JP5540622B2 - Receipt printer, receipt printer control method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a receipt printer , a receipt printer control method, and a program capable of detecting fraudulent behavior of a store clerk in a store such as a retail store or a supermarket.

  Conventionally, in a store such as a retail store or a supermarket, a system for detecting fraud of a store clerk at the time of accounting processing by a POS terminal is known. This system includes a POS terminal, a camera that images the POS terminal (and its surroundings), a photojournal recorder, and a search terminal. The photo journal recorder records journal data (transaction history data), image data of the POS terminal (periphery) imaged by the camera, and operation history (operation history data) of the POS terminal by the store clerk in association with each other. Then, the administrator (operator) uses the search terminal to specify predetermined search conditions such as time and POS terminal operation information, etc., so that the journal data matching the search conditions and the image data associated with the journal data Are also displayed on the display (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-115504 A

  However, the above system only displays a list of accounting processing contents (transaction history) that match the search conditions specified by the administrator and the captured images at that time, and whether or not fraudulent activity was performed in accounting processing. In order to detect it, the administrator must check the image one by one. In other words, it is impossible to determine whether or not the fraud has been performed unless the administrator actively (voluntarily) executes the search process and confirms the search result image. There is a problem that it takes time and labor.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a receipt printer , a receipt printer control method, and a program that can easily detect fraudulent behavior of a store clerk in accounting processing.

The receipt printer of the present invention includes an accounting information acquisition unit that acquires accounting information that is an accounting process result of the accounting processing unit, an accounting information transmission unit that transmits accounting information to a database, and a reading result of an IC card possessed by a store clerk. , A behavior detection unit for detecting a predetermined behavior that is an entry or stay in a predetermined area of the store clerk in the store, and detection of the predetermined behavior of the store clerk by the behavior detection unit as a trigger, with reference to the database, An accounting information discriminating unit that discriminates whether or not the accounting information operated by the store clerk within a predetermined time before and after the detection of the action includes predetermined information indicating exception processing of the accounting processing unit, and an accounting information discriminating unit, When it is determined that the predetermined information is included in the accounting information, a warning unit that performs a warning and a printing unit that performs printing on receipt paper based on the accounting information are provided. .
In the receipt printer of the present invention, the exception processing includes “canceling processing” for canceling input data during accounting processing, “cancelling processing” for canceling the accounting processing after accounting processing, and returning goods. "Return processing", "Discount processing" to discount products, "Discount processing" to discount products, "Exchange processing" to change money, record withdrawals and refunds It is preferable to include at least one of a “withdrawal / refund process” for reissuing and a “reissue process” for reissuing a receipt.
In the receipt printer of the present invention, it is preferable that the warning unit issues a warning in consideration of whether or not the accounting information includes predetermined information indicating a transaction amount equal to or larger than a predetermined amount.
The receipt printer control method according to the present invention includes: an accounting information acquisition step in which the receipt printer acquires accounting information that is an accounting processing result of the accounting processing unit; an accounting information transmission step in which the accounting information is transmitted to a database; From the result of reading the IC card, a behavior detection step of detecting a predetermined behavior that is an entry or stay of a clerk in the store in the store, and a detection of the clerk's predetermined behavior by the behavior detection step as a trigger, An accounting information determination step for determining whether or not the accounting information operated by the store clerk within a predetermined time before and after the detection of the predetermined behavior includes predetermined information indicating exception processing of the accounting processing unit with reference to the database; A warning step for giving a warning when it is determined by the accounting information determination step that the predetermined information is included in the accounting information; And executes a printing step for printing on receipt paper, a based on the total information.
In the method for controlling the receipt printer of the present invention, the exception processing includes “cancellation processing” for canceling input data during accounting processing, “cancellation processing” for canceling the accounting processing after accounting processing, and return of goods. "Return processing" to perform, "Discount processing" to discount products, "Discount processing" to discount products, "Exchange processing" to exchange money, It is preferable to include at least one of a “withdrawal / refund process” for performing a refund and a “reissue process” for reissuing a receipt.
In the receipt printer control method of the present invention, in the warning step, it is preferable to issue a warning in consideration of whether or not the accounting information includes predetermined information indicating a transaction amount equal to or larger than a predetermined amount. .
The program of the present invention causes a computer to execute each step in the method for controlling a receipt printer of the present invention.
The following configuration may be used.
The warning device of the present invention includes a behavior detection unit that detects a predetermined behavior of a clerk in a store, a reference unit that refers to a database that stores accounting information that is a result of accounting processing of the accounting processing unit, and , Using the behavior detection unit as a trigger to detect a store clerk's predetermined behavior as a trigger, the reference unit refers to the database, and the accounting information determination unit determines whether there is accounting information operated by the store clerk, and the accounting information determination unit And a warning unit that issues a warning when it is determined that there exists.

  Further, according to the control method of the warning device of the present invention, the computer stores a behavior detection step of detecting a predetermined behavior of a store clerk in the store and accounting information as a result of accounting processing of the accounting processing unit. A reference step for referring to the database, and an accounting information determination step for determining the presence or absence of the accounting information operated by the store clerk by referring to the database by the reference step, triggered by detection of a predetermined behavior of the store clerk by the behavior detection step, A warning step for performing a warning when accounting information is determined to be present by the accounting information determination step is executed.

  According to these configurations, when the behavior of the clerk at the time of the accounting process (before and after the occurrence of the accounting process) is a predetermined behavior set in advance, there is a suspicion that fraud by the clerk is performed in the accounting process ( And a warning can be issued. As a result, transactions suspected of fraud can be detected from the behavior of the store clerk, so that an administrator can easily detect fraud without actively detecting fraud as in the past. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and labor required for detecting and confirming fraudulent acts by the store clerk.

  In the warning device of the present invention, the accounting information discriminating unit further discriminates whether or not the accounting information includes predetermined information indicating the exception processing of the accounting processing unit. When it is determined that information is included, it is preferable to issue a warning.

  In the control method for the warning device of the present invention, in the accounting information determination step, it is further determined whether or not the accounting information includes predetermined information indicating exception processing of the accounting processing unit, and in the warning step, the accounting information determination If the step determines that the predetermined information is included, it is preferable to issue a warning.

  According to these configurations, when the behavior of the clerk at the time of exception processing (before and after the occurrence of exception processing) is a predetermined behavior set in advance, there is a suspicion that fraud by the clerk is performed in the exception processing ( And a warning can be issued. By targeting a process that is likely to be abused as a method of fraud, such as exception processing, fraud can be detected efficiently.

  In the warning device of the present invention, the exception processing includes “cancellation processing” for canceling input data during accounting processing, “cancellation processing” for canceling the accounting processing after accounting processing, and returning goods. "Return processing", "Discount processing" to discount products, "Discount processing" to discount products, "Exchange processing" to change money, record withdrawals and refunds It is preferable to include at least one of a “withdrawal / refund process” for reissuing and a “reissue process” for reissuing a receipt.

  Further, in the control method of the warning device of the present invention, the exception processing includes “cancel processing” for canceling input data during accounting processing, “cancellation processing” for canceling the accounting processing after accounting processing, "Return processing" for performing returns, "Discount processing" for discounting products, "Discounting processing" for discounting products, "Exchange processing" for exchanging money, It is preferable to include at least one of a “withdrawal / refund process” for recording and refunding and a “reissue process” for reissuing a receipt.

  According to these configurations, in general, exception processing that is likely to be abused as a means of fraud is targeted for warning (exception processing that is considered to be fraudulent is likely to be targeted for warning) ) And fraud can be detected efficiently.

  In the warning device of the present invention, it is preferable that the accounting information determination unit determines whether or not the accounting information includes predetermined information indicating an exception process with a transaction amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

  Further, in the control method of the warning device of the present invention, in the accounting information determination step, it is determined whether or not the accounting information includes predetermined information indicating an exception process in which the transaction amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Is preferred.

  According to these configurations, since it is possible to determine fraudulent behavior using one parameter as to whether or not the transaction amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it is possible to detect fraudulently finely. For example, exception processing with a small transaction amount (predetermined amount or less) is excluded, and only exception processing with a high transaction amount (predetermined amount or more) is targeted. It is possible to detect fraud efficiently compared to the case where fraud detection is performed on the subject.

  In the warning device of the present invention, the accounting information determination unit determines whether or not the accounting information within the predetermined time before and after the detection of the predetermined action of the accounting processing unit operated by the store clerk includes predetermined information indicating exception processing. It is preferable to determine whether or not.

  Further, in the control method of the warning device of the present invention, in the accounting information determination step, the accounting information operated by the store clerk is predetermined information indicating exception processing in accounting information within a predetermined time before and after detection of a predetermined action. It is preferable to determine whether or not is included.

  According to these configurations, it is possible to detect fraud with higher accuracy by detecting fraud in consideration of the temporal relationship between the behavior of the clerk and the occurrence of exception processing.

  In the warning device of the present invention, it is preferable that the predetermined action is an entry or stay in a predetermined area in the store.

  In the control method of the warning device of the present invention, it is preferable that the predetermined action is an entry or stay in a predetermined area in the store.

According to these configurations, the predetermined behavior of the store clerk is to enter or stay in an area (predetermined area) where the store clerk is expected to enter when or after cheating. Therefore, it is possible to detect fraud efficiently.
The predetermined area includes, for example, a changing room, a place where expensive products are placed (high-value product management area), a cashier counter, and the like.

  In the warning device of the present invention, the clerk has an IC card to which an ID for identifying the clerk is assigned, and the monitoring unit monitors the behavior of the clerk based on the reading result of the IC card. Is preferred.

