JP7740999B2 - Product data input device and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product data input device and a program.

Point of Sales (POS) terminals are used in stores that sell products or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "products"). POS terminals register product information such as product name and price (hereinafter also referred to as "product registration") based on product identification information (product codes) read by a scanner from code symbols such as barcodes attached to products purchased by customers.

If a problem such as a malfunction occurs with the scanner, the POS terminal operator visually checks the product code attached to the product along with the code symbol, and manually inputs the product code using an operation unit such as a keyboard. The POS terminal then registers the product based on the input product code.

The JAN (Japanese Article Number) code is typically used for the product code. Many product codes are JAN codes consisting of 13 digits, which can be time-consuming and prone to input errors when manually entered by an operator into a POS terminal. To solve this problem, the use of abbreviated codes for manual input has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, because conventional short codes are created independently of product codes, operators cannot understand the short code just by looking at the product. As a result, when operators manually enter a short code into a POS terminal, they must manually check the correspondence between the short code and the product code, which leaves issues with operability.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a product data input device and program that can improve operability when manually entering product codes.

The product data input device of this embodiment inputs product identification information consisting of a country code, company code, product item code, and check digit to a registration unit that registers products. It includes a reception unit that receives an abbreviated code that includes part of the company code and the product item code, and a generation unit that generates product identification information to be input to the registration unit based on the abbreviated code received by the reception unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a POS system including a commodity data input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the store server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the first product master stored in the memory unit of the store server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the second product master stored in the memory unit of the store server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the business code master stored in the memory unit of the store server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the store server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a product code according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product registration process (including the product data input process) by the control unit of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the POS terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product registration process (including the product data input process) by the control unit of the POS terminal according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in each embodiment, an example is described in which the product data input device is applied to a POS terminal equipped with a registration unit that performs product registration, but this is not limited to this. The product data input device may also be applied to a device other than a POS terminal, such as a store server. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the registration unit that performs product registration is provided in the POS terminal that performs transaction processing, but it may also be provided in a registration device that only performs product registration without performing transaction processing.

(First embodiment)
The product data input device and program of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a POS system 1 including a product data input device. The POS system 1 is used in stores that sell products, such as supermarkets. The POS system 1 includes a store server 2 and multiple POS terminals 3. The store server 2 and POS terminals 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network such as a local area network (LAN).

The store server 2 receives from each POS terminal 3 product information and payment information for products paid for during the checkout process. The store server 2 also receives from each POS terminal 3 settlement information that settles sales for a specified period (e.g., one day). The store server 2 centrally manages the product information, payment information, settlement information, etc. received from each POS terminal 3, and performs sales management for a single store.

The store server 2 also receives product codes from each POS terminal 3 and transmits product information (product name, price, etc.) corresponding to the product code to the POS terminal 3 that transmitted the product code. The product codes used in this embodiment are 8-digit and 13-digit JAN codes, but 13-digit JAN codes are used for many products. In the following explanation, product codes and JAN codes are synonymous unless otherwise distinguished. Product codes are an example of product identification information that identifies products. Details of the store server 2 will be provided later.

Multiple POS terminals 3 are placed in a store. When an operator (store clerk) operates the POS terminal 3, the POS terminal 3 registers the products being sold. The registration unit of the POS terminal 3 registers (stores) the product information based on the input product code. Typically, the operator operates a scanner to read the product code from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the product, and the product code is entered into the registration unit of the POS terminal 3. The POS terminal 3 is an example of a product data input device that inputs the product code into the registration unit provided in the POS terminal.

If a problem such as a scanner malfunction occurs, the operator visually checks the JAN code, which consists of 8 or 13 digits, attached to the product and manually enters it into the POS terminal using a keyboard or other device. In this embodiment, by having the operator manually enter part of the product code (JAN code), the POS terminal 3 can enter the product code into its own registration section. Details of the POS terminal 3 will be provided later.

Next, we will explain the store server 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the store server 2. The store server 2 comprises a control unit 20, a memory unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, memory unit 21, display unit 22, operation unit 23, and communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25, etc.

The control unit 20 is composed of a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 25.

The CPU 201 controls the entire store server 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs, such as programs used to drive the CPU 201, and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes for the store server 2 by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and loaded into the RAM 203.

The memory unit 21 is composed of storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and retains its stored contents even when power is cut off. The memory unit 21 includes a control program unit 211, a first product master 212, a second product master 213, and a business code master 214.

