US20150242833A1 - Information processing device and screen setting method - Google Patents

Information processing device and screen setting method Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150242833A1
US20150242833A1 US14/418,653 US201314418653A US2015242833A1 US 20150242833 A1 US20150242833 A1 US 20150242833A1 US 201314418653 A US201314418653 A US 201314418653A US 2015242833 A1 US2015242833 A1 US 2015242833A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
product
information
screen
panel
unit
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Abandoned
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US14/418,653
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English (en)
Inventor
Tadashi Itani
Rumi Ikezawa
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NEC Corp
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NEC Corp
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Publication of US20150242833A1 publication Critical patent/US20150242833A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
    • G06Q20/208—Input by product or record sensing, e.g. weighing or scanner processing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
    • G06F3/04842—Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • G06F3/04886—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
    • G06K9/78—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
    • G06Q20/206—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems comprising security or operator identification provisions, e.g. password entry
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T11/00—2D [Two Dimensional] image generation
    • G06T11/60—Editing figures and text; Combining figures or text
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/0036—Checkout procedures
    • G07G1/0045—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
    • G07G1/0054—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader with control of supplementary check-parameters, e.g. weight or number of articles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/01—Details for indicating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/12—Cash registers electronically operated
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/12—Cash registers electronically operated
    • G07G1/14—Systems including one or more distant stations co-operating with a central processing unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T2200/00—Indexing scheme for image data processing or generation, in general
    • G06T2200/24—Indexing scheme for image data processing or generation, in general involving graphical user interfaces [GUIs]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a POS (point of sale) terminal and a POS system.
  • a POS terminal reads a product identification label such as a bar code attached on a package of a product, and the product is checked out.
  • a product identification label such as a bar code attached on a package of a product
  • products such as vegetables and fruits to which a product identification label is difficult to be attached in a readable manner
  • products such as a bag of rice and a box of beer of which product identification label is difficult to be read at the cash register.
  • These products cannot be checked out using the product identification label in the manner as described above, and hence, a POS terminal displays a checkout panel screen in which product buttons corresponding to these products are arranged. A register operator operates this checkout panel screen through a touch panel, thereby checking out a product corresponding to the product button operated.
  • a product, which is checked out through the checkout panel screen without using the product identification label is also referred to as an unlabeled product.
  • Patent Document 1 described below proposes a technique that allows a user to freely and easily change the layout of screen parts corresponding to respective products on an order input screen.
  • Patent Document 2 described below proposes a method of, if a product that has not been registered in a product master is found, scanning a bar code on the product while capturing an image of the product in order to make it easy to register the product in the product master at some time in the future using the image of the product captured.
  • Patent Document 3 described below proposes a method of, if product register information corresponding to a product code is not registered in a PLU file, setting a product image captured by a scanner and an inputted unit price for the product code, and additionally registering it to the PLU file.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-43210
  • Patent Document 2 Japanese Examined Patent Application Publication No. H4-42718
  • Patent Document 3 Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-277198
  • the unlabeled products are registered to the checkout panel screen through a POS managing device placed in an office of a store or the like, and the registered information is usually distributed from the POS managing device to each POS terminal before the store is opened.
  • a POS managing device placed in an office of a store or the like
  • the registered information is usually distributed from the POS managing device to each POS terminal before the store is opened.
  • this unlabeled product has to be registered through the POS managing device, and the registered information has to be distributed to each of the POS terminals.
  • none of the methods proposed in the related art documents described above relates to registration of unlabeled products to the checkout panel screen as described above.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a user to easily set a checkout panel screen used to register each product as an item to be checked out.
  • Each aspect of the present invention employs the following configurations in order to solve the problem described above.
  • a first aspect relates to an information processing device.
  • the information processing device includes: an image retaining unit that retains a product image acquired from an image capturing unit that captures an image of a product to be registered as an item to be checked out; a panel information storage unit that stores, for each product, panel registration information which includes a product code with which the product can be identified, a product image, and screen layout information; a display processing unit that, on the basis of the panel registration information on each product stored in the panel information storage unit, causes a display unit to display a checkout panel screen in which each screen part enables to register each product as the item to be checked out, contains the product image and is arranged according to the screen layout information; and a maintenance processing unit that acquires, from the image retaining unit, a product image of an unspecified product for which panel registration information has not been stored in the panel information storage unit, acquires a product code and screen layout information concerning this unspecified product, and stores the acquired product code, the acquired screen layout information, and the product image acquired from the image
  • a second aspect relates to a method for setting a screen performed by an information processing device and used for setting a checkout panel screen in which each screen part is arranged to be able to register each product as an item to be checked out.
  • the screen setting method includes: acquiring, from an image capturing unit that captures an image of a product to be registered as an item to be checked out, a product image of an unspecified product for which panel registration information is not stored in a panel information storage unit that stores, for each product, panel registration information which includes a product code with which the product can be identified, a product image, and screen layout information; acquiring the product code and the screen layout information concerning the unspecified product; storing the product code, the screen layout information, and the product image, each of which relates to the unspecified product, in the panel information storage unit as the panel registration information on the unspecified product; and on the basis of the screen layout information and the product image of the unspecified product stored in the panel information storage unit, causing a display unit to display the checkout panel screen in
  • aspects of the present invention may include a program that causes the information processing device to realize the configuration of the first aspect described above, or may include a computer-readable storage medium that records such a program.