  In the control method of the warning device of the present invention, the store clerk possesses an IC card to which an ID for identifying the store clerk is assigned, and in the monitoring step, the store clerk is based on the read result of the IC card. It is preferable to monitor the behavior.

  According to these configurations, it is possible to easily detect the behavior of the store clerk by grasping the position of the store clerk based on the reading result of the IC card.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute each step in the control method of the warning device described above.

  By using this, it is possible to detect that a fraudulent act has been performed (suspected of fraud) from the clerk's behavior at the time of exception handling (before and after the occurrence of exception handling), and can warn to that effect A program can be provided.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a store monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the store monitoring system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the store monitoring system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the fraud pattern table of 1st Embodiment. In the store monitoring system of a 1st embodiment, it is a flow chart explaining the procedure which detects cheating from the behavior of a store clerk. It is a system configuration figure of a store monitoring system concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the store monitoring system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the store monitoring system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the fraud pattern table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. In the store monitoring system of a 2nd embodiment, it is a flow chart explaining the procedure which detects fraudulent triggered by the fact that the store clerk entered the changing room. In the store monitoring system of a 2nd embodiment, it is a flow chart explaining the procedure which detects fraudulent triggered by the fact that a store clerk stopped at a high price goods shelf. In the store monitoring system of a 2nd embodiment, it is a flow chart explaining the procedure which detects fraudulent triggered by the fact that the store clerk entered the cashier counter. It is a system configuration figure of a store monitoring system concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the store monitoring system concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the store monitoring system concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the fraud pattern table which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. In the store monitoring system of a 3rd embodiment, it is a flow chart explaining a procedure which detects fraud by identifying whether a return applicant and a purchase customer are the same person. In the store monitoring system of a 3rd embodiment, it is a flowchart explaining the procedure which detects fraud by judging the authenticity of the receipt used by returned goods application.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a store monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the first embodiment, a store monitoring system capable of detecting fraud by a store clerk in a store by monitoring the behavior of the store clerk in a store such as a retail store or a supermarket will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a store monitoring system SY1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the store monitoring system SY1 includes a POS terminal 1 that performs an accounting process, a receipt printer 2 that issues a receipt R, a store clerk monitoring camera 3 that captures a store clerk, and a store clerk card C that each store clerk possesses. It is comprised by the card reader 4 which reads (IC card), and the store management server 5 which detects the cheating act of a store clerk. The POS terminal 1 and the receipt printer 2 are communicably connected via a serial interface (for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface). Each component is connected to be communicable via an in-store LAN 6 (wired or wireless).

  In the first embodiment, the case where there is one POS terminal 1 is illustrated, but a configuration in which a plurality of POS terminals 1 exist may be used. In this case, a receipt printer 2, a clerk monitoring camera 3, and a card reader 4 corresponding to each POS terminal 1 are installed.

  The POS terminal 1 is a register installed in the cashier counter 7 and executes an accounting process (including an exception process) based on information related to products input by a store clerk (operator). Then, accounting information as a result of accounting processing (receipt data of customer accounting display other than exception processing and exception processing, customer display display data, etc., hereinafter referred to as “exception processing information” and “ordinary accounting information”, respectively). Is transmitted to the receipt printer 2.

  The clerk monitoring camera 3 is installed above (or on the side of) the cashier counter 7 and images the clerk (including the vicinity of the clerk) performing the cashier operation at the cashier counter 7. The clerk image data (including the date and time of imaging) captured by the clerk monitoring camera 3 is associated with a camera ID that identifies the clerk monitoring camera 3 itself (hereinafter referred to as “clerk image information”), and the receipt printer 2 is displayed. To the store management server 5. In the above description, the installation position of the clerk monitoring camera 3 is set above (or on the side of) the cashier counter 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the clerk monitoring camera 3 may be installed near the POS terminal 1.

  The clerk card C is a card with an RFID tag, and a clerk ID for uniquely identifying the clerk is given. The card reader 4 is a so-called RFID reader / writer, and is arranged at the cashier counter 7 (near the POS terminal 1). This card reader 4 reads the clerk card C possessed by the clerk in a non-contact manner. Then, by acquiring the clerk ID stored in the clerk card C, the position of the clerk is detected. The acquired store clerk ID is associated with the acquisition date and time of the store clerk ID and the device ID that identifies the card reader 4 itself (hereinafter referred to as “store clerk location information”), and is sent to the store management server 5 via the receipt printer 2. Sent.

  The receipt printer 2 issues (prints) a receipt R based on the transaction information received from the POS terminal 1. In addition to the receipt R, the receipt printer 2 has a function of transmitting the transaction information received from the POS terminal 1 to the store management server 5, the store clerk image information received from the store clerk monitoring camera 3, and the card reader 4. It has a function of transmitting the received clerk position information to the store management server 5 (relay function). In this way, by filtering various information and transmitting only necessary information to the store management server 5 via the receipt printer 2, the traffic of the POS backbone network is not affected. Further, it is not necessary to change the POS backbone network itself.

  The store management server 5 detects fraud by the store clerk. In particular, when exception processing occurs, the store management server 5 determines the behavior (behavior) of the store clerk around the cashier counter 7 when the exception processing occurs (before and after the exception processing occurs). , It detects whether or not the store clerk has performed a misconduct (whether there is a suspicion of the misconduct), and if a misconduct is detected, a warning to that effect is sent. The detection of the behavior of the clerk is performed based on the analysis result of the clerk image data captured by the clerk monitoring camera 3 and the reading result of the clerk card C by the card reader 4.

  As described above, by using the captured image (the clerk image data) for detecting the behavior of the store clerk, it is possible to detect a small motion of the store clerk, so that the detection accuracy of the unnatural behavior can be increased. Moreover, since the position of the clerk can be easily grasped by using the reading result of the clerk card C for detecting the behavior of the clerk, an unnatural behavior can be easily detected.

  In the first embodiment, as exception processing that is an element for detecting fraud, “cancellation processing” for canceling input data during accounting processing, and “for canceling the accounting processing after accounting processing” "Cancel processing", "Return processing" to return the product, "Discount processing" to discount the product, "Discount processing" to discount the product, and "Exchange processing" to change the money Assume “exchange processing”, “withdrawal / refund processing” for recording and refunding, and “reissue processing” for reissuing receipts. In this way, in general, by targeting exception handling that is likely to be abused as a means of fraud (targeting exception handling that is likely to be fraudulent), Detection can be performed efficiently.

  Next, the control configuration of each element of the store monitoring system SY1 will be described with reference to a control block diagram of the store monitoring system SY1 in FIG.

  The POS terminal 1 includes a storage unit 12, a timing unit 13, a communication unit 14, an interface 15, and a control unit 11 that is connected to these units and controls the POS terminal 1, and POS peripheral devices are connected via the interface 15. Yes. As the POS peripheral devices, a keyboard 16 and an operator display 17 are connected. Further, it is also connected to the receipt printer 2 via the interface 15.

  The control unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that is a central processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program and control data for the CPU to execute various processes, and a CPU that performs various processes. A RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area is included, and the POS terminal 1 is comprehensively controlled. The ROM stores a unique identifier (POS terminal number) assigned to the POS terminal 1.

  The storage unit 12 stores a POS application 12a. The POS application 12a is a program that performs accounting processing, and includes a peripheral device control program for controlling the keyboard 16, the operator display 17, and the like. The timer unit 13 counts the current date and time. In the first embodiment, it is used when acquiring the date and time when the accounting process was executed. The communication unit 14 communicates with a POS server (not shown) via the in-store LAN 6.

  The control unit 11 acquires the product information of the purchased product from the POS server based on input information using the keyboard 16 or barcode reading information using a barcode scanner 25 described later. Then, the control unit 11 generates accounting information based on the product information acquired in cooperation with the POS application 12a, and transmits the accounting information to the receipt printer 2.

  The receipt printer 2 includes a communication unit 22, a printing unit 23, an interface 24, and a control unit 21 that is connected to these units and controls the receipt printer 2. Via the interface 24, a barcode scanner 25, a customer display 26, and A POS peripheral device such as a cash drawer 27 is connected. Further, it is also connected to the POS terminal 1 via the interface 24.

  The control unit 21 includes a central processing unit CPU, a control program for the CPU to execute various processes (including a peripheral device control program for controlling the barcode scanner 25, the customer display 26, and the cash drawer 27) and control data. A ROM that stores data and a RAM that is used as a work area when the CPU executes various processes, and controls the receipt printer 2 in an integrated manner.

  The communication unit 22 communicates with the clerk monitoring camera 3, the card reader 4, and the store management server 5 connected by the in-store LAN 6. The control unit 21 controls the communication unit 22 to transmit the transaction information received from the POS terminal 1 via the interface 24 to the store management server 5. Further, the clerk image information is received from the clerk monitoring camera 3, and the clerk image information is transmitted to the store management server 5. Further, the store clerk position information is received from the card reader 4, and the store clerk position information is transmitted to the store management server 5. The printing unit 23 prints print information generated based on the transaction information on a receipt paper.

  The clerk monitoring camera 3 includes an image photographing unit 32, a time measuring unit 33, a storage unit 34, a communication unit 35, and a control unit 31 that is connected to these units and controls the clerk monitoring camera 3.