The control program section 211 is a program for executing functions such as receiving product codes from each POS terminal 3, extracting product information based on the received product codes, and sending the extracted product information to the POS terminal 3.

The first product master 212 is a master file that stores product codes and product information (product name, price, etc.) for products sold in stores that have a 13-digit JAN code as their product code, in association with each other. As the products handled in stores change daily, the first product master 212 is updated as appropriate. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the first product master 212. Each piece of data registered in the first product master 212 is associated with information indicating the product code, product name, and price. The first product master 212 may also store other product information, such as product classification codes and information indicating place of origin.

The product code field contains a product code that identifies the product. The product code registered in the first product master 212 is a JAN code consisting of 13 digits. The structure of the product code will be described later. The product name field contains information indicating the name of the product. The price field contains information indicating the unit price of the product. The unit price of the product may be either the price including consumption tax, or the base price excluding consumption tax.

The second product master 213 is a master file that stores product codes and product information (product name, price, etc.) for products sold in the store that have an eight-digit JAN code as their product code, in association with each other. As the products handled by the store change daily, the second product master 213 is also updated as appropriate. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the second product master 213. Each piece of data registered in the second product master 213 is the same as the data registered in the first product master 213, except that the product code is an eight-digit JAN code, so duplicate explanations will be omitted.

The business code master 214 is a master file that stores business codes, each consisting of a two-digit country code and a five-digit company code in the 13-digit JAN code. The business code master 214 is updated whenever a new business provides products to a store. Figure 5 shows the data structure of the business code master 214. Each piece of data registered in the business code master 214 is associated with a business name and a business code.

In the business name field, information indicating the name of the business is registered. In the business code field, a seven-digit business code is registered. The store server 2 distributes the business code master 214 to each POS terminal 3.

Returning to Figure 2, we will now explain the hardware of the store server 2. The display unit 22 is composed of an LCD panel or the like, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 22 displays a registration screen for registering information in the first product master 212, the second product master 213, and the business code master 214.

The operation unit 23 is used to input information into the control unit 20 and is composed of a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, and the like. For example, the operation unit 23 inputs various pieces of information to be registered in the first product master 212, the second product master 213, and the business code master 214 into the control unit 20.

The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as each POS terminal 3. By connecting the control unit 20 to an external device via the communication unit 24, it becomes possible for the control unit 20 to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the store server 2 will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the store server 2. The control unit 20 functions as an input unit 2001, a management unit 2002, a product information extraction unit 2003, and an output unit 2004, as the CPU 201 operates in accordance with control programs stored in the ROM 202 and memory unit 21. Note that each of these functions may also be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

Various types of information are input to the input unit 2001. For example, a product code is input to the input unit 2001 from the POS terminal 3. In addition, various types of information to be registered in the first product master 212, second product master 213, and business code master 214 are input to the input unit 2001 from the operation unit 23.

The management unit 2002 manages the first product master 212, the second product master 213, and the business code master 214. For example, the management unit 2002 updates the first product master 212, the second product master 213, and the business code master 214 based on information input into the input unit 2001.

The product information extraction unit 2003 extracts product information based on the product code input from the POS terminal 3 to the input unit 2001. More specifically, when a product code is input to the input unit 2001, the product information extraction unit 2003 determines whether the product code is a 13-digit code or an 8-digit code. If the product code is a 13-digit code, the product information extraction unit 2003 references the first product master 212 and reads out product information corresponding to the product code. If the product code is an 8-digit code, the product information extraction unit 2003 references the second product master 213 and reads out product information corresponding to the product code.

The output unit 2004 outputs (transmits) the product information extracted by the product information extraction unit 2003 to the POS terminal 3 that is the recipient of the product code corresponding to the product information. The output unit 2004 also distributes the updated business code master 214 to each POS terminal 3. The output unit 2004 may also distribute the first product master 212 and the second product master 213 to each POS terminal 3.

Next, the POS terminal 3 will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3. The POS terminal 3 comprises a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a card reader 34, a change dispenser 35, a scanner 36, and a communication unit 37. The control unit 30, memory unit 31, display unit 32, operation unit 33, card reader 34, change dispenser 35, scanner 36, and communication unit 37 are connected to each other via a bus 38 or the like.

The control unit 30 is composed of a computer equipped with a CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 38.

