JP7784576B2 - Merchandise sales data processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and program.

In some cases, retail stores such as supermarkets offer bulk sales where customers can purchase a set of specified products at a lower price when purchasing them in bulk, compared to purchasing the products individually at their regular prices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, with such conventional bulk sales, there was only one set of product combinations. Therefore, for example, it was not possible to set a different discount amount for the combined purchase of product A and product B than for the combined purchase of product A and product C. This limited the combinations of products available for bulk sales, resulting in a lack of flexibility in the service.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a product sales data processing device and program that allows for flexible setting of product combinations for bulk sales.

The product sales data processing device of the embodiment includes a registration means, a first selection means, a discount means, an update means, and a first display means . The registration means executes a registration process for products to be sold to a customer. The first selection means selects a combination of products eligible for bulk sale from the registered products based on information indicating whether the products are eligible for bulk sale. The discount means sets a discount amount according to the combination of products selected by the first selection means. The update means updates the combination of products and the discount amount when the first selection means selects a combination of products that offers a larger discount amount. When a product combination is established, the first display means displays the campaign name only for the discounted products in the combination of products to a cashier operating the product sales data processing device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a POS terminal device, which is an example of a product sales data processing device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal device. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a POS terminal device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the discount master. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method for setting a discount amount when a bulk discount is given. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a product registration process for registering products purchased by a customer, among the processes performed by the POS terminal device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific flow of the product registration process performed by the POS terminal when registering the product set in the discount master of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the cashier display operation unit by the POS terminal device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the customer side display unit by the POS terminal device. FIG. 10 shows an example of a receipt printed and issued by the print control unit of the POS terminal.

The following describes a product sales data processing device, an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

(Explanation of the overall configuration of the product sales data processing device)
1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 10, which is an example of a product sales data processing device according to this embodiment. The POS terminal 10 includes a keyboard 4, a cashier display/operation unit 5, which is an example of a cashier display means, a receipt printer 6, a customer display unit 7, which is an example of a customer display means, and a barcode reader 8.

The user interfaces, the keyboard 4 and cashier display/operation unit 5, are located on the top surface of the POS terminal 10, with the keyboard 4 at the front and the cashier display/operation unit 5 at the back.

The keyboard 4 is part of the input device and has multiple keys, including numeric keys, a clear key, a return key, a subtotal key, and a closing key. The numeric keys are a numeric keypad for entering numerical values such as product codes and amounts. The clear key is a key for canceling an operation when an error occurs. The return key is a key for canceling the current operation and returning to the previous screen. The subtotal key is a key for completing the product registration process to register a product and declaring the calculation of the total transaction amount. The closing key is a key pressed to confirm the entered information and perform the payment process (accounting process).

The cashier-side display and operation unit 5 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel 5a and a touch panel 5b laminated on the surface of the display device. The LCD panel 5a displays screens to the cashier according to the processing status of the registration process, payment process, etc. The touch panel 5b detects the screen displayed on the LCD panel 5a or the cashier's pressing of buttons, etc., and controls the operation of the POS terminal device 10 according to the position pressed.

The receipt printer 6 is located on the top left side of the POS terminal 10 and prints itemized statements and receipts to be handed to customers. The receipt printer 6 also has an issuing port 6a through which it issues printed receipts.

The customer-side display unit 7 is composed of an LCD panel (see Figure 2) and is located at the back of the top surface of the POS terminal device 10. The customer-side display unit 7 is positioned with its display surface facing the customer and displays the registered product price, discount amount, transaction total, discount total, etc. Note that below, the customer-side display unit 7 may be referred to as the LCD panel 7.

The POS terminal 10 is also connected to a barcode reader 8 that reads the code data contained in the barcode attached to the product. The barcode reader 8 decodes the light-receiving signal of the code data, obtains the code data represented by the barcode (product code that identifies the product), and outputs it to the CPU 22 of the POS terminal 10 (see Figure 2).

(Description of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal device)
Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 10 will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 10. As shown in Figure 2, the POS terminal 10 has a control unit 20 for controlling each unit. The control unit 20 has the configuration of a typical computer, including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 24, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26. The CPU 22 loads various programs stored in the ROM 24 and the storage unit 30 into the RAM 26. The CPU 22 operates in accordance with the various programs loaded into the RAM 26 and controls the entire POS terminal 10.

The control unit 20 is connected to the memory unit 30 and the controller 50 via the bus line 40.