  The image capturing unit 32 captures a clerk (including the clerk's surroundings) at the checkout counter 7. The timer unit 33 counts the current date and time. In 1st Embodiment, it is used when acquiring the imaging date of salesclerk image data. The storage unit 34 stores a camera ID for identifying itself. The communication unit 35 communicates with the receipt printer 2 connected via the in-store LAN 6. The control unit 31 controls the communication unit 35 to transmit the clerk image data including the captured clerk image data (including the shooting date and time) and the camera ID to the receipt printer 2.

  The clerk card C includes an RFID communication unit 42, an RFID antenna 43, a storage unit 44, a power generation unit 45, and a control unit 41 that is connected to these units and controls the clerk card C. The RFID communication unit 42 performs wireless communication (short-range wireless communication) with the card reader 4 via the RFID antenna 43. In the RFID communication unit 42, processing such as signal modulation / demodulation is performed when a signal (data) is transmitted / received to / from the card reader 4.

  The storage unit 44 stores a store clerk ID for identifying itself. The power generation unit 45 generates power for driving each unit, and generates an electromotive force by using a power supply signal (carrier wave) received from the card reader 4 via the RFID antenna 43. Let When these units are controlled by the control unit 41, the clerk card C communicates with the card reader 4, and as a result, the clerk ID is read by the card reader 4.

  The card reader 4 includes an RFID communication unit 52, an RFID antenna 53, a wireless LAN communication unit 54, a wireless LAN antenna 55, a storage unit 56, a timer unit 57, and a controller 51 that controls the card reader 4 connected to these units. I have.

  The RFID communication unit 52 performs wireless communication (short-range wireless communication) with the clerk card C via the RFID antenna 53. In the RFID communication unit 52, when a signal (data) is transmitted / received to / from the store clerk card C, processing such as signal modulation / demodulation is executed. The timer unit 57 counts the current date and time. In 1st Embodiment, it is used when acquiring the acquisition date of salesclerk ID. The storage unit 56 stores a device ID for identifying itself.

  The wireless LAN communication unit 54 communicates with the receipt printer 2 connected to the in-store LAN 6 via the wireless LAN antenna 55 (more specifically, to the in-store LAN 6 via a wireless LAN router or the like not shown). Communicate with the connected receipt printer 2). The control unit 51 controls the RFID communication unit 52 to acquire the store clerk ID from the store clerk card C, and stores the store clerk position information including the acquired store clerk ID, the date and time of acquisition of the store clerk ID, and the device ID. Control and send to receipt printer 2.

  The store management server 5 has a hardware configuration mounted on a general personal computer, in addition to a control unit 61, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 62, and a communication unit 63. The control unit 61 includes a CPU that is a central processing unit, a ROM that stores control programs and control data for the CPU to execute various processes, and a RAM that is used as a work area when the CPU executes various processes. Centrally control the management server 5.

  The communication unit 63 performs communication with the receipt printer 2 connected via the in-store LAN 6. The control unit 61 controls the communication unit 63 to receive transaction information (normal transaction information and exception processing information), clerk image information, and clerk position information from the receipt printer 2.

  The HDD 62 includes an image processing program 65, a transaction information database 66, a store clerk image database 67, a store clerk position database 68, and an illegal pattern table T. The image processing program 65 analyzes the clerk's behavior (behavior) by analyzing the clerk image data.

  The transaction information database 66 records transaction information received from the receipt printer 2. This accounting information includes information on a plurality of items such as an accounting process number, a POS terminal number, an accounting process date and time, an accounting process type, a clerk ID, and transaction information. The accounting process number is a number assigned for each transaction unit. The POS terminal number is information for specifying the POS terminal 1 that has executed the accounting process. The accounting process date and time is information indicating the date and time when the accounting process was performed. The type of accounting process is the type of accounting process executed ("normal accounting process (process other than exception process)", "cancellation process", "cancellation process", "return process", "discount process", "discount process" ”,“ Exchange processing ”,“ withdrawal / refund processing ”,“ reissue processing ”, etc.). The store clerk ID is information for identifying the store clerk who executed the accounting process (has performed the cash register operation). The clerk ID is input when the clerk operates the POS terminal 1. The transaction information includes information such as the product code sold, the number of products, the price for each product, and the total price of the products sold.

  The store clerk image database 67 stores store clerk image information (camera ID and store clerk image data (imaging time)). The store clerk position database 68 stores store clerk position information (store clerk ID, clerk ID acquisition time, and device ID). The fraud pattern table T is used to determine whether or not fraudulent acts have been performed, such as the behavior of a clerk suspected of fraud when an exception process occurs, the state of a customer, the situation in the store, and the transaction status of a product. A plurality of illegal patterns combining various elements are registered (details will be described later).

  With the above configuration, when an exception process occurs, the control unit 61 stores an analysis result obtained by image analysis of the clerk image data before and after the exception process occurrence stored in the clerk image database 67 and the clerk position database 68. Based on the analysis result of the position information, the behavior of the clerk before and after the occurrence of the exception process is detected. Then, when the detected behavior of the clerk, the state of the customer, the situation in the store, the transaction status of the product, etc. correspond to the illegal pattern registered in the illegal pattern table T, it is determined that the cheating by the clerk has been performed. To do. And when the control part 61 detects the cheating of a salesclerk, it notifies the warning that fraud has occurred (that fraud is suspected).

  Next, the function of each component of the store monitoring system SY1 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  The POS terminal 1 has an accounting processing unit 71 and an accounting information transmission unit 72. The accounting processing means 71 performs accounting processing based on information about the product input by the store clerk, and generates accounting information as the processing result. The transaction information transmitting unit 72 transmits the transaction information generated by the transaction processing unit 71 to the receipt printer 2.

  The clerk monitoring camera 3 includes a clerk image capturing unit 73 and a clerk image information transmitting unit 74. The clerk image imaging means 73 images the clerk at the cashier counter 7. The store clerk image information transmission unit 74 transmits the store clerk image data (imaging time) captured by the store clerk image capturing unit 73 and its own camera ID to the receipt printer 2 as store clerk image information.

  The card reader 4 has a store clerk ID acquisition unit 75 and a store clerk position information transmission unit 76. The store clerk ID acquisition means 75 reads the store clerk card C and acquires the store clerk ID. The store clerk position information transmission unit 76 transmits the store clerk ID acquired by the store clerk ID acquisition unit 75, the acquisition date and time when the store clerk ID was acquired, and the device ID to the receipt printer 2 as store clerk position information.

  The receipt printer 2 includes an accounting information acquisition unit 81, an exception processing detection unit 82, a normal accounting information transmission unit 83, an exception processing information transmission unit 84, a clerk image information transmission / reception unit 85, and a clerk position information transmission / reception unit 86. .

  The accounting information acquisition unit 81 acquires (receives) the accounting information from the accounting information transmission unit 72. The exception process detection unit 82 detects information indicating the exception process from the transaction information acquired by the transaction information acquisition unit 81. The normal transaction information transmitting unit 83 transmits to the store management server 5 the transaction information in which the information indicating the exception process is not detected by the exception process detection unit 82, that is, the transaction information (ordinary transaction information) generated by the normal transaction process. To do. The exception processing information transmitting unit 84 transmits the transaction information (exception processing information) in which the information indicating the exception processing is detected by the exception processing detecting unit 82 to the store management server 5. The normal transaction information transmission unit 83 and the exception processing information transmission unit 84 may be realized as one unit.

  The store clerk image information transmission / reception unit 85 receives store clerk image information from the store clerk image information transmission unit 74 and transmits it to the store management server 5. The store clerk position information transmission / reception means 86 receives the store clerk position information from the store clerk position information transmission means 76 and transmits it to the store management server 5.

  The store management server 5 includes normal transaction information receiving means 91, exception processing information receiving means 92, clerk image information acquiring means 93, clerk position information acquiring means 94, clerk image analyzing means 95, clerk position analyzing means 96, fraud determination means. 97 and warning means 98 are provided.

  The ordinary transaction information receiving unit 91 receives the ordinary transaction information from the ordinary transaction information transmitting unit 83 and registers it in the transaction information database 66. The exception processing information receiving unit 92 receives the exception processing information from the exception processing information transmitting unit 84 and registers it in the transaction information database 66. The normal transaction information receiving unit 91 and the exception processing information receiving unit 92 may be realized as one unit. The clerk image information acquisition means 93 receives the clerk image information from the clerk image information transmission / reception means 85 and registers it in the clerk image database 67. The clerk position information acquisition unit 94 receives the clerk position information from the clerk position information transmission / reception unit 86 and registers it in the clerk position database 68.

  The store clerk image analysis unit 95 acquires store clerk image data to be analyzed from the store clerk image database 67, and detects the behavior (behavior) of the store clerk by analyzing the acquired store clerk image data. Specifically, with reference to a certain point in time (for example, the occurrence point of exception processing), store clerk image data within a predetermined time before and after that is acquired, and a difference between frames in unit time is obtained for the acquired store clerk image data Then, a moving area is detected, and face detection (confirmation of a portion corresponding to the face feature amount) is performed on the moving area. As a result, the portion where the face is detected is determined as a person. Thereafter, the above-mentioned contents are repeated to grasp the human flow line and the head position change. As a result, the movement of the clerk can be detected. For example, when the head position changes drastically (when the head looks around), it is determined that there is no calmness, that is, it is highly likely that an illegal act has been performed. can do.

  The store clerk position analyzing means 96 refers to the store clerk position database 68, and how many times the target store clerk ID is detected within a predetermined time before and after a certain point in time (for example, when exception processing occurs). By acquiring, the behavior (behavior) of the clerk is detected. Thereby, for example, an unnatural behavior such as going around the cashier counter 7 can be easily detected.