The CPU 301 controls the entire POS terminal 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs, such as programs used to drive the CPU 301, and various data. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. The control unit 30 executes various control processes for the POS terminal 3 by the CPU 301 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31 and loaded into the RAM 303.

The memory unit 31 is composed of a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and retains its stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 21 includes a control program unit 311 and a business code master 312.

The control program unit 311 is a program for realizing functions such as generating a product code based on an abbreviated code input from the operation unit 33, registering products based on the generated product code or a product code input from the operation unit 33 or scanner 36, and performing accounting processing for registered products.

The business code master 312 is downloaded from the store server 2 and has the same configuration as the business code master 214 stored in the store server 2. The business establishment code master 312 is an example of a business establishment code storage unit.

Here, we will explain the structure of the product code, the relationship between the product code and the business code registered in the business code master, and the relationship between the product code and the shortened code used in this embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the 13-digit product code.

The 13-digit product code is a JAN code, an international standard product identification code. As shown in Figure 8, the first two digits of the product code are the country code, the next five digits are the company code, the next five digits are the product item code, and the last digit is a check digit. Although not shown, the 8-digit product code is composed of the first two digits of the country code, the next four digits are the company code, the next digit is the product item code, and the last digit is a check digit.

The business code registered in the business code master 214, i.e., the business code that identifies the business such as the manufacturer that provides the product, is a seven-digit code consisting of a country code and a company code. Products provided by the same business have the same business code in the product code.

The shortened code is used for products whose product code is a 13-digit JAN code, and is composed of part of that JAN code. Specifically, the shortened code includes part of the company code and all of the product item code from the 13-digit JAN code. In this embodiment, the shortened code is an 8-digit code composed of the last two digits of the company code, the 5-digit product item code, and the 1-digit check digit.

In this embodiment, the last two digits of the company code included in the short code are used, assuming that there is no duplication of the last two digits of the company codes registered in the company code master 214. In other words, for all products handled in the store, the last two digits of the company code included in the product code are assumed to be unique, and the last two digits are used as the company code included in the short code. If there is duplication of the last two digits of the company code, the short code should be a number of digits that will prevent duplication, for example, the last three or four digits of the company code. In this case, the short code will consist of nine or ten digits.

When an abbreviated code (the last eight digits of the product code) is entered during product registration, the POS terminal 3 references the business code master 312 and selects a business code whose first two digits match the last two digits of the business code. The POS terminal 3 generates a product code by combining the selected business code with the last six digits of the abbreviated code (corresponding to the product item code and check digit). This allows the POS terminal 3 to generate a product code that corresponds to the entered abbreviated code, i.e., a product code that is identical to the JAN code of the product to be registered. Note that the entered abbreviated code only needs to contain part of the company code and the product item code contained in the product code, and does not necessarily need to include the check digit. In this case, the POS terminal 3 sets a check digit using a calculation method defined in the JAN code standard and adds the check digit to generate the product code.

Returning to Figure 7, the hardware of the POS terminal 3 will now be described. The display unit 32 is composed of, for example, an LCD panel, and includes an operator display unit facing the operator and a customer display unit facing the customer. The display unit 32 displays various information. For example, the operator display unit and customer display unit display product information for registered products. The operator display unit also displays a product registration screen for entering product codes for products that do not have a code symbol attached.

The operation unit 33 is used to input information into the control unit 30 and is composed of a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, and the like. For example, the operation unit 33 is operated by an operator to input product codes for products that do not have code symbols attached to them into the control unit 30. The operation unit 33 is also operated by an operator to input the above-mentioned short codes into the control unit 30.

Card reader 34 reads a membership code from a medium such as a customer's membership card or point card. Card reader 34 also reads customer information required for credit card payments from the customer's credit card. Card reader 34 may be a magnetic card reader that reads information from a magnetic card, or an IC card reader that reads information from a card with an IC chip built in.

When a customer pays for a product in cash, the change dispenser 35 accepts the bills and coins paid by the customer and dispenses change as needed.

Scanner 36 reads the product code of the product from a code symbol, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, attached to the product. Scanner 36 may also be configured as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader that reads the product code from a wireless tag attached to the product. Scanner 36 inputs the read information into control unit 30.

The communication unit 37 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2. By connecting the control unit 30 to external devices via the communication unit 37, it becomes possible for the control unit 30 to send and receive information (data) with the external devices.

Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the POS terminal 3 will be described. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the POS terminal 3. The control unit 30 functions as an input unit 3001, a reception unit 3002, an extraction unit 3003, a selection unit 3004, a determination unit 3005, a generation unit 3006, a registration unit 3007, and an accounting processing unit 3008, as the CPU 301 operates in accordance with control programs stored in the ROM 302 and memory unit 31. Note that each of these functions may also be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

Various information is input to the input unit 3001 from the store server 2. For example, the business code master 312 is input to the input unit 3001 from the store server 2. Product information is also input to the input unit 3001 from the store server 2.

The reception unit 3002 receives an abbreviated code consisting of a portion of the company code and a product item code. Specifically, the reception unit 3002 receives an 8-digit abbreviated code manually entered into the operation unit 33. The reception unit 3002 also receives a product code read by the scanner 36. The product code read by the scanner 36 is a 13-digit JAN code or an 8-digit JAN code.

The extraction unit 3003 extracts a portion of the company code contained in the shortened code received by the reception unit 3002. Specifically, the extraction unit 3003 extracts the first two digits, which are part of the shortened code, from the eight-digit shortened code received by the reception unit 3002.

The selection unit 3004 selects a business code that includes part of the company code extracted by the extraction unit 3003 from the business code storage unit, which stores multiple business codes consisting of a country code and a company code. Specifically, the selection unit 3004 selects, from the business code master 312 stored in the memory unit 31, a business code in which the first two digits of the shortened code extracted by the extraction unit 3004 match the last two digits of the business code.

The determination unit 3005 determines whether the information (code) received by the reception unit 3002 is an abbreviated code or product identification information. Specifically, the determination unit 3005 determines whether the code received by the reception unit 3002 is an abbreviated code or a product code (a 13-digit JAN code or an 8-digit code).

More specifically, if the code received by the reception unit 3002 is 13 digits, the determination unit 3005 determines that the code is a 13-digit JAN code (product code). Furthermore, if the code received by the reception unit 3002 is 8 digits and a business code whose first two digits match the last two digits of the business code is registered in the business code master 312, the determination unit 3005 determines that the code is an abbreviated code.

Furthermore, if the code received by the reception unit 3002 is eight digits long and there is no business code registered in the business code master 312 in which the first two digits match the last two digits of the business code, the determination unit 3005 determines that the code is an eight-digit JAN code (product code). If the code received by the reception unit 3002 is neither eight digits nor 13 digits long, the determination unit 3005 determines that the code was entered due to an input error.

The generation unit 3006 generates product identification information based on the business code selected by the selection unit 3004 and the shortened code received by the reception unit 3002. Specifically, the generation unit 3006 generates a product code by adding the last six digits of the shortened code to the business code selected by the selection unit 3004. As shown in FIG. 8, a 13-digit product code is generated by adding the last six digits of the eight-digit shortened code to the seven-digit business code selected by the selection unit 3004. In other words, the generation unit 3006 generates a product code by matching the last two digits of the seven-digit business code with the first two digits of the eight-digit shortened code.

The business code for product X consists of the country code and company code in the 13-digit JAN code for that product X. The abbreviated code for product X consists of part of the company code in the 13-digit JAN code for that product X, the product item code, and a check digit. Meanwhile, as mentioned above, it is assumed that all business codes registered in the business code master 312 do not have the same last two digits. Therefore, business codes with last two digits that match the first two digits of the 8-digit abbreviated code for product X are identified as one, and by combining these, a product code identical to the 13-digit JAN code for product X is generated. The generated product code is input into the registration unit 3007.

The registration unit 3007 performs product registration based on the product code received by the reception unit 3002. The registration unit 3007 also performs product registration based on the product code generated by the generation unit 3006. More specifically, the registration unit 3007 outputs the product code input from the reception unit 3002 or the generation unit 3006 to the store server 2. The registration unit 3007 then obtains product information corresponding to the product code from the store server 2 via the input unit 3001 and registers (stores) it in RAM 303.

The accounting processing unit 3008 performs accounting processing for registered products. Accounting processing is the processing required for customers to pay for their purchases, and includes, for example, calculating the total amount, calculating change, and issuing receipts.

The product registration process executed by the POS terminal 3 having the above configuration will now be described. The product registration process includes a product data input process for inputting a product code into the registration unit 3007. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product registration process executed by the control unit 30 of the POS terminal 3.