  • This storage medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an appearance of a POS register device according to a first exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the POS register device according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a process configuration of part of the POS register device according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a checkout panel screen.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed by the POS register device according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process configuration of a POS register device according to a second exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the second exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed by the POS register device according to the second exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process configuration of a POS register device according to a third exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the third exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed by the POS register device according to the third exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a POS system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a POS system according to a modification example.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an appearance of a POS register device according to a first exemplary embodiment.
  • the POS register device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a checker device 10 and a cashier device 20 .
  • the POS register device 1 , the checker device 10 , and the cashier device 20 are also called POS terminals.
  • the checker device 10 registers a product as an item to be checked out, and transmits information on a product to be checked out to the cashier device 20 .
  • the checker device 10 includes, for example, a keyboard 11 , a touch panel unit 12 , a scanning device 13 , and a purchaser display 15 .
  • the purchaser display 15 displays, for example, selling price information on a product registered as the item to be checked out.
  • the touch panel unit 12 includes, for example, a display unit 12 a, a touch panel 12 b that accepts user operations, and a controlling unit.
  • the touch panel unit 12 causes the display unit 12 a to display a screen corresponding to received drawing data, and receives an input from a user (store staff such as a register operator) by sensing touch to the touch panel 12 b from the outside.
  • the touch panel unit 12 transmits the input information acquired.
  • the display unit 12 a displays, for example, information concerning a product registered as an item to be checked out, and a checkout panel screen.
  • the checkout panel screen is a screen used for registering each product as an item to be checked out without using the product identification label described above.
  • screen parts corresponding to respective products that are to be registered as items to be checked out without using the product identification label are arranged. Details of this checkout panel screen will be described later.
  • a product that is checked out using the checkout panel screen without using the product identification label is also referred to as an unlabeled product.
  • the unlabeled product not only includes a product that does not have the product identification label attached thereto but also includes a product that is checked out using the checkout panel screen even if the product identification label is attached thereto. If a screen part on the checkout panel screen is operated through the touch panel 12 b in a state where the checkout panel screen is displayed on the display unit 12 a, an unlabeled product corresponding to the screen part operated is registered as the item to be checked out.
  • the scanning device 13 detects a product identification label attached on a package of a product held up over a scanning window 14 , and furthermore, captures a product image showing the appearance of this product.
  • the scanning device 13 is also called an image capturing unit. More specifically, the scanning device 13 forms an optical image on image sensors such as charge coupled devices (CCD) on the basis of lights from the product through the scanning window 14 , and acquires image data on this product on the basis of electrical signals corresponding to this image.
  • the scanning device 13 may detect the product identification label from the product image captured by the image sensor.
  • the scanning device 13 has a function of automatically adjusting a focal length, an angle of view or the like at the time of capturing the product image as well as at the time of capturing an image of the product identification label.
  • the scanning device 13 may further include a laser scanner, and detect the product identification label using this laser scanner.
  • the product identification label represents a code symbol in which a product code, which is formed by characters, numbers, symbols, or the like and from which each product can be identified, is encoded, and is realized, for example, with a one-dimensional bar code or a two-dimensional bar code.
  • This exemplary embodiment does not limit the way in which the product identification label is realized, provided that the product code can be extracted from the product identification label.
  • the scanning device 13 extracts the product code by decoding the detected product identification label.
  • the checker device 10 recognizes the product on the basis of a product code extracted from the product identification label using the scanning device 13 , a product code acquired by operation of the checkout panel screen, or a product code (or section code) directly inputted using, for example, the keyboard 11 , and registers this product as the item to be checked out.
  • the cashier device 20 performs settlement processing for a product to be checked out. Basically, as described above, the checker device 10 registers an item to be checked out. However, the cashier device 20 itself may additionally register the item to be checked out. In such a case, the cashier device 20 recognizes the product on the basis of a product code extracted from the product identification label using a handheld scanner 23 , a product code acquired by operation of the checkout panel screen, or a product code (or section code) directly inputted using, for example, a keyboard 21 , and additionally registers this product as the item to be checked out.
  • the cashier device 20 includes, for example, the keyboard 21 , a touch panel unit 22 , the handheld scanner 23 , a purchaser display 25 , and a cash drawer 27 .
  • the cash drawer 27 keeps paper money, coins, cash voucher or other form of money used in settlement of products.
  • the touch panel unit 22 has a configuration similar to that of the touch panel unit 12 described above, and the touch panel unit 22 includes, for example, a display unit 22 a, and a touch panel 22 b.
  • the display unit 22 a displays, for example, a screen concerning settlement processing of products registered as the item to be checked out, and a checkout panel screen.
  • the purchaser display 25 displays, for example, the total purchase price, and the amount of change.
  • the handheld scanner 23 reads the product identification label attached to a package of the product as is the case with the scanning device 13 described above, and furthermore, captures a product image showing the appearance of the product.
  • the handheld scanner 23 is also called an image capturing unit. It is only necessary that the handheld scanner 23 has a configuration similar to that of the scanning device 13 described above, and hence, explanation thereof will not be repeated.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the POS register device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • the checker device 10 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 2 , a memory 3 , a communication device 4 , a display processing device 5 , and an input-output interface (I/F) 6 . Each of these units is connected, for example, with a bus 7 .
  • the memory 3 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk, and a portable storage medium.
  • the communication device 4 communicates with other devices such as the cashier device 20 by radio or by wire.
  • the display processing device 5 is connected with a display device, and transmits, to the display device, a screen-displaying signal for displaying a given screen in accordance with a process performed by a CPU 2 .
  • the checker device 10 includes the purchaser display 15 and the display unit 12 a of the touch panel unit 12 , each of which serves as the display device.