  The cheating determination means 97 includes exception processing information (exception processing type) acquired by the exception processing information receiving means 92, an analysis result of the clerk image data before and after the occurrence of the exception processing by the clerk image analysis means 95, and a clerk position analysis means. By comparing the analysis result of the clerk position before and after the exception processing by 96 and the fraud pattern table T, it is determined whether or not the fraudulent act has been performed. As a result of the comparison, if the illegal pattern registered in the illegal pattern table T is satisfied, it is determined that an illegal act has been performed.

  The warning unit 98 notifies a warning when it is determined by the cheating determination unit 97 that the cheating has been performed. As a warning notification method, an e-mail is transmitted to a portable terminal held by an administrator (store manager or the like), or the warning content is displayed on a display (not shown) of the store management server 5. In the case of the former, since the occurrence of fraudulent acts can be surely notified regardless of the location of the manager, the manager can quickly respond to the fraudulent acts. Further, in the former case, the warning means comprises a main part by the control part 61 and the communication part 63.

  Here, the configuration of the illegal pattern table T will be described with reference to FIG. Here, an example in which fraud patterns 1 and 2 for detecting fraud at the time of cancellation processing are registered in the fraud pattern table T will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the fraud pattern table T is composed of various elements for determining whether or not a fraudulent act has been performed. “Event” is information indicating an event that needs to be confirmed in order to detect fraud. The “determination content” is information indicating the determination content of each event. The “determination criterion” is information indicating a criterion for determining that it is an illegal act. The “order of events” is information indicating the order in which each event occurs. “Interval between each event” is information indicating a time limit for determining the occurrence of the event.

  For example, the fraud pattern 1 detects that a store clerk shook his face left and right more than 3 times per second in the vicinity of the cashier counter 7 (around the POS terminal 1) within 10 seconds before “cancellation processing” occurs. In addition, when the transaction amount of the cancellation process is 5,000 yen or more, it is a pattern for determining that an illegal act has been performed (suspected of an illegal act). In addition, the fraud pattern 2 detects that the store clerk has entered and exited the cashier counter 7 (near the POS terminal 1) five times or more within 3 minutes before “cancellation processing” occurs. In the case of 5,000 yen or more, it is a pattern for determining that an illegal act has been performed (suspected of an illegal act). With these fraud patterns 1 and 2, for example, the clerk uses the receipt R that the customer did not receive and confirms that there is no one around the cashier counter 7 (around the POS terminal 1). It is possible to detect fraudulent acts such as wearing cash equivalent to the amount (sales amount).

  Note that the illegal patterns 1 and 2 shown in the figure are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, fraud patterns may be created taking into account store clerk behavior (hand movement, vertical movement of the body, etc.) other than the above, or the state of the customer at the time of exception processing (whether there is a customer in front of the cashier counter 7) Or customer behavior), the situation in the store, or the state of the accounting processing device (the state of the POS terminal 1 or the POS peripheral device (for example, the reading state by the barcode scanner 25 or the opening / closing state of the cash drawer 27)). It is also possible to create an illegal pattern.

  Next, a procedure for detecting fraud by the store management server 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that, here, a procedure for detecting fraud from the behavior of a store clerk when cancel processing is executed as exception processing will be described as an example. First, when the store management server 5 (the control unit 61) detects that a cancel process has occurred (S01), the store management server 5 (the control unit 61) uses a predetermined time (for example, 10 Second) salesclerk image data is extracted from the clerk image database 67 (S02). Subsequently, the store management server 5 analyzes the extracted clerk image data (S03).

  As a result of the image analysis, when a movement of the clerk's face (head) swinging left and right is detected a predetermined number of times / second or more (for example, 3 times / second or more) (S04; Yes), cancellation in the cancellation process It is determined whether the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference amount (for example, 5,000 yen or more).

  As a result of the determination, if the cancellation amount is equal to or greater than the reference amount (cancellation amount ≧ reference amount, S05; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the store clerk has performed an illegal act (there is a suspected fraud) 4), the administrator is notified of a warning (eg, “suspected fraudulent cancellation process”) (S06). On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the cancellation amount is less than the reference amount (cancellation amount <reference amount, S05; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning, and ends the process.

  On the other hand, as a result of the image analysis in S03, if the movement of the clerk's face (head) swinging to the left or right is not detected more than the specified number of times / second (S04; No), the store management server 5 determines when the cancellation process has occurred. As a reference, salesclerk position information for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes before the occurrence of the cancellation process) is analyzed (S07).

  As a result of the analysis, if the clerk ID of the clerk who executed the cancellation process is not detected more than a predetermined number of times (for example, five times or more) (S08; No), the store management server 5 needs to be warned. It is determined that there is not, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of the analysis, if the clerk ID of the clerk who executed the cancellation process is detected more than the specified number (S08; Yes), the store management server 5 determines whether the cancellation amount in the cancellation process is greater than a predetermined reference amount. Determine whether or not. As a result of the determination, if the cancellation amount is equal to or greater than the reference amount (cancellation amount ≧ reference amount, S05; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the store clerk has performed an illegal act (suspected of an illegal activity). (Corresponding to fraud pattern 2 in FIG. 4), a warning (for example, “suspected of fraudulent cancellation process”) is notified to the administrator (S06). On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the cancellation amount is less than the reference amount (cancellation amount <reference amount, S05; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning, and ends the process.

  In the above, it is determined whether or not to issue a warning based on the transaction amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in each determination step, an incorrect value (information indicating the degree of fraud) is added. A warning may be issued when the total is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Also, the warning content and the warning method may be changed depending on the sum of the illegal values.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the behavior of the store clerk is unnatural from the monitoring result of the behavior of the store clerk around the cashier counter 7, the store clerk performs an illegal act ( Can be warned. This makes it possible to easily detect fraud without the administrator actively detecting fraud as in the past, thus reducing the time and effort required to detect and confirm fraud by the store clerk. can do.

  In particular, the behavior of the clerk (the behavior of the clerk around the cashier counter 7 before and after the exception handling) is monitored for processing that is likely to be abused as a means of fraud, such as exception handling. It is possible to efficiently detect fraud by determining whether fraud has been performed by the store clerk (there is a suspicion that fraud has been performed).

  In addition, since it is possible to determine whether the transaction amount in the exception processing is equal to or greater than the reference amount (predetermined amount) as one parameter and to determine whether or not to issue a warning, it is possible to detect fraudulently. It can be carried out. As in this embodiment, exception processing with a small transaction amount (below the reference amount) is excluded, and only exception processing with a high transaction amount (above the reference amount) is targeted. Therefore, it is possible to detect fraud efficiently compared to the case where fraud is detected for all exception processes.

  In the first embodiment, a fraud pattern is registered in the fraud pattern table T, and it is determined that a fraudulent act has been performed in a case where this is the case, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a normal pattern may be registered in the illegal pattern table T, and it may be determined that an illegal act has been performed if the normal pattern is not applicable.

  In the first embodiment, the barcode scanner 25, the customer display 26, and the cash drawer 27 are connected to the receipt printer 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be connected to the POS terminal 1. .

  In addition, the POS terminal 1 communicates with a POS server (not shown) via the in-store LAN 6, but the in-store LAN 6 independent of the POS backbone network is laid, and the POS terminal 1 is connected to the in-store LAN 6 It is also possible to adopt a configuration that does not connect to.

  Further, the clerk image information from the clerk monitoring camera 3 and the clerk position information from the card reader 4 are transmitted to the store management server 5 via the receipt printer 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. 3 and the card reader 4 can also be configured to transmit each information directly to the store management server 5.

  Each means realized by the receipt printer 2 (accounting information acquisition means 81, exception processing detection means 82, normal accounting information transmission means 83, exception processing information transmission means 84, clerk image information transmission / reception means 85, and clerk position information transmission / reception. The means 86) can also be realized by the POS terminal 1.

  Further, each means (store clerk image analysis means 95, clerk position analysis means 96, fraud determination means 97, etc.) realized by the store management server 5 can be realized by the receipt printer 2. Also, each means realized by the store management server 5 can be realized by a POS system or a WWW server.

  Further, a warning may be issued when it is determined that the behavior of the store clerk corresponds to an illegal pattern during normal processing or non-accounting processing regardless of exception processing.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a store monitoring system SY2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The store monitoring system SY2 of the second embodiment detects fraudulent behavior triggered by the behavior of store clerk (especially entering or staying in a predetermined area) in a store such as a retail store or a supermarket.

  FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of the store monitoring system SY2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of the store monitoring system SY2 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the store monitoring system SY2 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of card readers 4 (behavior detection units, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, three card readers 4a, 4b, 4c). Is different from the first embodiment in that there is no clerk monitoring camera 3 and no image processing program 65 and clerk image database 67 in the store management server 5. The other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

  6 and 7, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Moreover, the modification applied about the component similar to 1st Embodiment is applied similarly about this embodiment. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

  The card reader 4 is arranged on each of a cashier counter 7 (near the POS terminal 1), a changing room 8, and a shelf (high-priced product shelf 9) on which high-priced products are displayed. By reading the clerk card C with each card reader 4 (4a to 4c), it is possible to detect that the clerk has entered the area or stayed at the place (stay). In the second embodiment, the card readers 4 are installed at three locations, but this is only an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  The store management server 5 detects fraud by the store clerk, triggered by the store clerk's actions (such as entering the changing room 8, visiting the high-priced product shelf 9, and entering the cashier counter 7). Based on the contents of accounting processing (especially exception processing) executed before and after, it is detected whether or not the store clerk has performed a fraud (fraud transaction) (whether there is a suspicion of fraud) and fraud is detected. If this happens, a warning to that effect is sent.