The control unit 30 determines whether the reception unit 3002 has received the code (step S1). If the code has not been received (N in step S1), the control unit 30 returns to step S1 and waits. If the reception unit 3002 has received the code (Y in step S1), the determination unit 3005 determines whether the code received by the reception unit 3002 is an 8-digit code (step S2).

If the code received by the reception unit 3002 is an eight-digit code, the extraction unit 3004 extracts the first two digits from the eight-digit code. The extraction unit 3004 assumes that the eight-digit code received by the reception unit 3002 is an abbreviated code and extracts the first two digits that correspond to part of the company code in the JAN code (step S3).

Next, the selection unit 3004 determines whether a business code in which the two digits extracted by the extraction unit 3003 match the last two digits of the business code is registered in the business code master 312. In other words, the selection unit 3004 determines whether a business code corresponding to the eight-digit code accepted by the acceptance unit 3002 is in the business code master 312 (step S4). If a corresponding business code is found (Y in step S4), the determination unit 3005 determines that the accepted eight-digit code is an abbreviated code, and the selection unit 3004 selects the corresponding business code (step S5).

Next, the generation unit 3006 generates a 13-digit product code based on the shortened code accepted by the acceptance unit 3002 and the business code selected by the selection unit 3004, and inputs the code to the registration unit 3007 (step S6).

The registration unit 3007 outputs the product code input from the generation unit 3006 to the store server 2 (step S7). The control unit 30 determines whether product information corresponding to the product code output by the registration unit 3007 has been input to the input unit 3001 (step S8). If no product information has been input (N in step S8), the process returns to step S8 and waits. If product information has been input to the input unit 3001 (Y in step S8), the registration unit 3007 registers the product information (step S9). The control unit 30 then terminates the product registration process.

In the processing of step S2, if the code received by the reception unit 3002 is not an 8-digit code (N in step S2), the determination unit 3005 determines whether the code is a 13-digit code (step S10). If the code received by the reception unit 3002 is a 13-digit code (Y in step S10), the determination unit 3005 determines that the received 13-digit code is a JAN code, and the registration unit 3007 outputs the 13-digit code to the store server 2 (step S11). The control unit 30 then proceeds to the processing of step S8.

In the processing of step S10, if the code entered into the input unit 3001 is not a 13-digit code (N in step S10), the control unit 30 determines that there is an error in the entered code and causes the display unit 32 to display an error (step S12), and terminates the product registration processing.

Furthermore, in the processing of step S4, if the business code master 312 does not contain a business code corresponding to the 8-digit code received by the reception unit 3002 (N in step S4), the determination unit 3005 determines that the code received by the reception unit 3002 is an 8-digit JAN code, and the registration unit 3006 outputs the 8-digit code to the store server 2 (step S13). Then, the control unit 30 proceeds to the processing of step S8.

As described above, the POS terminal 3 of the first embodiment is a product data input device that inputs product identification information (JAN code) consisting of a country code, company code, product item code, and check digit to a registration unit 3007 that registers products, and is equipped with a reception unit 3002 that receives an abbreviated code that includes part of the company code and the product item code, and a generation unit 3006 that generates product identification information (product code) to be input to the registration unit 3007 based on the abbreviated code received by the reception unit 3002.

This allows the POS terminal 3 to register products based on the abbreviated code received by the reception unit 3002. The abbreviated code is composed of part of the company code in the product code (JAN code) being used and the product item code, so the operator can manually enter the abbreviated code by checking the product code attached to the product. Therefore, the POS terminal 3 can improve the operability for the operator when manually entering a product code to register a product.

The POS terminal 3 of the first embodiment also includes an extraction unit 3003 that extracts a portion of the company code included in the shortened code received by the reception unit 3002, and a selection unit 3004 that selects a business code that includes a portion of the company code extracted by the extraction unit 3003 from a business code storage unit (business code master 312) that stores multiple business codes consisting of country codes and company codes.The generation unit 3006 generates product identification information (product code) based on the business code selected by the selection unit 3004 and the shortened code received by the reception unit 3002.

This allows the POS terminal 3 to generate a product code corresponding to the abbreviated code by referencing the business code master 312. This eliminates the need to refer to all product codes registered in the product master, speeding up the process of generating product codes.

Furthermore, in the POS terminal 3 of the first embodiment, the reception unit 3002 is capable of receiving product identification information (product code), and further includes a determination unit 3005 that determines whether the information (code) received by the reception unit 3002 is an abbreviated code or product identification information (product code).