  • the input-output I/F 6 is connected with an input-output device, outputs, for example, voice to an output device in accordance with a process performed by the CPU 2 , and receives an input signal from an input device.
  • the checker device 10 includes the keyboard 11 , the touch panel 12 b of the touch panel unit 12 , and the scanning device 13 , each of which serves as the input-output device.
  • the cashier device 20 includes, for example, the CPU 2 , a memory 3 , a communication device 4 , a display processing device 5 , and an input-output I/F 6 as is the case with the checker device 10 .
  • the cashier device 20 includes the purchaser display 25 and the display unit 22 a of the touch panel unit 22 , each of which serves as the display device.
  • the cashier device 20 includes the keyboard 21 , the touch panel 22 b of the touch panel unit 22 , and the handheld scanner 23 , each of which serves as the input-output device.
  • this exemplary embodiment does not limit the hardware configurations of the checker device 10 and the cashier device 20 described above.
  • the keyboards 11 and 21 may be replaced with a software keyboard.
  • the purchaser displays 15 and 25 may be integrated as one unit, or may be a display that displays things equivalent to those displayed on the display unit 12 a of the touch panel unit 12 and the display unit 22 a of the touch panel unit 22 .
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a process configuration of part of the POS register device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 only the process configuration related to the checkout panel screen is illustrated, and the checker device 10 and the cashier device 20 each have a large number of processing units other than those illustrated in the drawing.
  • the cashier device 20 includes, for example, a panel information table 31 , a display processing unit 32 , a maintenance processing unit 33 , a product information table 34 , a product extracting unit 35 , a communication processing unit 36 , and an image retaining unit 37 .
  • Each of these processing units is realized, for example, with the CPU 2 running a program stored in the memory 3 .
  • this program may be installed, for example, from a portable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) and a memory card, or other device, and be stored in the memory 3 .
  • the panel information table 31 stores configuration information concerning the checkout panel screen. More specifically, for each unlabeled product that is supposed to be displayed on the checkout panel screen, the panel information table 31 stores panel registration information including a product code with which this product can be identified, a product image, and screen layout information. Thus, the panel information table 31 is also called a panel information storage unit.
  • the product code is identification data formed, for example, by characters, numbers, and symbols determined in advance for identifying each product.
  • a Price Look Up (PLU) code for example, a Price Look Up (PLU) code, a Non-PLU code, and the like are used, for example.
  • a Japan Article Number (JAN) code is used, for example.
  • the screen layout information represents information including the position and size of a screen part corresponding to the product in the checkout panel screen.
  • the display processing unit 32 causes the display unit 22 a to display a checkout panel screen on the basis of panel registration information on each unlabeled product stored in the panel information table 31 . More specifically, on the basis of the panel registration information on each product stored in the panel information table 31 , the display processing unit 32 generates drawing data which corresponds to the checkout panel screen and in which screen parts, with which the product can be registered as the item to be checked out, each contain a product image and are arranged in accordance with screen layout information, and transmits this drawing data to the display processing device 5 . As a result, with control by the display processing device 5 , the checkout panel screen is displayed on the display unit 22 a.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the checkout panel screen.
  • buttons are used as screen parts with which unlabeled products can be registered as items to be checked out.
  • An unlabeled product stored in the panel information table 31 is set to each of the buttons, and each of the buttons displays part of a product code, a product name, a product image, and selling price information on each of the unlabeled products.
  • a screen part (button) 51 relates to a tomato, and displays part of a product code ( 003 ), a product name (tomato), a product image (image of the tomato), and selling price information (20 yen).
  • a user selects a button corresponding to an unlabeled product that is to be registered as an item to be checked out by touching the touch panel 12 b.
  • a processing unit not illustrated, registers the selected unlabeled product as an item to be checked out.
  • the image retaining unit 37 stores product images of unlabeled products captured by the handheld scanner 23 .
  • the handheld scanner 23 captures images of products, for example, in response to a predetermined operation performed by a user to a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit 22 a.
  • the maintenance processing unit 33 performs processing for registering (displaying), to the checkout panel screen, an unspecified product for which panel registration information has not been stored in the panel information table 31 . More specifically, the maintenance processing unit 33 extracts a product image of this unspecified product from the image retaining unit 37 , acquires a product code and screen layout information on the unspecified product, and stores the acquired product code and the acquired screen layout information and the product image extracted from the image retaining unit 37 , in the panel information table 31 as the panel registration information on the unspecified product.
  • a product that is an unlabeled product but has not been registered to the checkout panel screen is also referred to as an unspecified product.
  • the maintenance processing unit 33 instructs the display processing unit 32 to cause the display unit 22 a to display an input screen for a user to input a product code and screen layout information concerning an unspecified product and select a product image of the unspecified product, in order to acquire the product code, the screen layout information, and the product image of the unspecified product.
  • the display processing unit 32 generates drawing data on this input screen, and transmits it to the display processing device 5 .
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a maintenance screen and a button setting screen as an input screen.
  • a maintenance button 55 is pressed on the checkout panel screen illustrated in FIG. 4 , the maintenance screen illustrated in FIG. 5 is displayed.
  • On the maintenance screen areas to which no product has been allocated are shown as “unspecified,” and when one of the areas (reference character 56 in FIG. 5 ) is selected, a button setting screen 57 is displayed.
  • the button setting screen 57 includes, for example, a product-code input box 57 a, a button-color selection field 57 b, a button-size selection field 57 c, a product-image selection button 57 d, a setting button 57 e, a cancel button 57 f, and a preview section 57 g.