  The detection of the behavior of the store clerk is performed based on the result of reading the store clerk card C (store clerk ID) by the card reader 4 described above. That is, the store management server 5 receives the store clerk position information from the card reader 4 to detect where the store clerk is. Then, using any of these as triggers, the behavior of the store clerk (Where / Where was), the transaction status of the goods executed before and after (accounting details), the customer's condition and the situation in the store, etc. When the fraud pattern is registered in the fraud pattern table T, it is determined that the fraudulent act by the store clerk has been performed. Then, a warning that fraud has occurred (i.e. fraud is suspected) is notified. In this way, the predetermined behavior of the store clerk is entered into an area (the changing room 8, the high-priced product shelf 9, the cashier counter 7, etc.) that the store clerk is supposed to enter when performing the cheating or after performing the cheating. Intrusion or stay (stagnation) can be efficiently detected.

  The “warning device” according to the claims includes the receipt printer 2, the card reading device 4, and the store management server 5 as main components.

  Next, the function of each component of the store monitoring system SY2 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  The card reader 4 has a store clerk ID acquisition unit 101 and a store clerk position information transmission unit 102. The store clerk ID acquisition means 101 is realized by three card readers 4a, 4b, and 4c, and enters (or stays) in each area of the changing room 8, the high-priced product shelf 9, and the cashier counter 7, respectively. The store clerk card C of the store clerk is read to obtain the store clerk ID. The store clerk position information transmission unit 102 uses the store clerk ID acquisition unit 101 to acquire the store clerk ID acquired by each of the card reading devices 4a, 4b, and 4c, the acquisition date and time when the store clerk ID is acquired, and the device ID as store clerk location information. Send to receipt printer 2.

  The receipt printer 2 includes a transaction information acquisition unit 81, an exception process detection unit 82, a normal transaction information transmission unit 83, an exception process information transmission unit 84, and a store clerk position information transmission / reception unit 103. The store clerk position information transmission / reception means 103 receives the store clerk position information acquired in each area (the changing room 8, the expensive product shelf 9 and the checkout counter 7) from the store clerk position information transmission means 102, and transmits this to the store management server 5. To do.

  The store management server 5 includes a normal accounting information receiving unit 91, an exception processing information receiving unit 92, a store clerk position information acquiring unit 104, an illegal act determining unit 105 (reference unit, accounting information determining unit), and a warning unit 98 (warning unit). Have. The clerk position information acquisition means 104 receives the clerk position information acquired in each area (the changing room 8, the expensive product shelf 9 and the cashier counter 7) from the clerk position information transmission / reception means 103, and the received clerk position information is stored in the clerk. Register in the location database 68.

  The fraudulent act determination means 105 includes accounting information (regular accounting information and exception processing information (exception processing type)) registered in the accounting information database 66, and clerk position information (each area) registered in the clerk position database 68. Is compared with the fraud pattern table T to determine whether a fraudulent act has been performed. As a result of the comparison, if the illegal pattern registered in the illegal pattern table T is satisfied, it is determined that an illegal act has been performed.

  Next, the configuration of the illegal pattern table T will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an illegal pattern for detecting an illegal act at the time of exception processing from the behavior pattern of a store clerk as an example of an illegal pattern registered in the illegal pattern table T. Here, as an example, fraud pattern 3 (an example of a fraud pattern assuming a store clerk entering the changing room 8), fraud pattern 4 (a fraud pattern assuming a store clerk at a high-priced product shelf 9) ) And fraud pattern 5 (an fraud pattern assuming a case where a store clerk enters the cashier counter 7).

  The fraud pattern 3 is a pattern for determining that a fraudulent act has been performed (suspected of a fraudulent act) when the store clerk enters the changing room 8 within 5 minutes after performing the cancellation process. In addition, the fraud pattern 4 indicates that a fraudulent act was performed (a suspected fraudulent activity) when a store clerk stopped at the expensive merchandise shelf 9 and stayed for a certain period of time and returned goods for a high priced product within 10 minutes. It is a pattern to determine. In addition, the fraud pattern 5 is determined that fraud has been performed (suspected of fraud) if the first transaction performed within 3 minutes after the store clerk entered the cashier counter 7 is a refund process. It is a pattern. These fraud patterns (fraud patterns 3 to 5 in FIG. 9), for example, fraudulent acts such as the store clerk hiding cash dressed in exceptional transactions in his bag or wallet in the changing room 8, or the clerk is expensive Take out the product, process the return using the product, perform fraudulent acts such as dressing cash in the cash register, or perform refund processing in anticipation of when no one is around the cash register, and dress the cash in the cash register Fraudulent acts can be detected.

  The illegal patterns 3 to 5 shown in the figure are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the above, fraud patterns may be created taking into account the behavior of store clerk (hand and head movements, vertical movements of the body, etc.), and the state of the customer when exception processing occurs (in front of the cashier counter 7) Unauthorized patterns taking into account the presence / absence of the customer and the customer's behavior), the situation in the store, and the status of the POS terminal 1 and POS peripheral devices (for example, the reading status with the barcode scanner 25 and the opening / closing status of the cash drawer 27). It is also possible to create.

  Next, a procedure for detecting fraud by the store management server 5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 12. In the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 12, when a predetermined behavior of a store clerk is detected, an example of detecting fraud by determining whether or not exception processing has been executed before and after is described. Not limited to this, when a predetermined behavior of a store clerk is detected, it is also possible to detect fraud by determining whether or not an accounting process (ordinary accounting process) has been performed before and after that.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for detecting fraudulent activity triggered by the store clerk entering the changing room 8. Hereinafter, the target clerk is “Clerk A”, and the clerk ID of the clerk card C possessed by the clerk A is “Clerk ID (A)”. First, when the clerk A enters the changing room 8 (or approaches the changing room 8), the card reader 4a detects the clerk card C possessed by the clerk A (S11) and reads it. A clerk ID (A) is acquired from the clerk card C (S12). Next, the card reading device 4a obtains the store clerk ID (A), the acquisition time (current time) of the store clerk ID (A), and the store clerk position information associated with the device ID for identifying the store clerk ID (A). (S13).

  The store management server 5 that has received the clerk position information (S14) refers to the transaction information database 66, and during a predetermined time before the clerk ID (A) acquisition time (for example, the previous five minutes. It is determined whether or not there is an exception process (accounting process) executed by the clerk A for 5 minutes before entering the changing room 8 (S15). This is determined by comparing the clerk ID indicating the clerk who executed the accounting process included in the accounting information with the received clerk ID (A). When there is a corresponding exception process (S16; Yes), the store management server 5 executes the following processes from S17 to S30 according to the type of the detected exception process.

  First, when the exception process is a return process (S17), the store management server 5 determines that the store clerk A is in the high-priced product shelf 9 during a predetermined time before the return process (for example, within 10 minutes before the return process). Stop by and check if you have stayed for a certain period of time. This determination is made based on the time when the clerk ID (A) of the clerk A is detected by the card reader 4b installed on the high-priced product shelf 9.

  When the store clerk A has not stayed in the high-priced product shelf 9 for a certain time (S18; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning, and ends the process. On the other hand, when the clerk A stays in the high-priced product shelf 9 for a certain time or longer (S18; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the transaction amount in the return processing is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference amount (for example, 5, 000 yen or more).

  As a result of the determination, if the cancellation amount is equal to or greater than the reference amount (cancellation amount ≧ reference amount, S19; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the cheating is performed by the clerk A (there is a suspected fraud). The administrator is notified of a warning (for example, “suspected fraudulent return processing”) (S20). On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the cancellation amount is less than the reference amount (cancellation amount <reference amount, S19; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for warning and ends the process.

  Next, the case where the exception process of S16 is a cancellation process will be described (S21). In this case, the store management server 5 determines that a fraudulent act has been performed by the clerk A (there is a suspected fraud) (determined to correspond to the fraud pattern 3 in FIG. 9), and warns the administrator (for example, , “There is a suspicion of unauthorized cancellation processing”) (S22).

  Next, the case where the exception process of S16 is a cancellation process will be described (S23). In this case, the store management server 5 refers to the transaction information database 66 and compares the product configuration of the transaction in the cancellation process with the product configuration of the transaction performed immediately after the cancellation process. When the degree of coincidence between the two product configurations is less than a predetermined ratio (for example, less than 80%) (S24; No), the store management server 5 has been cheated by the clerk A (fraud And the administrator is notified of a warning (for example, “suspected fraudulent cancellation process”) (S25). On the other hand, when the degree of coincidence between the product configurations is equal to or higher than a predetermined ratio (for example, 80% or higher) (S24; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for warning and performs processing. Exit.

  Next, the case where the exception process of S16 is a refund process will be described (S26). In this case, the store management server 5 determines that a fraudulent act has been performed by the clerk A (there is a suspected fraud), and issues a warning to the administrator (for example, “suspected fraudulent refund process”). Notification is made (S27).