The memory unit 30 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 30 stores programs including the control program P1. The control program P1 is a program for enabling the POS terminal 10 to perform its functions. The memory unit 30 also stores the discount master 32. The discount master 32 is a master file that stores and associates product codes with product names, product prices, etc., and also stores product combinations that offer discounts when purchased in bulk, as well as the discount amounts. The contents of the discount master 32 are updated daily, so the POS terminal 10 periodically receives the latest contents of the discount master 32 from the store server via a communications interface (not shown in Figure 2).

The controller 50 connects the control unit 20 to various peripheral devices, namely the LCD panel 5a, touch panel 5b, LCD panel 7, keyboard 4, barcode reader 8, and receipt printer 6. The controller 50 controls the various connected peripheral devices based on commands from the control unit 20.

(Description of Functional Configuration of POS Terminal Device)
Next, the functional configuration of the POS terminal 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 10.

The CPU 22 of the control unit 20 (see Figure 2) reads out the control program P1 stored in the memory unit 30 and loads it into the RAM 26. The control unit 20 operates in accordance with the control program P1 to generate the functional units shown in Figure 3 on the RAM 26. Specifically, the control unit 20 realizes the following functional units: a registration unit 20a, a selection unit 20b, a discount setting unit 20c, an update unit 20d, a display control unit 20e, and a print control unit 20f.

The registration unit 20a is an example of a registration means, and performs the registration process for products sold to customers.

The selection unit 20b is an example of a selection means, and selects a combination of products eligible for bulk sales from among the registered products based on information in the discount master 32 indicating whether the products are eligible for bulk sales.

The discount setting unit 20c is an example of a discount means, and sets a discount amount according to the combination of products selected by the selection unit 20b. More specifically, the discount setting unit 20c sets a discount amount according to the combination of products selected by the selection unit 20b by referencing the discount master 32.

The update unit 20d is an example of an update means, and updates the product combination and discount amount when the selection unit 20b selects a product combination that results in a larger discount amount.

The display control unit 20e displays information including the selected combination of products eligible for bulk sales on the cashier-side display operation unit 5. The display control unit 20e also displays information including the selected combination of products eligible for bulk sales on the customer-side display unit 7.

The printing control unit 20f is an example of a printing means, and prints and issues a receipt with information including the selected combination of products eligible for bulk sale.

(Explanation of discount master configuration)
Next, the configuration of the discount master 32 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the discount master 32.

As shown in Figure 4, the discount master 32 stores the following information: product identification information 32b, target category 32c, discount amount when combination is established 32d, and campaign name 32e. Furthermore, combined products belonging to the same plan are assigned the same ID number as the combination plan ID number 32a.

Product identification information 32b further stores product code 34a, product name 34b, and unit price 34c. Product code 34a is, for example, a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, which is a unique identification number assigned to each product. Product name 34b is the name of each product. Unit price 34c is the unit price of each product.

For each product, target category 32c stores information indicating whether the product is a conditional product, a discounted product, or neither. A conditional product is a product that is eligible for a bulk discount. A discounted product is a product that is eligible for a bulk discount when purchased together with a conditional product. If the product is neither a conditional product nor a discounted product, target category 32c is left blank.

The discount amount when the combination is established 32d indicates the discount amount when the condition product and the discounted product are purchased together.

Campaign name 32e indicates the name of the service offering a bulk discount.

(Explanation of the concept of bulk discounts)
Next, the concept of bulk discounts will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a method for setting discount amounts when bulk discounts are applied.

For example, suppose a customer purchases a set of the condition product, lunch box A, and two discounted products, drinks A and B. Referring to the contents of the discount master 32 (see Figure 4) mentioned above, two combinations of products are available for a bulk discount, as shown in Figure 5(a) (lunch box A and drink A, and lunch box A and drink B). In such a case, the combination of products with the larger discount amount will be selected. That is, as shown in Figure 5(b), the combination of lunch box A and drink B will be selected. In this case, drink A, which is not included in the product combination, will be sold without a discount (150 yen).

Also, although not shown in Figure 5, if multiple items eligible for the same discount are registered, a search is performed for a conditional item that will result in a combination for each of the multiple registered items eligible for the same discount.

(Explanation of the flow of product registration processing performed by the POS terminal device)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the control unit 20 of the POS terminal 10 based on the control program P1 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of product registration processing, which is one of the processes performed by the POS terminal 10, for registering products purchased by a customer.

The registration unit 20a registers one item purchased by the customer (step S10).

The selection unit 20b selects a combination of products that can be sold in bulk between the single product registered in step S10 and already registered products (step S12).