  • the maintenance processing unit 33 acquires data inputted into the product-code input box 57 a as a product code, and further acquires data specified in the button-color selection field 57 b and the button-size selection field 57 c on the button setting screen 57 , and data specified in an area 56 selected on the maintenance screen, as screen layout information. Furthermore, if the product-image selection button 57 d on the button setting screen 57 is selected, product images retained by the image retaining unit 37 are displayed, and a user selects one product image from the display. The maintenance processing unit 33 acquires the product image selected as a product image on the unspecified product. The maintenance processing unit 33 may delete the selected product image from the image retaining unit 37 .
  • the product information table 34 stores, for each product, product information including a product code, a product name, a section code with which a category to which the product belongs can be identified, and selling price information.
  • the section code indicates a category to which the product belongs, and includes a vegetable section, an alcoholic drink section, and a fresh fish section.
  • the product information on each product stored in the product information table 34 is determined in advance, and is transmitted to the POS register device 1 from, for example, a POS managing device (not illustrated), which is connected to the POS register device 1 in a manner that they can communicate with each other.
  • the product information table 34 is also called a product information storage unit
  • the product extracting unit 35 performs processing for assisting the user to easily identify the product code of the unspecified product. More specifically, the product extracting unit 35 allows the user to identify the product code of the unspecified product from a product code list narrowed down on the basis of the section codes and selling price information. This is because, for the user, the section code and the selling price can be recognized more easily than the product code.
  • the product extracting unit 35 acquires the section code and the selling price information concerning the unspecified product, and extracts, from the product information table 34 , a product code and a product name of at least one product assumed to be the unspecified product on the basis of the section code and the selling price information acquired, thereby causing the display unit 22 a to display a product selection screen indicating the product name of the at least one product extracted.
  • the product extracting unit 35 may instruct the display processing unit 32 to cause the display unit 22 a to display an input screen for the user to input the section code and the selling price information.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • a lookup button 60 is provided on the button setting screen 57 , and as this lookup button 60 is pressed, an input screen 61 for the section code and the selling price information is displayed. Once the section code and the selling price information are inputted, for example, through the keyboard 21 on the input screen 61 , and an enter button 64 is pressed, a product selection screen 65 is displayed. On the product selection screen 65 , a list 66 of product information extracted by the product extracting unit 35 from the product information table 34 is displayed on the basis of the section code and the selling price information inputted through the input screen 61 . In the example illustrated in FIG.
  • a list of product information corresponding to a section code ( 010 ) and a selling price (120 yen) is displayed.
  • the user selects an unspecified product from the list 66 on this product selection screen 65 , and presses an enter button 67 .
  • a product code of the product selected from the list 66 is set in the product-code input box 57 a on the button setting screen 57 .
  • the maintenance processing unit 33 can acquire the product code of the product selected on the product selection screen 65 as the product code of the unspecified product.
  • the communication processing unit 36 controls communication between the cashier device 20 and the checker device 10 . More specifically, in response to a request from the checker device 10 , the communication processing unit 36 transmits information stored in the panel information table 31 and the product information table 34 to the checker device 10 , and updates information stored in the panel information table 31 and the product information table 34 on the basis of information transmitted from the checker device 10 . Furthermore, the communication processing unit 36 receives information on a product registered by the checker device 10 as an item to be checked out.
  • the checker device 10 includes, for example, a display processing unit 42 , a maintenance processing unit 43 , a product extracting unit 45 , a communication processing unit 46 , and an image retaining unit 47 .
  • Each of these processing units is realized, for example, with the CPU 2 running a program stored in the memory 3 .
  • this program may be installed, for example, from a portable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) and a memory card or other device, and be stored in the memory 3 .
  • a portable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) and a memory card or other device
  • the checker device 10 does not have the panel information table 31 and the product information table 34 , and hence, the communication processing unit 46 acquires information stored in the panel information table 31 and the product information table 34 from the cashier device 20 . Furthermore, in response to a request from other processing units, the communication processing unit 46 transmits, to the cashier device 20 , information for updating the panel information table 31 and the product information table 34 .
  • the display processing unit 42 , the maintenance processing unit 43 , the product extracting unit 45 , and the image retaining unit 47 are similar to the display processing unit 32 , the maintenance processing unit 33 , the product extracting unit 35 , and the image retaining unit 37 described above. Below, these processing units of the checker device 10 will be described only for things different from those of the cashier device 20 .
  • the display processing unit 42 causes the display unit 12 a to display a checkout panel screen on the basis of information in the panel information table 31 acquired by the communication processing unit 46 from the cashier device 20 .
  • the image retaining unit 47 stores a product image of an unlabeled product captured by the scanning device 13 .
  • the scanning device 13 captures an image of a product, for example, in response to a predetermined operation performed by a user to a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit 12 a.
  • the maintenance processing unit 43 extracts a product image of an unspecified product from the image retaining unit 47 , acquires a product code and screen layout information concerning this unspecified product, and transmits the acquired product code, the acquired screen layout information, and the product image extracted from the image retaining unit 47 , through the communication processing units 46 and 36 to the cashier device 20 .
  • the product code, the screen layout information, and the product image transmitted by the maintenance processing unit 43 are stored in the panel information table 31 as panel registration information on the unspecified product.
  • an input screen illustrated in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 12 a. If the product-image selection button 57 d is selected on the button setting screen 57 , product images retained in the image retaining unit 47 are displayed, and a user selects one product image on the display.
  • the product extracting unit 45 extracts a product code and a product name of at least one product assumed to be the unspecified product on the basis of a section code and selling price information acquired, from information in the product information table 34 acquired by the communication processing unit 46 , and causes the display unit 12 a to display a product selection screen indicating the extracted product name of the at least one product.