  Next, the case where the exception process of S16 is a discount process (or discount process) will be described (S28). In this case, the store management server 5 determines whether or not the discount rate (discount rate) exceeds a predetermined reference discount rate (reference discount rate, for example, 30%). When the discount rate (discount rate) exceeds the standard discount rate (reference discount rate) (S29; Yes, discount rate (discount rate)> reference discount rate (reference discount rate)), the store management server 5 stores the clerk A It is determined that a fraudulent act has been performed (suspected of fraudulent conduct), and a warning (eg, “suspected fraudulent discount (fraud discount))” is notified to the administrator (S30). On the other hand, when it is below the standard discount rate (standard discount rate) (S29; No, discount rate (discount rate) ≦ standard discount rate (standard discount rate)), the store management server 5 determines that no warning is necessary. The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in S16, when there is no applicable exception process (S16; No), the store management server 5 is within a predetermined time before entering the changing room 8 (for example, within 5 minutes before entering the changing room 8). ), It is determined whether or not the store clerk A has stopped at the expensive product shelf 9. As a result of the determination, if the store clerk A has stopped at the high-priced product shelf 9 (S31; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the store clerk A has performed a cheating (there is a suspicion of cheating) and manages it. A warning (for example, “possibility of theft”) is notified to the person (S32). On the other hand, when the store clerk A does not stop at the expensive commodity shelf 9 (S31; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning, and ends the process.

  Next, FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for detecting fraudulent activity triggered by the fact that a store clerk has stopped at a high-priced product shelf 9. First, when the store clerk A stops at the high-priced product shelf 9, the card reader 4b detects the store clerk card C possessed by the store clerk A (S41), and reads this from the store clerk card C to the store clerk ID (A). Is acquired (S42). Next, when the card reader 4b detects that the acquired clerk ID (A) has been detected for a certain period of time or longer, the card clerk 4b acquires the clerk ID (A), the acquisition time (current time) of the clerk ID (A), and The store clerk position information associated with the device ID for identifying itself is transmitted to the store management server 5 (S43).

  The store management server 5 that has received the clerk position information (S44) refers to the accounting information database 66, and within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 minutes) from the clerk ID (A) acquisition time, It is determined whether or not the return processing has been executed. When the return process is executed within a predetermined time (S45; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the store clerk A has performed an illegal act (there is a suspected illegal activity) (the illegal pattern in FIG. 9). 4), the administrator is notified of a warning (for example, “suspected of unauthorized return processing”) (S46). On the other hand, when the return process is not executed within the predetermined time (S45; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning, and ends the process.

  Next, FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for detecting fraudulent activity triggered by the store clerk entering the cashier counter 7. First, when the store clerk A enters the cashier counter 7, the card reader 4c detects the store clerk card C possessed by the store clerk A (S51), and reads this to obtain the store clerk ID (A) from the store clerk card C. Obtain (S52). Next, the card reading device 4c stores the acquired store clerk ID (A), the acquisition time (current time) of the store clerk ID (A) and the store clerk position information associated with the device ID for identifying the store clerk ID (A). (S53).

  The store management server 5 that has received the store clerk position information (S54) refers to the transaction information database 66 and is executed by the store clerk A within a predetermined time (for example, within 3 minutes) from the acquisition time of the store clerk ID (A). It is determined whether or not there is another accounting process (cash register operation) (S55). When there is no accounting process (S56; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for warning, and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the accounting process exists (S56; Yes), the store management server 5 determines whether or not the accounting process is an exceptional process. If the accounting process is not an exception process (S57; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning, and ends the process. On the other hand, when the accounting process is an exception process (S57; Yes), the store management server 5 executes the following processes from S58 to S71 depending on the type of the detected exception process.

  First, when the exception process is a return process (S58), the store management server 5 determines that the store clerk A is a high-priced product shelf 9 during a predetermined time before the return process (for example, within 10 minutes before the return process). Stop by and determine if you have stayed for a certain period of time.

  When the store clerk A has not stayed in the high-priced product shelf 9 for a certain time (S59; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning, and ends the process. On the other hand, when the clerk A stays in the high-priced product shelf 9 for a certain time or longer (S59; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the transaction amount in the return processing is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference amount (for example, 5, 000 yen or more).

  As a result of the determination, when the cancellation amount is equal to or greater than the reference amount (cancellation amount ≧ reference amount, S60; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the store clerk A has performed an illegal act (suspected of an illegal activity). The administrator is notified of a warning (for example, “suspected fraudulent return process”) (S61). On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the cancellation amount is less than the reference amount (cancellation amount <reference amount, S60; No), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for warning and ends the processing.

  Next, the case where the exception process in S57 is a cancel process will be described (S62). In this case, the store management server 5 determines that a fraudulent act has been performed by the clerk A (there is a suspected fraud) and warns the administrator (for example, “suspected of fraudulent cancellation process”). Notification is made (S63).

  Next, the case where the exception process in S57 is a cancel process will be described (S64). In this case, the store management server 5 refers to the transaction information database 66 and compares the product configuration of the transaction in the cancellation process with the product configuration of the transaction performed immediately after the cancellation process. When the degree of coincidence between the two product configurations is less than a predetermined ratio (for example, less than 80%) (S65; No), the store management server 5 has been cheated by the store clerk A (fraud And a warning (for example, “suspected fraudulent cancellation process”) is notified to the administrator (S66). On the other hand, when the degree of coincidence between the product configurations is equal to or higher than a predetermined ratio (for example, 80% or higher) (S65; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for a warning and performs processing Exit.

  Next, the case where the exception process of S57 is a refund process will be described (S67). In this case, the store management server 5 determines that a fraudulent act has been performed by the store clerk A (there is a suspected fraud) (determined to correspond to the fraud pattern 5 in FIG. 9), and warns the administrator (for example, , “There is a suspicion of illegal refund processing”) (S68).

  Next, the case where the exception process of S57 is a discount process (or discount process) will be described (S69). In this case, the store management server 5 determines whether or not the discount rate (discount rate) exceeds a predetermined reference discount rate (reference discount rate, for example, 30%). When the discount rate (discount rate) exceeds the standard discount rate (reference discount rate) (S70; Yes, discount rate (discount rate)> standard discount rate (reference discount rate)), the store management server 5 stores the clerk A It is determined that a fraudulent act has been performed (suspected of fraudulent conduct), and a warning (eg, “suspected fraud discount (illegal discount))” is notified to the administrator (S71). On the other hand, when it is below the standard discount rate (reference discount rate) (S70; No, discount rate (discount rate) ≦ reference discount rate (reference discount rate)), the store management server 5 determines that no warning is required. The process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the behavior of the clerk at the time of accounting processing (before and after the occurrence of accounting processing) is a predetermined behavior set in advance, fraud by the clerk is performed in the accounting processing. It can be determined that there is a suspicion (the cheating by the store clerk has been performed), and a warning can be issued.

  In particular, fraudulent detection can be efficiently performed by using, as a trigger, the behavior of a store clerk during exception processing (before and after the occurrence of exception processing) that is likely to be abused as a means of fraud. Further, by detecting a fraudulent action in consideration of the temporal relationship between the behavior of the store clerk and the occurrence of exception processing, the fraudulent action can be detected with higher accuracy.

  Each function (accounting information acquisition means 81, exception processing detection means 82, normal accounting information transmission means 83, exception processing information transmission means 84, and clerk position information transmission / reception means 103) realized by the receipt printer 2 is assigned to the POS terminal 1. It is also possible to realize with.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a store monitoring system SY3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The store monitoring system SY3 of the third embodiment detects fraud by a customer.

  FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram of the store monitoring system SY3 of the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of the store monitoring system SY3 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the store monitoring system SY <b> 3 of the third embodiment has a card monitoring device 111 that images a customer instead of the store clerk monitoring camera 3 in that the card reader 4 and the store clerk card C are not provided. The point that the receipt printer 2 has the receipt reading unit 121 and the notifying unit 122, the point that the store management server 5 does not have the clerk position database 68, the point that the customer image database 141 is provided instead of the clerk image database 67, and the customer information database It is different from the first embodiment in that there are 142. The other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

  In FIGS. 13 and 14, the same components as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIGS. Detailed description thereof is omitted. Moreover, the modification applied about the component similar to 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment is applied similarly also about this embodiment. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

  The customer monitoring camera 111 is installed above (or to the side of) the cashier counter 7 and images the customer at the time of transaction processing. The customer image data (including the imaging date and time) captured by the customer monitoring camera 111 is associated with a camera ID that identifies the customer monitoring camera 111 itself (hereinafter referred to as “customer image information”), and the receipt printer 2 is used. To the store management server 5. In the above description, the installation position of the customer monitoring camera 111 is set above (or on the side of) the cashier counter 7, but is not limited thereto. For example, the customer monitoring camera 111 may be installed near the customer display 26.

  When printing the receipt R, the receipt printer 2 prints information used to determine the authenticity of the receipt R (hereinafter referred to as “authentication determination information”) together with the accounting information. The receipt printer 2 has a function of reading (scanning) the printed surface of the issued receipt R. As the authenticity determination information, it is conceivable to print hidden characters (or special print patterns) with invisible ink.

  The store management server 5 detects fraudulent acts by the customer. In particular, when exception processing (for example, return processing) occurs, the customer at the time of the exception processing and the purchase of the product subject to the exception processing. From the result of matching with the customer (purchasing customer) at the time and the authenticity determination result of the receipt R used at the time of exception processing, it is detected whether or not the customer has cheated (suspected of cheating) When an illegal act is detected, a warning to that effect is sent.

  Next, a control configuration of each element of the store monitoring system SY3 will be described with reference to a control block diagram of the store monitoring system SY3 in FIG.

  The receipt printer 2 includes a communication unit 22, a printing unit 23, an interface 24, a receipt reading unit 121, a notification unit 122, and a control unit 21 that is connected to these units and controls the receipt printer 2. The printing unit 23 prints print information generated based on the transaction information and the authentication information on the receipt paper. The authenticity determination information is generated by the control unit 21 during the receipt printing process. Further, as the authenticity determination information, different information is generated for each receipt R. The receipt reading unit 121 reads the printed surface of the issued receipt R.