Furthermore, the discount setting unit 20c determines whether there is a product combination with a larger discount amount (step S14). If it is determined that there is a product combination with a larger discount amount (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is not determined that there is a product combination with a larger discount amount (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S16, the update unit 20d updates the product combinations.

Next, the selection unit 20b reselects a combination of products that can be discounted in bulk for the products that were removed from the combination in step S16 (step S18).

The display control unit 20e displays all selection results, including the product combination selected in step S18, on the cashier display operation unit 5 and the customer display unit 7 (step S20).

The registration unit 20a determines whether registration of all products has been completed (step S22). Specifically, for example, it detects that a closing key on the keyboard 4 has been pressed to determine whether registration of all products has been completed. If it is determined that registration of all products has been completed (step S22: Yes), the processing of FIG. 6 ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that registration of all products has been completed (step S22: No), the processing returns to step S10 and the next product is registered.

Although not shown, after the product registration process shown in Figure 6 is completed, the POS terminal 10 performs a payment process to settle the payment using the registered product details, and a receipt printing process to print the payment details on a receipt and issue it.

(Explanation of the specific flow of product registration processing)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the control unit 20 of the POS terminal 10 based on the control program P1 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the specific flow of product registration processing performed by the POS terminal 10 when registering products set in the discount master 32 of Figure 4.

Figures 7(a) to 7(d) show an example of the progress of the product registration process that is stored in the RAM 26 of the control unit 20 when the POS terminal device 10 performs the above-mentioned product registration process.

First, when lunch box A is registered, the product name "Lunch Box A" and the price of lunch box A, "800 yen," are registered in RAM 26, as shown in Figure 7(a). The POS terminal 10 then waits for the next product to be registered.

Next, when lunch box B is registered, the product name "Lunch Box B" and the price of lunch box B, "1,000 yen," are registered in RAM 26, as shown in Figure 7(b). Furthermore, the total transaction amount, "1,800 yen," is registered in RAM 26. The POS terminal 10 then waits for the next product to be registered.

Next, when Drink A is registered, the product name "Drink A" is registered, as shown in Figure 7(c). Since "Drink A" is a discounted product, the selection unit 20b selects from the already registered products a product that will receive a bulk discount when purchased in combination with "Drink A." At this time, the selection unit 20b selects products in the order in which they were registered, so "Lunch Box A," which was registered first, is selected. The discount setting unit 20c then calculates that the discount amount for the bulk discount is "30 yen." Furthermore, the calculated discount amount of "30 yen" and the fact that the price of "Drink A" will be "120 yen" as a result of the discount are registered in RAM 26. Furthermore, information indicating that "Drink A" and "Lunch Box A" are a combination of products eligible for bulk sales is registered in the promotion column of RAM 26. Specifically, a, b, ... are registered in alphabetical order in the promotion column. Furthermore, the total transaction amount of "1920 yen" and the total discount amount of "30 yen" are registered in RAM 26.

Next, when drink B is registered, the product name "Drink B" is registered, as shown in Figure 7(d). Since "Drink B" is a discounted product, the selection unit 20b selects from the already registered products a product that will receive a bulk discount when purchased in combination with "Drink B." At this time, the selection unit 20b selects products in the order in which they were registered, so "Lunch Box A," which was registered first, is selected. The discount setting unit 20c then calculates that the discount amount for the bundled discount on "Drink B" and "Lunch Box A" is "50 yen." Based on the fact that the calculated discount amount, "50 yen," is greater than the discount amount, "30 yen," calculated in Figure 7(c), the discount setting unit 20c selects "Drink B" and "Lunch Box A" as a new product combination. The update unit 20d then deletes the information "a" assigned to "Drink A" and "Lunch A" in the project column, and assigns information "a" to "Drink B" and "Lunch A," indicating that they are a combination of products eligible for bulk sales. As a result, "Drink B" and "Lunch A" are selected as a new product combination.

The selection unit 20b then reselects whether "Drink A," a discounted product whose promotion column is blank, and whether any products eligible for bulk sales are registered. In the example of Figure 7(d), "Drink A" and "Lunch Box B" are selected as a combination of products eligible for bulk sales. The discount setting unit 20c then calculates that the discount amount for the bulk discount on "Drink A" and "Lunch Box B" is "30 yen." The update unit 20d assigns information "b" to "Drink A" and "Lunch Box B," indicating that this is a combination of products eligible for bulk sales. As a result, "Drink A" and "Lunch Box B" are selected as a new combination of products. Furthermore, the total transaction amount of "2,070 yen" and the total discount amount of "80 yen" are registered in RAM 26.