This allows the POS terminal 3 to distinguish between abbreviated codes and product codes and process them accordingly. This means that the operator does not need to distinguish between abbreviated codes and product codes when entering them, further improving operator operability.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the POS terminal 3 searches the product master and extracts a product code corresponding to the short code entered into the POS terminal 3. Below, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3. In this embodiment, a first product master 313 and a second product master 314 are stored in the memory unit 31 of the POS terminal 3. These first product master 313 and second product master 314 are downloaded from the store server 2 and store the same information as the first product master 212 and second product master 213 stored in the server device 2 in the first embodiment. The first product master 313 and second product master 314 are examples of a product information storage unit. The rest of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3 is the same as in the first embodiment.

Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the POS terminal 3. The control unit 30 functions as an input unit 3001, a reception unit 3002, a registration unit 3007, an accounting processing unit 3008, and a search unit 3009 when the CPU 301 operates in accordance with control programs stored in the ROM 302 and memory unit 31. Note that each of these functions may also be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

Various information is input to the input unit 3001 from the store server 2. For example, the first product master 313 and the second product master 314 are input to the input unit 3001 from the store server 2.

The function of the reception unit 3002 is the same as in the first embodiment.

The registration unit 3007 performs product registration. Specifically, the registration unit 3007 performs product registration based on the product code input from the search unit 3009. More specifically, the registration unit 3007 obtains product information corresponding to the product code input from the search unit 3009 from the first product master 313 or the second product master 314, and registers (stores) it in RAM 303.

The functions of the accounting processing unit 3008 are the same as in the first embodiment.

The search unit 3009 searches the product identification information storage unit, which stores multiple pieces of product identification information, for product identification information that includes the abbreviated code received by the reception unit 3002. Specifically, the search unit 3009 searches the first product master 313 for a JAN code whose last eight digits match the eight-digit code received by the reception unit 3002. The search unit 3009 extracts the matching JAN code as a result of the search and inputs the JAN code to the registration unit 3007. As a result, the 13-digit product code corresponding to the eight-digit abbreviated code received by the reception unit 3002 is input to the registration unit 3007.

Furthermore, if the search result shows that there is no JAN code in the first product master 313 whose last eight digits match the 8-digit code received by the reception unit 3002, the search unit 3009 searches the second product master 314 for that 8-digit code. In other words, if the 8-digit code input into the reception unit 3002 is determined to be not a shortened code, the search unit 3009 searches the second product master 314 in which 8-digit JAN codes are stored. The search unit 3009 extracts the matching JAN code as a result of the search and inputs that JAN code into the registration unit 3007. As a result, the 8-digit product code input into the input unit 3002 is input into the registration unit 3007.

When the reception unit 3002 receives a 13-digit code, the search unit 3009 searches the first product master 313 for a JAN code whose last eight digits match the last eight digits of the received code. The search unit 3009 extracts the matching JAN code as a result of the search and inputs the JAN code into the registration unit 3007. As a result, the 13-digit product code input into the input unit 3002 is input into the registration unit 3007.

Next, we will explain the product registration process executed by the POS terminal 3. The product registration process includes a product data input process for entering a product code into the registration unit 3007. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product registration process executed by the control unit 30 of the POS terminal 3.

The control unit 30 determines whether the reception unit 3002 has received the code (step S21). If the code has not been received (N in step S21), the control unit 30 returns to step S21 and waits. If the reception unit 3002 has received the code (Y in step S21), the search unit 3009 searches the first product master 313 (step S22).

The search unit 3009 searches the first product master 313 for the last eight digits of the code received by the reception unit 3002. For example, if the code received by the reception unit 3002 is an eight-digit code, the search unit 3009 searches the first product master 313 for a JAN code whose last eight digits match the code. Also, if the code received by the reception unit 3002 is a 13-digit code, the search unit 3009 searches the first product master 313 for a JAN code whose last eight digits match the last eight digits of the 13-digit code.

The control unit 30 determines whether the corresponding product code is found in the first product master 313 as a result of the search by the search unit 3009 (step S23). If a corresponding product code is found (Y in step S23), the registration unit 3007 reads out product information corresponding to the product code from the first product master 313 (step S24). The registration unit 3007 registers the read product information in RAM 303 and executes product registration (step S25).