  • the product extracting unit 45 instructs the display processing unit 32 to cause the display unit 12 a to display an input screen for the user to input the section code and the selling price information concerning the unspecified product in order to acquire these pieces of information.
  • the list 66 of product information extracted by the product extracting unit 45 from the information in the product information table 34 acquired by the communication processing unit 46 is displayed on the basis of the section code and the selling price information inputted through the input screen 61 .
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed by the POS register device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • the screen setting method according to the first exemplary embodiment relates to a setting method in connection with the checkout panel screen, and is performed by the checker device 10 or the cashier device 20 constituting the POS register device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • the POS register device 1 displays a checkout panel screen on which each screen part (each button) corresponding to each product displays a product image of the product and is arranged according to screen layout information on the basis of panel registration information on each product stored in the panel information table 31 .
  • the register operator When registering an unlabeled product (unspecified product) that has not been registered on the checkout panel screen as an item to be checked out, the register operator instructs the POS register device 1 to capture an image of this unlabeled product. This instruction is made, for example, by the register operator operating the touch panel ( 12 b or 22 b ) or the keyboard ( 11 or 21 ) of the POS register device 1 .
  • the POS register device 1 captures an image of this unspecified product using the scanning device 13 or the handheld scanner 23 (S 70 ). With this image capturing, a product image of this unspecified product is generated. The POS register device 1 retains the generated product image (S 71 ).
  • the POS register device 1 acquires a maintenance request for the checkout panel screen made by a register operator (S 72 ). This request takes place, for example, by the register operator pressing the maintenance button 55 in the example illustrated in FIG. 4 for registering the unspecified product described above to the checkout panel screen. With this operation, for example, the POS register device 1 displays the maintenance screen and the button setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5 in order to acquire the product code, the screen layout information, and the product image concerning the unspecified product.
  • the POS register device 1 acquires the directly inputted product code as the product code of the unspecified product (S 78 ). On the other hand, if the register operator requests lookup for the unspecified product (S 73 ; YES), the POS register device 1 operates in the following manner.
  • the POS register device 1 acquires a section code and selling price information (S 74 ). These pieces of information are acquired from the register operator inputting the information on the input screen 61 (see FIG. 6 ) displayed by the POS register device 1 . Then, the POS register device 1 extracts, from the product information table 34 , a list of products corresponding to product information containing the section code and the selling price information acquired is extracted from the product information table 34 (S 75 ). The POS register device 1 displays a product selection screen (see the reference character 65 in FIG. 6 ) containing the extracted product list (S 76 ).
  • the register operator selects a product corresponding to the unspecified product from among the product list contained in this product selection screen.
  • the POS register device 1 acquires the product code of the selected product as the product code of the unspecified product (S 77 ).
  • the register operator operates this maintenance screen, the button setting screen, and the like to set screen layout information on the button corresponding to this unspecified product.
  • the POS register device 1 acquires the screen layout information concerning this unspecified product (S 79 ).
  • the POS register device 1 acquires a product image corresponding to this unspecified product from among product images retained (S 80 ). This is realized, for example, by the register operator performing a selection operation to a screen displaying a list of product images retained.
  • the POS register device 1 stores, in the panel information table 31 , the product code acquired in the step (S 77 ) or the step (S 78 ), the screen layout information acquired in the step (S 79 ), and the product image acquired in the step (S 80 ) as the panel registration information concerning this unspecified product (S 81 ).
  • the POS register device 1 displays a checkout panel screen on which each screen part (each button) corresponding to the unspecified product displays the product image and is arranged according to screen layout information.
  • FIG. 7 shows an example in which the instruction to capture an image of an unspecified product (corresponding to S 70 ) and the request to perform maintenance on a checkout panel screen (corresponding to S 72 ) are separately performed.
  • This corresponds to a case where an image of an unspecified product is captured at the time of registering the unspecified product as an item to be checked out, and maintenance of a checkout panel screen is performed after settlement of a transaction including this unspecified product is completed.
  • the maintenance of the checkout panel screen may be performed when the unspecified product is registered as the item to be checked out. In such a case, it is only necessary that, after the step (S 72 ) is performed, the step (S 70 ) and the step (S 71 ) are performed, and then, the step (S 73 ) is performed.
  • an image of an unspecified product that has not been registered to the checkout panel screen for checking out products is captured by the scanning device 13 or the handheld scanner 23 , and a product image generated on the basis of the captured image is retained in the image retaining unit 37 .
  • a product code and screen layout information are acquired in the POS register device 1 on the basis of an operation performed by a user such as a register operator to an input screen displayed on the display unit 12 a or the display unit 22 a of the POS register device 1 . With this operation, the product image, the product code, and the screen layout information concerning this unspecified product are stored in the panel information table 31 .
  • the product image is displayed on a screen part, corresponding to this unspecified product, of the display unit 12 a or the display unit 22 a of the POS register device 1 , and at the same time, a checkout panel screen having the screen part arranged according to the screen layout information is displayed.
  • the first exemplary embodiment it is possible to easily register the unlabeled product to the checkout panel screen through the POS register device 1 without operating the POS managing device placed at an office or other locations of a store.
  • the POS register device 1 since product images captured by the POS register device 1 can be registered to the checkout panel screen, it is possible to eliminate work load such as capturing a product image, for example, using a digital camera for the registration.
  • a product selection screen containing a list of products assumed to be unspecified products is displayed on the display unit 12 a or 22 a of the POS register device 1 .
  • a product code of a product selected by a user on this product selection screen is acquired as the product code of the unspecified product.