In this way, each time a new product is registered, the POS terminal device 10 repeatedly selects products eligible for bulk sales, sets the discount amount, updates the product combination, and reselects products eligible for bulk sales.

(Explanation of the screen displayed on the cashier's display operation unit)
Next, a screen displayed on the cashier display operation unit 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the cashier display operation unit 5 by the POS terminal device 10.

The display control unit 20e displays registered product information 60 on the cashier-side display operation unit 5 each time a new product is registered. The registered product information 60 includes a department 60a, a product name 60b, a unit price 60c, a quantity 60d, a discount 60e, and an amount 60f.

In the department 60a column, information indicating that the combination of products selected for bulk sale is displayed, for example, in alphabetical order (a, b, ...). In the product name 60b column, the product name registered in the discount master 32 (see Figure 4) is displayed. In the unit price 60c column, the unit price of the product registered in the discount master 32 is displayed. In the points 60d column, the points of the product registered by the registration unit 20a (see Figure 3) are displayed. In the discount 60e column, the amount registered in the discount master 32, with a minus sign added, is displayed, resulting in the discount amount 32d at the time of combination establishment. In the amount 60f column, the amount of the product taking the discount amount into account is displayed.

In the product name 60b column, the name of the bulk discount campaign is displayed along with the product name. The campaign name is read and displayed from the campaign name 32e (see Figure 4) that is associated with the product name and registered in the discount master 32.

The total number of registered items, the amount received from the customer, and the amount of change are displayed at the bottom of the cashier's display operation unit 5. A message box 62 is also provided at the bottom of the cashier's display operation unit 5. The display control unit 20e displays necessary information for the cashier in the message box 62. For example, as shown in Figure 8, it supports the cashier's work by displaying a message such as "Please give me your change."

(Explanation of the screen displayed on the customer side display)
Next, a screen displayed on the customer display unit 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the customer display unit 7 by the POS terminal device 10.

The display control unit 20e displays registered product information 70 on the customer-side display unit 7 each time a new product is registered. The registered product information 70 includes a department 70a, a product name 70b, a unit price 70c, a quantity 70d, a discount 70e, and an amount 70f.

In the department 70a column, information indicating that the combination of products selected for bulk sale is displayed, for example, in alphabetical order (a, b, ...). In the product name 70b column, the registered product name is displayed. In the unit price 70c column, the unit price of the product is displayed. In the points 70d column, the points of the registered product are displayed. In the discount 70e column, the discount amount is displayed. In the amount 70f column, the price of the product taking the discount amount into account is displayed.

Registered product information 70 first displays products that were not selected as items eligible for bulk sales, followed by products that were selected as items eligible for bulk sales. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the first line displays "Drink C," a product that was not selected as an item eligible for bulk sales. Then, the second and third lines, i.e., adjacent lines, display the first combination of "Lunch Box A" and "Drink A," and the fourth and fifth lines, i.e., adjacent lines, display the second combination of "Lunch Box B" and "Drink B." By displaying registered product information 70 in this order, customers can easily recognize that discounts are being offered as part of bulk sales.

In addition, a message box 72 is provided at the bottom of the customer-side display unit 7. The display control unit 20e displays necessary information in the message box 72. For example, as shown in Figure 9, a message such as "The discount amount is provisional. The discount amount will be updated according to the product registration" can be displayed to deepen the customer's understanding.

Note that, while the registered product information 60 displayed on the cashier display operation unit 5 and the registered product information 70 displayed on the customer display unit 7 are shown in different formats, these are merely examples of display formats, and registered product information 60 and registered product information 70 may be displayed in the same format.

(Explanation of receipts printed by the receipt printer)
Next, the receipt printed and issued by the receipt printer 6 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 shows an example of a receipt 90 printed and issued by the print control unit 20f (see Figure 3) of the POS terminal 10.

The printing control unit 20f prints information on the receipt 90, including the product names 92a, 92b, and 92c purchased by the customer and campaign information 94a and 94b indicating that a discount has been given for bulk sales.

Product names 92a, 92b, and 92c of products that are not combined are printed first (at the top of the receipt 90). Products that are not combined are products that are not eligible for bulk sales, and products that are eligible for bulk sales but are not combined with discounted products. For example, in the example of Figure 10, product name 92a, which is not eligible for bulk sales, is printed first.

Then, the print control unit 20f successively prints the combined product names. In the example of Figure 10, "Lunch Box A" and "Drink A" are printed successively as product name 92b. Furthermore, "Lunch Box B" and "Drink B" are printed successively as product name 92c.