  The communication unit 22 communicates with the customer monitoring camera 111 and the store management server 5 connected via the in-store LAN 6. The control unit 21 controls the communication unit 22 to transmit the customer image information received from the customer monitoring camera 111 to the store management server 5. Further, the control unit 21 associates the unique number (receipt number) assigned to the receipt R and the authenticity determination information to be printed on the receipt R (hereinafter collectively referred to as “receipt information”), and stores. Send to the management server 5. Further, the control unit 21 extracts the receipt information of the receipt R from the reading result of the receipt R by the receipt reading unit 121, and transmits this to the store management server 5.

  The notification unit 122 notifies whether the receipt R read by the receipt reading unit 121 is a regular receipt or an improperly created counterfeit receipt, and includes, for example, an LED lamp or a buzzer. In the former case, for example, if the read receipt R is a regular receipt, the green LED lamp is turned on, and if the receipt R is a counterfeit receipt, the red LED lamp is turned on. In the latter case, the buzzer sound in the case of a regular receipt and the case of a fake receipt is notified by sounding with different timbres.

  The customer monitoring camera 111 includes an image capturing unit 132, a timing unit 133, a storage unit 134, a communication unit 135, and a control unit 131 that is connected to these units and controls the customer monitoring camera 111. This customer monitoring camera 111 differs from the clerk monitoring camera 3 of the first embodiment only in that it handles customer image information. Therefore, each unit (the control unit 131, the image capturing unit 132, the time measuring unit 133, the storage unit 134, and the communication unit 135) included in the customer monitoring camera 111 is each unit (the control unit 31, Since it is the same as the image capturing unit 32, the time measuring unit 33, the storage unit 34, and the communication unit 35), the description thereof is omitted.

  The store management server 5 has a hardware configuration mounted on a general personal computer in addition to the control unit 61, the HDD 62, and the communication unit 63. The communication unit 63 performs communication with the receipt printer 2 connected via the in-store LAN 6. The control unit 61 controls the communication unit 63 to receive transaction information (normal transaction information and exception processing information), customer image information, and receipt information from the receipt printer 2.

  The HDD 62 includes an image processing program 65, a transaction information database 66, a customer image database 141, a customer information database 142, and an unauthorized pattern table T. The image processing program 65 analyzes the customer image data to extract the color feature amount of the customer's clothes (clothes) and the facial feature amount of the customer's face (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “customer feature amount”). Called).

  The customer image database 141 stores customer image information (camera ID and customer image data (imaging time)). The customer information database 142 associates customer customer feature quantities (color feature quantities and face feature quantities) at the time of product purchase with receipt information (receipt number and authentication information) of the receipt R issued at the time of product purchase. Remember.

  With the above configuration, when an exception process occurs, the control unit 61 matches the customer feature quantity of the customer at the time of the exception process with the customer feature quantity stored in the customer information database 142, a receipt used during the exception process. When the authenticity determination result of R, the behavior of the store clerk, the situation in the store, the merchandise transaction status, and the like correspond to the fraud patterns registered in the fraud pattern table T, it is determined that a fraudulent act by the customer has been performed. When the control unit 61 detects a customer's fraudulent activity, the control unit 61 notifies a warning that the fraudulent activity has occurred (that fraud is suspected).

  Next, the function of each component of the store monitoring system SY3 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  The customer monitoring camera 111 has a customer image imaging unit 151 and a customer image information transmission unit 152. The customer image imaging means 151 images a customer at the cashier counter 7. The customer image information transmission unit 152 transmits the customer image data (imaging time) captured by the customer image imaging unit 151 and its own camera ID to the receipt printer 2 as customer image information.

  The receipt printer 2 includes an accounting information acquisition unit 81, an exception processing detection unit 82, a normal accounting information transmission unit 83, an exception processing information transmission unit 84, a customer image information transmission / reception unit 161, an authenticity determination information generation unit 162, and a receipt number extraction unit 163. A receipt information transmitting unit 164, a printing unit 165, a receipt reading unit 166, a receipt reading result analyzing unit 167, a printer side authenticity determining unit 168, a printer side determination result transmitting unit 169, a server side determination result receiving unit 170, and a notifying unit 171. Have.

  The customer image information transmission / reception unit 161 receives customer image information from the customer image information transmission unit 152 and transmits it to the store management server 5. The authenticity determination information generating unit 162 generates authenticity determination information for printing on the receipt R. The receipt number extraction unit 163 extracts the receipt number assigned to the receipt R from the print information to be printed on the receipt R. The receipt information transmission means 164 transmits the extracted receipt number and the authentication information printed on the receipt R of the receipt number to the store management server 5 as receipt information.

  The printing unit 165 prints the print information generated based on the transaction information and the authentication information on the receipt paper and issues a receipt R. The receipt reading unit 166 reads the printed surface of the issued receipt R. The receipt read result analysis unit 167 and the receipt reading unit 166 analyze the read contents of the receipt R and extract the receipt information.

  The printer side authenticity determination unit 168 determines whether or not the authentication information exists in the receipt information extracted by the receipt reading result analysis unit 167. The printer-side determination result transmission unit 169 transmits the receipt information (authentication determination information and receipt number) to the store management server 5 when the authentication information is present in the receipt information as a result of the determination by the printer-side authentication determination unit 168. To do. Further, when the determination result shows that there is no authentication information in the receipt information, information indicating that the receipt is a counterfeit receipt (hereinafter referred to as “counterfeit receipt detection information”) is transmitted to the store management server 5.

  The server-side determination result receiving unit 170 receives a determination result (authentication result information) transmitted by a server-side determination result transmitting unit 190 of the store management server 5 described later. The notifying unit 171 notifies the detection of a counterfeit receipt when the printer side authenticity determining unit 168 determines that there is no authenticity determination information. In addition, based on the contents of the authentication result information received by the server-side determination result receiving means 170, the detection of a regular receipt or a counterfeit receipt is notified.

  The store management server 5 includes a normal transaction information receiving unit 91, an exception processing information receiving unit 92, a customer image information acquiring unit 181, a receipt information receiving unit 182, a color feature amount extracting unit 183, a face feature amount extracting unit 184, and customer information registration. Means 185, color feature amount matching means 186, face feature amount matching means 187, printer side determination result receiving means 188, server side authenticity determination means 189, server side determination result transmission means 190, fraud determination means 191 and warning means 98. Have.

  The customer image information acquisition unit 181 receives customer image information from the customer image information transmission / reception unit 161 and registers it in the customer image database 141. The receipt information receiving unit 182 receives receipt information from the receipt information transmitting unit 164 of the receipt printer 2.

  The color feature amount extraction unit 183 analyzes the acquired customer image data (customer image information), and extracts the color feature amount of the customer's clothes. Specifically, an inter-frame difference and a background difference are extracted from the customer image data, and a moving area (moving area) is detected. Next, the position of the customer's head is detected from the moving area, and the color feature amount of the clothing portion (clothing) specified based on the head position is extracted.

  The face feature amount extraction means 184 analyzes the acquired customer image data (customer image information) and extracts the face feature amount of the customer. Specifically, an inter-frame difference and a background difference are extracted from the customer image data, and a moving area (moving area) is detected. Next, the face part of the customer is detected from the moving area, and the image (face part) is normalized. Then, the facial feature amount is extracted based on the normalized image.

  The customer information registration unit 185 receives the customer feature amount (extracted by the color feature amount extraction unit 183 and the face feature amount extraction unit 184) of the customer at the time of product purchase, and receipt information (received by the receipt information reception unit 182) at the time of purchase of the product. ) And are registered in the customer information database 142.

  The color feature amount matching unit 186 compares (matches) the color feature amount of the customer's clothes when the exception processing occurs with the color feature amount registered in the customer information database 142, so that the customer when the exception processing occurs It is determined whether or not the same customer is registered in the customer information database 142 (the presence or absence of the same customer). The face feature amount matching unit 187 compares (matches) the customer's face feature amount at the time of exception processing occurrence with the face feature amount registered in the customer information database 142, so that it is the same as the customer at the time of exception processing occurrence. Are registered in the customer information database 142 (whether or not there is the same customer).

  The printer side determination result receiving unit 188 receives the receipt information or counterfeit receipt detection information transmitted by the printer side determination result transmitting unit 169. When the server-side authenticity determination unit 189 receives receipt information from the printer-side determination result reception unit 188, the server-side authentication determination unit 189 determines whether receipt information that matches the receipt information is registered in the customer information database 142. If the receipt information that matches the customer information database 142 is stored, it is determined that the receipt R read by the receipt printer 2 is a regular receipt, and if it is not stored, it is determined that the receipt is a counterfeit receipt. The server-side determination result transmission unit 190 transmits the determination result (authentication result information) by the server-side authentication determination unit 189 to the receipt printer 2.

  The cheating determination unit 191 includes the exception processing information (exception processing type) acquired by the exception processing information receiving unit 92, the customer verification result based on the customer feature (color feature and face feature), and the receipt printer 2. By comparing the read authentication result of the receipt R with the illegal pattern table T, it is determined whether or not an illegal act has been performed. As a result of the comparison, if the illegal pattern registered in the illegal pattern table T is satisfied, it is determined that an illegal act has been performed.

  Here, the configuration of the illegal pattern table T will be described with reference to FIG. Here, an example will be described in which fraud patterns 6 to 8 for detecting fraud at the time of return processing are registered in the fraud pattern table T.