  • a register operator quickly completes settlement of a transaction including unspecified products, and registers the unspecified products to the checkout panel screen during a time when no purchaser waits for checkout.
  • the register operator does not remember information on the unspecified products at the time of registration to the checkout panel screen.
  • the POS register device 1 keeps journal data serving as sales information on each transaction that has been completed through settlement processing.
  • information on an unspecified product can be identified on the basis of the journal data.
  • the POS register device 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described with focus being placed on things different from those in the first exemplary embodiment. In the following descriptions, things similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment will not be repeated as appropriate.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process configuration of the POS register device 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment.
  • the cashier device 20 further includes a journal storage unit 38 .
  • a processing unit stores sales information on each transaction, for which settlement processing is completed, in the journal storage unit 38 as the journal data.
  • the journal storage unit 38 stores, for example, a receipt number, a cash-register number, a register operator number, settlement time, and sales information for each transaction for which settlement is completed.
  • the sales information includes, for example, a product code, a product name, selling price information, and discount information for each product treated during the transaction.
  • the product extracting unit 35 of the cashier device 20 causes the display unit 22 a to display a product selection screen showing the journal data acquired from the journal storage unit 38 .
  • the product extracting unit 45 of the checker device 10 acquires the journal data stored in the journal storage unit 38 through the communication processing unit 36 and the communication processing unit 46 , and causes the display unit 12 a to display a product selection screen showing the journal data acquired.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the second exemplary embodiment.
  • two lookup buttons for a product code are provided on the button setting screen 57 described above.
  • one lookup button 60 is a button with which a product code can be identified on the basis of the section code and the selling price information. If a lookup button 89 , which is newly provided in the second exemplary embodiment, is pressed, a product selection screen 90 generated by the product extracting units 35 and 45 described above is displayed.
  • journal data are displayed separately for each transaction.
  • the register operator can view information on past checkout through this product selection screen.
  • the register operator can recognize again a product code of an unspecified product contained in a transaction for which settlement has been quickly completed. If an unspecified product (reference character 91 ) is selected from among sold products displayed on this product selection screen, a product code of the unspecified product selected is set in the product-code input box 57 a on the button setting screen 57 .
  • the maintenance processing units 33 and 43 acquire a product code of the sold product selected from among journal data on the product selection screen as described above, as the product code of the unspecified product.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed by the POS register device 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment.
  • the reference characters same as those in FIG. 7 are attached to the steps same as those in the example of operations according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • the step (S 101 ) to the step (S 104 ) are steps different from the first exemplary embodiment, and hence, only these steps will be described below.
  • the POS register device 1 judges whether lookup for the unspecified product using journal data is requested (S 101 ). For example, it is judged whether the lookup button 89 indicated in an example of FIG. 9 is pressed. If lookup for the unspecified product using a section code and selling price information is requested (S 101 ; NO), the POS register device 1 operates in a manner similar to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • the POS register device 1 acquires the journal data from the journal storage unit 38 (S 102 ).
  • the POS register device 1 displays a product selection screen containing the journal data on the display unit 12 a or the display unit 22 a (S 103 ).
  • the POS register device 1 acquires a product code of the product selected by the register operator from among sold products on this product selection screen as the product code of the unspecified product (S 104 ). More specifically, in the POS register device 1 , a record selected by the register operator is identified from among the sales information concerning the journal data, and the product code contained in this record is acquired.
  • the POS register device 1 stores, in the panel information table 31 , a product code acquired in the step (S 77 ), the step (S 78 ) or the step (S 104 ), screen layout information acquired in the step (S 79 ), and a product image acquired in the step (S 80 ) as panel registration information concerning this unspecified product (S 81 ).
  • the product selection screen containing the journal data is displayed on the display unit 12 a or 22 a of the POS register device 1 , and the product code of the product selected by the user on this product selection screen is acquired as the product code of this unspecified product.
  • preferred configurations of the checkout panel screen vary according to preferences or operational levels of the register operators. Inexperienced register operators tend to prefer an easily understandable configuration, whereas experienced register operators tend to prefer a configuration that enables speedy operations.
  • An example of the easily understandable configuration includes a configuration in which each screen element has a large size, and has a product image displayed thereon.
  • An example of the configuration that enables speedy operations includes a configuration in which each screen element has a reduced size, and a lot of products can be viewed at one time.
  • each register operator does not use one POS terminal in a fixed manner, and generally changes POS terminals according to working periods and shifts of the operator.
  • a POS register device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment enables to set and display a checkout panel screen for each register operator.
  • the POS register device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment will be described with focus being placed on things different from those in the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment. In the following descriptions, details similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment will not be repeated as appropriate.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process configuration of the POS register device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment.
  • the cashier device 20 according to the third exemplary embodiment further includes a log-in controlling unit 110 and a cashier-ID retaining unit 111 .
  • the log-in controlling unit 110 and the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 are realized, for example, with the CPU 2 running a program stored in the memory 3 .
  • the log-in controlling unit 110 controls login of a register operator to the POS register device 1 . More specifically, the log-in controlling unit 110 instructs the display processing unit 32 to display a login screen, and acquires a cashier ID inputted by the register operator through operations on the login screen. The log-in controlling unit 110 retains the acquired cashier ID in the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 . Note that the log-in controlling unit 110 may perform authentication of the register operator in the login control.
  • the cashier ID is an identifier with which the POS register device 1 can identify each register operator, and is referred to as a register operator number in the second exemplary embodiment.
  • the journal data stored in the journal storage unit 38 contains the cashier ID.