Furthermore, the printing control unit 20f prints campaign information 94a after the product name 92b. It also prints campaign information 94b after the product name 92c. The campaign information 94a and 94b include the campaign name and the discount amount for bulk sales.

In addition, the printing control unit 20f also prints the subtotal, total, deposit amount, change amount, etc. on the receipt 90.

As described above, in the POS terminal device 10 (product sales data processing device) of this embodiment, the registration unit 20a (registration means) executes the registration process for products to be sold to customers, and the selection unit 20b (selection means) selects a combination of products eligible for bulk sales from the registered products based on information indicating whether the products are eligible for bulk sales. The discount setting unit 20c (discount means) then sets a discount amount according to the product combination selected by the selection unit 20b, and the update unit 20d (update means) updates the product combination and discount amount if the selection unit 20b selects a product combination with a larger discount amount. This allows for flexible setting of product combinations eligible for bulk sales.

Furthermore, according to the POS terminal device 10 of this embodiment, the selection unit 20b, discount setting unit 20c, and update unit 20d operate each time the registration unit 20a registers an item. Therefore, each time a new item is registered, the combination of items that offers the largest discount at that time is selected, allowing the cashier and customer to quickly confirm the discount amount for bulk sales.

Furthermore, according to the POS terminal device 10 of this embodiment, the selection unit 20b selects a combination of products eligible for bulk sales from among the registered products each time the registration unit 20a registers a product, and when the update unit 20d updates a product combination, it selects a combination of products eligible for bulk sales from among the registered products that are not currently included in a bulk sales combination. Therefore, each time new products are registered, it is possible to select a combination of products eligible for bulk sales that will maximize the discount amount.

Furthermore, according to the POS terminal device 10 of this embodiment, the cashier-side display operation unit 5 (cashier-side display means) displays information including the product combinations selected as items for bulk sales to the cashier operating the POS terminal device 10 (item sales data processing device). Furthermore, the customer-side display unit 7 (customer-side display means) displays information including the product combinations selected as items for bulk sales to the customer. Therefore, information including the product combinations that are items for bulk sales can be presented to both the cashier and the customer.

Furthermore, according to the POS terminal device 10 of this embodiment, the print control unit 20f (printing means) prints and issues information including the combination of products selected as the subject of the bulk sale on the receipt 90. Therefore, the combination of products subject to the bulk sale can be printed on the receipt 90 in a format that is easy for the customer to understand.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but this embodiment is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment 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 variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention and its equivalents set forth in the claims.

For example, the control program P1 executed by the control unit 20 may be provided stored in the storage unit 30, or may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The control program P1 may also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program P1 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

5. Cashier side display operation unit (cashier side display means)
6 Receipt printer 7 Customer side display unit (customer side display means)
10 POS terminal device (product sales data processing device)
20 Control unit 20a Registration unit (registration means)
20b Selection unit (selection means)
20c Discount setting unit (discount means)
20d Update section (update means)
20e Display control unit 20f Print control unit (printing means)
30 Storage unit 32 Discount master

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-288741

Claims (6)

a registration means for executing a registration process for products to be sold to customers;
a first selection means for selecting a combination of products eligible for bulk sale from among the registered products based on information indicating whether the products are eligible for bulk sale;
a discount means for setting a discount amount according to the combination of products selected by the first selection means;
an updating means for updating the product combination and the discount amount when the first selecting means selects a product combination that results in a larger discount amount;
a first display means for displaying a campaign name only for discounted products in a combination of products to a cashier operating the product sales data processing device when the combination of products is established;
A product sales data processing device comprising: The system further includes a second selection means for selecting a combination of products to be sold in bulk from among the registered products that are not included in a combination for bulk sale when the update means updates the combination of products .
The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 . the first selection means, the second selection means, the discount means, and the update means operate every time the registration means registers a product ;
The product sales data processing device according to claim 2 . The system further includes a second display means for displaying information including the combination of products selected as the target of bulk sale to the customer .
The merchandise sales data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The system further includes a printing means for printing and issuing a receipt information including the combination of products selected as the target of bulk sales .
The merchandise sales data processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A computer that controls a product sales data processing device,
a registration means for executing a registration process for products to be sold to customers;
a first selection means for selecting a combination of products eligible for bulk sale from among the registered products based on information indicating whether the products are eligible for bulk sale;
a discount means for setting a discount amount according to the combination of products selected by the first selection means;
an updating means for updating the product combination and the discount amount when the first selecting means selects a product combination that results in a larger discount amount;
a first display means for displaying a campaign name only for discounted products in a combination of products to a cashier operating the product sales data processing device when the combination of products is established;
A program that makes it work.