If, in the processing of step S23, the corresponding product code is not found in the first product master 313 (N in step S23), the control unit 30 determines whether the code received by the reception unit 3002 is an 8-digit code (step S26). If it is not an 8-digit code (N in step S26), the control unit 30 determines that there is an error in the entered code, displays an error on the display unit 32 (step S27), and terminates the product registration processing.

If the code received by the reception unit 3002 is an 8-digit code (Y in step S26), the search unit 3009 searches the second product master 314 (step S28). The search unit 3009 searches the second product master 314, which stores the 8-digit JAN code, for the 8-digit code received by the reception unit 3002.

The control unit 30 determines whether or not a matching product code is found in the second product master 314 as a result of the search by the search unit 3009 (step S29). If a matching product code is found (Y in step S29), the control unit 30 proceeds to processing in step S24; if a matching product code is not found (N in step S29), the control unit 30 proceeds to processing in step S27.

As described above, the POS terminal 3 of the second embodiment is a product data input device that inputs product identification information (JAN code) consisting of a country code, company code, product item code, and check digit to a registration unit 3007 that registers products. It is equipped with a reception unit 3002 that receives a shortened code that includes part of the company code and the product item code, and a search unit 3009 that searches for product identification information (JAN code) including the shortened code received by the reception unit 3002 from a product identification information storage unit (first product master 313 and second product master 314) that stores multiple pieces of product identification information.

This allows the POS terminal 3 to register products based on the abbreviated code received by the reception unit 3002. Furthermore, since the abbreviated code is made up of part of the company code in the product code (JAN code) being used and the product item code, the operator can manually enter the abbreviated code by checking the product code attached to the product. Therefore, the POS terminal 3 improves the operability for the operator when manually entering a product code to register a product. Furthermore, because the POS terminal 3 uses the existing first product master 313 and second product master 314, there is no need to create a new abbreviated code table to match abbreviated codes with product codes.

In addition, in the POS terminal 3 of the first and second embodiments described above, the reception unit 3002 receives a shortened code that includes a check digit.

This eliminates the need for the POS terminal 3 to calculate the check digit, thereby reducing the processing load on the POS terminal 3.

The programs executed by the store server 2 and POS terminal 3 in each of the above-described embodiments are provided in a state where they are pre-installed in ROM, a storage unit, etc. The programs executed by the store server 2 and POS terminal 3 in each of the above-described embodiments may also be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

Furthermore, the programs executed by the store server 2 and POS terminal 3 in the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Also, the programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments and their modifications can be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

3. POS terminal (product data input device)
312 Business code master (business code storage unit)
313 First product master (product identification information storage unit)
314 Second product master (product identification information storage unit)
3002 Reception unit 3003 Extraction unit 3004 Selection unit 3005 Determination unit 3006 Generation unit 3007 Registration unit 3009 Search unit

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-220088

Claims (6)

A product data input device for inputting product identification information, which is composed of a country code, a company code, a product item code, and a check digit, into a registration unit that performs product registration,
a receiving unit that receives a shortened code including a part of the company code and the product item code;
a generating unit that generates product identification information to be input to the registration unit based on the short code received by the receiving unit;
A product data input device comprising: an extraction unit that extracts a part of the company code included in the shortened code received by the reception unit;
a selection unit that selects a business code including a part of the company code extracted by the extraction unit from a business code storage unit that stores a plurality of business codes each including the country code and the company code;
the generation unit generates product identification information based on the business code selected by the selection unit and the short code accepted by the acceptance unit.
2. The product data input device according to claim 1. the receiving unit is capable of receiving the product identification information,
The receiver further includes a determination unit that determines whether the information received by the receiver is the short code or the product identification information.
3. The product data input device according to claim 1 or 2. A product data input device for inputting product identification information, which is composed of a country code, a company code, a product item code, and a check digit, into a registration unit that performs product registration,
a receiving unit that receives a shortened code including a part of the company code and the product item code;
a search unit that searches a product identification information storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of product identification information for product identification information including the short code received by the receiving unit;
A product data input device comprising: the accepting unit accepts the shortened code further including the check digit .
5. The product data input device according to claim 1. A program for controlling, by a computer, a product data input device that inputs product identification information consisting of a country code, a company code, a product item code, and a check digit to a registration unit that performs product registration,
The computer
a receiving unit that receives a shortened code including a part of the company code and the product item code;
a generating unit that generates product identification information to be input to the registration unit based on the short code received by the receiving unit;
A program that functions as a