  • a method for inputting the cashier ID is not specifically limited.
  • the cashier ID may be inputted through the keyboard 11 or 21 , or the touch panel 12 b or 22 b, or may be acquired electronically, for example, using an electronic tag or a bar code.
  • the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 retains a cashier ID of a register operator who currently logs in.
  • the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 may only retain the cashier ID of the register operator who currently logs in, or may retain plural cashier IDs in a manner that can identify the cashier ID of the register operator who currently logs in.
  • the cashier ID of the register operator who currently logs in is also referred to as a current cashier ID.
  • the panel information table 31 stores panel registration information for each cashier ID. In other words, the panel information table 31 stores the panel registration information on each product so as to be associated with each cashier ID.
  • the display processing unit 32 of the cashier device 20 acquires a current cashier ID from the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 , extracts panel registration information corresponding to this current cashier ID from the panel information table 31 , and cause the display unit 22 a to display a checkout panel screen generated on the basis of the extracted panel registration information. Furthermore, the display processing unit 42 of the checker device 10 acquires the current cashier ID and the panel registration information corresponding to this current cashier ID through the communication processing unit 36 and the communication processing unit 46 from the cashier device 20 , and causes the display unit 12 a to display a checkout panel screen corresponding to this current cashier ID.
  • the maintenance processing unit 33 acquires the current cashier ID from the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 , and stores panel registration information concerning an unspecified product in the panel information table 31 so as to be associated with this current cashier ID.
  • the maintenance processing unit 43 stores the panel registration information concerning the unspecified product through the communication processing units 36 and 46 in the panel information table 31 , in association with the current cashier ID acquired through the communication processing units 36 and 46 .
  • the product extracting units 35 and 45 may cause the display unit 22 a or 12 a to display a product selection screen in which journal data acquired from the journal storage unit 38 are shown separately according to cashier IDs.
  • the product extracting units 35 and 45 divide the acquired journal data according to the cashier IDs and include the journal data in the product selection screen in a state where the divided journal data are separated.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the third exemplary embodiment.
  • a product selection screen 120 according to the third exemplary embodiment is provided with a register-operator designating box 121 .
  • Journal data corresponding to a cashier ID designated in the register-operator designating box 121 are displayed on the product selection screen 120 .
  • a register operator can look up journal data concerning settlement processing performed by other register operators.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of operations performed by the POS register device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment.
  • the register operator has its own cashier ID, and first logs in to a POS register device 1 with this cashier ID when using the POS register device 1 .
  • the POS register device 1 retains, in the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 , the cashier ID of the register operator who is currently operating. In this state, the POS register device 1 operates in a manner shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the reference characters same as those in FIG. 10 are attached to the same steps as those in the example of operations according to the second exemplary embodiment.
  • the step (S 131 ) and the step (S 132 ) are steps different from those in the second exemplary embodiment, and hence, only the step (S 131 ) and the step (S 132 ) will be described below.
  • the POS register device 1 acquires a product image of an unspecified product (S 80 ), and then, acquires a current cashier ID retained in the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 (S 131 ).
  • the POS register device 1 stores, in the panel information table 31 , a product code acquired in the step (S 77 ), the step (S 78 ), or the step (S 104 ), screen layout information acquired in the step (S 79 ), a product image acquired in the step (S 80 ) as panel registration information concerning this unspecified product, in a manner such that they are associated with the current cashier ID (S 132 ).
  • a cashier ID with which a register operator in operation can be identified is retained, and in the panel information table 31 , panel registration information on each product is stored so as to be associated with the cashier ID.
  • a checkout panel screen is displayed on the basis of the panel registration information corresponding to a cashier ID of a register operator who logs in. Furthermore, when an unspecified product is registered to the checkout panel screen, panel registration information on the unspecified product is stored in the panel information table 31 so as to be associated with the current cashier ID.
  • each register operator can use a given POS register device 1 having a checkout panel screen that suits the register operator's preference.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a POS system 100 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.
  • the POS system 100 includes plural POS register devices 1 (# 1 ) to 1 (#m) according to each of the exemplary embodiments described above. These POS register devices 1 (# 1 ) to 1 (#m) are connected through a network 9 in a manner that they can communicate with each other.
  • the network 9 includes, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wireless communication network, a public network such as the Internet, and a wide area network (WAN).
  • a communication mode between the POS register devices 1 is not limited.
  • the POS register devices 1 (# 1 ) to 1 (#m) are collectively referred to as a POS register device 1 except when these need to be separately treated.
  • the POS register device 1 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described with focus being placed on things different from those in each of the exemplary embodiments described above. In the following descriptions, details similar to those in each of the exemplary embodiments described above will not be repeated as appropriate.
  • the POS register device 1 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment has a process configuration similar to that of each of the exemplary embodiments described above.
  • the communication processing units 36 and 46 each have information on other POS register devices 1 necessary to communicate with the other POS register devices 1 , and this information includes, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP) address.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the communication processing units 36 and 46 each have information necessary for the communication, together with a register ID of each of the POS register devices 1 .
  • the register ID represents an identifier with which each of the POS register devices 1 can be identified, and is referred to as a cash-register number in the second exemplary embodiment.
  • the communication processing units 36 and 46 acquire, from another POS register device 1 , journal data as well as a register ID with which this other POS register device 1 can be identified.
  • the journal data acquired from the other POS register device 1 is referred to as external journal data.
  • the communication processing units 36 and 46 are also called external-journal acquiring units.
