as the customer's name, model number, price, payment and delivery terms, date of order, etc. Print out the necessary information for the contract and send it to the customer.”
At the same time as giving a copy, a record of the order is input and stored in the memory 6, and the information is transferred to the host computer via a general telephone line interface or an optical cable.

6) The other case is when the customer does not approve the composite image displayed on the monitor 1. In this case, start again from step (1).

Alternatively, by displaying the VTR 2 in the -street catalog and selecting and memorizing some of the model numbers in advance, it is also possible to start from step (2) above.

However, at the catalog playback stage, even if the model number and product match the customer's preferences, as a result of monitoring using composite images,
It is not impossible that no orders are placed.

(7) After receiving orders from a plurality of different customers, the user returns to the office, connects the host computer jack 10 of the terminal fiA to the computer B, and inputs the information stored in the memory 6 into the host computer. Alternatively, the information transferred from the terminal device A at each location to the host computer can be used as materials for the POS system or the like.

(8) The battery power source 13 is connected to a large TV screen installed in each home in order to operate the terminal A even when an external power source is not easily available or the power source specifications do not match. This is a jack used when monitoring.

Although the above explanation mainly refers to the case of catalog sales of products similar to Japanese clothing and accessories, similar methods can be applied to clothing, accessories, accessories, indoor coordination, paintings, ceramics, etc., architectural assessments, etc. This is extremely easy to do by changing the design.

This type of system can not only be used as the above-mentioned door-to-door sales equipment, but also enables store-based sales of out-of-stock products based on a wide range of catalogs. It becomes possible to handle a wide variety of products without increasing the number of products.

Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of the portable monitor terminal A, in which each piece of equipment shown in the block diagram shown in Fig. 1 is connected and equipped with the necessary connection circuits. .

In the figure, 1 is a 6'° monitor cathode ray tube (TV),
2, the VTR 13 that recorded the catalog is a still image transmission device;
7 is a floppy disk drive, which is assembled as a set on the side of the main body of the portable container. On the other hand, on the lid side of the container, a keyboard 4, a printer 5, a keyboard liquid crystal display 8, a telephone jack 9, a home monitor jack 1O, a host computer jack 11, and a power jack 12 are assembled, and the space between the main body and the lid is assembled. are connected by a hinge so that when the lid is closed, each of the above-mentioned equipment is stored inside the main body and the lid, and a portable handle 15 is provided on the outside. The memory 6 and built-in battery 13 are not visible from the outside.

C. Effects of the invention As described above, according to the PoS system of the present invention, the model number of the catalog selected by the customer in store-based or non-store sales using catalogs, door-to-door sales, etc.
It can achieve almost the same effect as trying on a product in a shorter amount of time, making it possible to carry out sales activities targeting a wide range of trade areas, whet the customer's desire to purchase, and improve the appropriateness and certainty of model selection. while increasing sales efficiency.
At a later date, the number of complaints such as returning or exchanging purchased items (products) will be reduced, and the host computer will also be able to
8. Management can be made easier.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a visual POS system for stores and home-to-door sales according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a portable monitor terminal. 1...Monitor cathode ray tube, 2...VTR13
...Still image transmission device, 4...Keyboard,
5...Printer, 6...Memory, 7...Floppy disk drive, 8...
LCD display, 9...Telephone jack, lO...Home monitor jack, 11...Host computer jack, 12...Power jack, 13...Battery, 14... ...electronic camera or video camera, 15...handle, A.
...Portable monitor terminal, B...Host computer.

Claims (1)

[Claims] Consisting of a portable monitor terminal (A) as described below, an electronic camera or video camera combined therewith, and a single host computer (B) as described below, a required catalog is displayed on a cathode ray tube of the monitor terminal. In addition to specifying a catalog model number according to each customer's preference, each customer's desired image captured on an electronic camera or video camera is transmitted via a general telephone line or optical cable using a still image transmission device equipped with a monitor terminal. By inputting the image into the host computer via the computer, the image is processed in combination with the image information stored in the computer, and the image is sent back and displayed on the cathode ray tube of the monitor terminal to facilitate model number selection. , as well as a visual P for stores and door-to-door sales, which is characterized by recording and aggregating the contents of orders or estimates.
OS system. (A) A portable monitor terminal comprising a cathode ray tube 1 for monitoring, a catalog recording/playback device 2, a still image transmission device 3, a keyboard 4 for control and commands, a printer 5 for printing keyboard input, and various input/output jacks. . (B) The information from each portable monitor terminal is image-processed and sent back to the monitor cathode ray tube repeatedly, and the contents of orders or quotations transmitted via general telephone lines or optical cables, etc. A host computer equipped with functions for recording, classifying, and aggregating information.