  • the communication processing units 36 and 46 distribute at least one piece of panel registration information from among panel registration information stored in the panel information table 31 together with a corresponding cashier ID to another POS register device 1 . For example, if the panel registration information is updated, the communication processing units 36 and 46 perform this distribution processing concerning the updated panel registration information. Thus, the communication processing units 36 and 46 are also called distributing units.
  • the communication processing units 36 and 46 store, in the panel information table 31 , the panel registration information and the cashier ID so as to be associated with each other.
  • the existing panel registration information is overwritten with the panel registration information acquired from the other POS register device 1 .
  • the journal storage unit 38 stores journal data indicating information on a sold product for which settlement processing is performed by the POS register device 1 itself, and external journal data acquired from another POS register device 1 in a manner such that these data are associated with each register ID.
  • the product extracting units 35 and 45 cause the display unit 12 a or 22 a to display a product selection screen showing external journal data acquired by the communication processing unit 36 or 46 , and journal data stored in the journal storage unit 38 in a separated form.
  • the product extracting units 35 and 45 extract the journal data of the POS register device 1 itself and the external journal data from the journal storage unit 38 , identify these data on the basis of register IDs, and make the journal data contained in the product selection screen in a manner that the journal data are separated according to the identified register IDs.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product selection screen according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.
  • a cash-register specifying box 151 is newly provided to a product selection screen 150 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.
  • On this product selection screen 150 only the journal data corresponding to a register ID designated in the cash-register specifying box 151 is displayed.
  • a POS register device 1 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment may instruct the communication processing unit 36 or the communication processing unit 46 to acquire the journal data from this other POS register device 1 corresponding to the designated register ID.
  • a register operator looks up the journal data of the other POS register device 1 , and can identify a product code of an unspecified product that should be registered to the checkout panel screen.
  • journal data indicating information on a sold product for which settlement processing is performed by another POS register device 1 are acquired together with a register ID of this other POS register device 1 , and journal data are displayed on a product selection screen in a state where the journal data are separated according to register IDs.
  • a register operator can look up the journal data of another POS register device 1 different from the POS register device 1 that the register operator is currently using, and can identify, on the basis of the journal data, a product code of an unspecified product that should be registered to the checkout panel screen.
  • the register operator can know the product code of this unspecified product on the basis of this external journal data.
  • the POS register device 1 includes the checker device 10 and the cashier device 20 has been given.
  • the POS register device 1 may be configured to only include the cashier device 20 .
  • the checkout panel screen can be displayed on the checker device 10 as well as the cashier device 20 .
  • the panel information table 31 , the product information table 34 , the journal storage unit 38 , and the cashier-ID retaining unit 111 are provided only to the cashier device 20 . However, copies of them may be provided to the checker device 10 . In this case, each of the processing units in the checker device 10 does not have to acquire information, which is to be stored in each of these processing units through the communication processing units 36 and 46 .
  • a product image is captured also by the handheld scanner 23 of the cashier device 20 .
  • the POS register device 1 may be realized as a POS system including a server device and a store terminal.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a POS system 700 according to a modification example.
  • the POS system 700 is configured to include a server device 705 and a store-side configuration 710 , and the server device 705 and the store-side configuration 710 are connected through a communication network 701 in a manner that they can communicate with each other.
  • the communication network 701 includes, for example, a public network such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), and a wireless communication network.
  • WAN wide area network
  • LAN local area network
  • wireless communication network The way in which the communication network 701 is realized is not limited.
  • the store-side configuration 710 includes, for example, a communication relaying device 711 , a store terminal 715 , a stand 716 , a handheld scanner 717 , a cash drawer 718 , and a receipt printer 719 .
  • the stand 716 is a device for connecting the store terminal 715 with other units (the handheld scanner 717 , the cash drawer 718 , and the receipt printer 719 ) in a manner that they can communicate with each other.
  • the store terminal 715 and the stand 716 are connected, for example, through a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and an infrared communication, or a wireless LAN.
  • the stand 716 and other units are connected through various types of communication lines or wireless communication.
  • the communication relaying device 711 connects the store terminal 715 with the communication network 701 , which enables communication between the store terminal 715 and the server device 705 .
  • communication modes between these nodes are not limited. It may be possible to employ a configuration in which the communication relaying device 711 is omitted, and the store terminal 715 is connected to the communication network 701 using a 3G communication system, for example, through a wireless base station without passing through the communication relaying device 711 .
  • the store terminal 715 is a general purpose computer such as a personal computer (PC), a laptop PC, a tablet-type terminal, and a smartphone, and communicates data with the server device 705 , thereby achieving a user interface of the POS register device 1 described above.
  • the server device 705 is a general server computer, and is realized, for example, as a WEB server or an application server.
  • each of the processing units described above may be realized in either the server device 705 or the store terminal 715 , as long as it can be realized.
  • a WEB system is used as an interface between the server device 705 and the store terminal 715 , it may be possible to realize all of the processing units described above in the server device 705 , and operate the store terminal 715 as merely a display (and an image capturing unit). On the contrary, it may be possible to realize all the processing units within the store terminal 715 .
  • the server device 705 may be possible to realize part of the processing units in the server device 705 , and realize the remaining processing units in the store terminal 715 .
  • the information processing device according to the present invention is realized with plural devices (plural computers, or a body including plural CPUs).
  • the information processing device according to the present invention may be realized with a combination of the checker device 10 and the cashier device 20 according to each of the exemplary embodiments described above, or may be realized with a combination of the server device 705 and the store terminal 715 according to this modification example.
  • the information processing device according to the present invention may be realized only with the cashier device 20 according to each of the exemplary embodiments described above, or may be realized merely with the server device 705 or the store terminal 715 according to the modification example.

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