  For example, in the case of the fraud pattern 6, when a “return processing” occurs, if the customer who applied for the return of the product (return applicant) and the purchase customer of the product are different, the fraudulent act was performed ( It is a pattern that determines that there is a suspicion). The fraud pattern 7 determines the authenticity of the receipt R, which is evidence of the return application, when the “return processing” occurs. As a result, if the receipt R is determined to be a fake receipt, It is a pattern for determining that the break has occurred. In addition, the fraud pattern 8 determines the authenticity of the receipt R which is evidence of the return application when the “return processing” occurs, and as a result, it is determined that the receipt R is a regular receipt. This is a pattern in which it is determined that an illegal act has been performed when there is a difference with the purchase customer (suspected of an illegal act).

  In addition, the illegal patterns 6 to 8 shown in the figure are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the above, an illegal pattern may be created in consideration of the behavior of the store clerk, the behavior (behavior) of the customer when the exception processing occurs, the situation in the store, or the status of the POS terminal 1 or POS peripheral device ( For example, it is possible to create an illegal pattern in consideration of the reading state of the barcode scanner 25 and the opening / closing state of the cash drawer 27. Thereby, for example, when the customer at the time of return is different from the customer at the time of purchase and the clerk at the time of return takes a suspicious action, it is possible to perform a process such as determining that an illegal act has been performed. In addition, by creating a fraud pattern in consideration of the transaction amount, for example, when the customer at the time of return is different from the customer at the time of purchase and the transaction amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, it is determined that fraud has been performed. This processing is also possible.

  Next, a procedure for detecting fraud by the store management server 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a procedure for detecting fraud by identifying whether the return applicant and the purchasing customer are the same person when the return processing is executed as an exception processing (procedure for determining fraud pattern 6). Will be described as an example.

  First, when the store management server 5 (control unit 61) detects that a return process has occurred (S81), it acquires customer image data of the customer who requested the return (return applicant) (S82). Next, the store management server 5 analyzes the acquired customer image data and extracts the color feature amount of the customer's clothing part (S83). Then, the store management server 5 collates the extracted color feature quantity with the color feature quantity registered in the customer information database 142 (S84). As a result of the collation, if there is no matching color feature amount (S85; No), the store management server 5 determines that the return applicant and the purchase customer are not the same customer, that is, the customer (return applicant) is improper. It is determined that a return (fraud) has been performed (there is a suspicion of an illegal return) (corresponding to the illegal pattern 6 in FIG. 16), and a warning is given to the administrator (for example, “a suspicion of an illegal return process”). ) Is notified (S86).

  On the other hand, if there is a matching color feature amount as a result of the collation (S85; Yes), the store management server 5 analyzes the customer image data acquired in S82 and extracts the customer face feature amount (S87). Subsequently, the store management server 5 performs collation between the face feature quantity associated with the color feature quantity and the extracted face feature quantity for the data with the matching color feature quantity in the collation in S84 (S88). .

  As a result of the collation, when there is no matching facial feature amount (S89; No), the store management server 5 determines that the return applicant and the purchasing customer are not the same customer, that is, an illegal return has been performed by the customer. It is determined that there is a suspicion of illegal return (corresponding to the illegal pattern 6 in FIG. 16), and a warning (for example, “suspect of illegal return process”) is notified to the administrator (S86). On the other hand, if there is a matching facial feature amount as a result of the collation (S89; Yes), the store management server 5 indicates that the return applicant and the purchasing customer are the same customer, that is, normal return processing, and a warning It is determined that it is not necessary, and the process is terminated.

  In this way, by performing collation based on the customer's facial feature amount, it is possible to specify the individual customer with high accuracy. Also, by collating based on the color feature amount before collation by the customer's face feature amount, when a large amount of collation targets are stored, the target can be narrowed down and efficient collation is performed. be able to. Note that the matching may be performed using only the facial feature amount or may be performed using only the color feature amount. Further, the face feature amount may be collated first, and the color feature amount may be collated in the case of NG. If the color feature amount is OK, it may be determined that the warning is not necessary.

  Subsequently, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 18, when the return process is executed as an exception process, the authenticity of the receipt R used in the return application is determined, thereby detecting a fraud (an illegal pattern 7 or (Procedure for determining 8) will be described as an example.

  First, when a return process is executed by a store clerk and a receipt R used for a return application is read, the receipt printer 2 (control unit 21) reads the receipt R (S91). Then, the receipt printer 2 analyzes the contents of the read receipt R and extracts receipt information (S92). Next, the receipt printer 2 determines whether or not authentication information exists in the extracted receipt information (S93). When there is no authenticity determination information in the extracted receipt information (S94; No), the receipt printer 2 determines that the read receipt R is a counterfeit receipt and transmits “counterfeit receipt detection information” to the store management server 5 ( S95). In this case, the receipt printer 2 notifies the fact that the receipt printer 2 is a fake receipt (for example, turns on a red LED lamp).

  The store management server 5 that has received the “counterfeit receipt detection information” (S96) determines that the customer (return applicant) has made an unauthorized return (fraud) using the counterfeit receipt (the fraud pattern in FIG. 16). (Corresponding to 7), a warning (for example, “There is an illegal return process”) is notified to the administrator (S97).

  On the other hand, if there is authenticity determination information in the extracted receipt information (S94; Yes), the receipt printer 2 transmits the receipt information extracted in S92 to the store management server 5 (S98). The store management server 5 that has received the receipt information (S99) refers to the customer information database 142 and determines whether or not the receipt information that matches the receipt information is registered. That is, authenticity determination of the receipt R is performed (S100).

  When there is no matching receipt information (S101; No), the store management server 5 determines that the receipt R read by the receipt printer 2 is a fake receipt. As a result, it is determined by the customer (return applicant) that an illegal return using the counterfeit receipt (corruption) is performed (corresponding to the fraud pattern 7 in FIG. 16), and a warning (for example, “ "There is fraud in return processing") (S97).

  On the other hand, when there is matching receipt information (101; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that the receipt R read by the receipt printer 2 is a regular receipt. Then, it is determined whether the return applicant and the product purchase customer are the same customer (S102). In this case, it is determined whether or not the customer is the same customer by comparing the customer feature of the return applicant with the customer feature associated with the receipt information (receipt number).

  When the return applicant and the product purchase customer are the same customer (S103; Yes), the store management server 5 determines that there is no need for warning (normal return processing), and ends the processing. On the other hand, if the return applicant and the product purchase customer are not the same customer (S103; No), the store management server 5 indicates that the customer (return applicant) has made an illegal return (there is a suspicion of fraud). A determination is made (corresponding to the fraud pattern 8 in FIG. 16), and a warning (for example, “suspected fraudulent return process”) is notified to the administrator (S97). Thereby, it is possible to detect fraudulent acts such as returning a product purchased at another store (especially a store having a lower price than the store itself) using a counterfeit receipt. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to prevent an exception process such as a return using an illegally obtained regular receipt.

  Note that the result of authenticity determination (authentication result information) in S100 is transmitted from the store management server 5 to the receipt printer 2, and the receipt printer 2 determines that the read receipt R is a regular receipt based on the received authenticity result information, or Notify that it is a fake receipt. Further, the matching using the customer feature amount in S102 may be performed using only the face feature amount or may be performed using only the color feature amount. Or you may perform collation combining both.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when it is determined that the customer at the time of exception processing and the customer at the time of purchase of the product to be processed for exception processing are not the same person, a warning is given. Thereby, it can be easily determined whether or not the exception processing is caused by a correct purchaser (customer who purchased the corresponding product at the store). For example, it is possible to detect fraudulent acts such as illegally returning stolen goods or products purchased at low prices at other stores by the customer. be able to.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, when the receipt R is issued, the authenticity determination information is printed on the receipt R, and the authenticity determination is performed in the authenticity determination of the receipt R at the time of exception processing (at the time of return processing). Forgery of the receipt R can be detected more reliably by determining whether it is a regular receipt or a counterfeit receipt based on the information (eg, presence / absence of authenticity determination information or verification of the contents of the authenticity determination information).

  As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, the occurrence state of an event (for example, execution of accounting processing (including exception processing)) occurring in a store is monitored, and the event is determined based on the monitoring result. It is possible to automatically determine whether or not cheating has been performed, and to warn when it is determined that cheating has been performed.

  In particular, in order to grasp (monitor) the occurrence of an event, the behavior and behavior of the clerk (the state of the clerk), the state of the customer, the state of the device that performs the accounting process (for example, the state of the POS terminal 1 and its peripheral devices) By monitoring monitoring elements such as receipt R and the authenticity of the product to be returned in combination for each event (according to the characteristics of the event), it is possible to detect fraud with high accuracy. In addition, in order to understand (monitor) the occurrence status of events, fraud may be determined only by the customer's condition, regardless of the behavior or behavior of the store clerk, or fraud may be determined only by the status of the accounting processing device. Also good.

  Moreover, it is possible to provide each step of the control method (the flowchart shown by said each embodiment) of the store monitoring system SY1 thru | or SY3 which concerns on each embodiment as a program. It is also possible to provide the program stored in a storage medium (not shown). As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  In addition, the apparatus configuration and processing steps of the store monitoring systems SY1 to SY3 can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, regardless of the above-described embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS terminal 2 ... Receipt printer 4, 4a, 4b, 4c ... Card reader 5 ... Store management server 7 ... Cash register counter 8 ... Changing room 9 ... Expensive goods shelf 66 ... Accounting information database 68 ... Clerk position database 98 ... Warning Means 105 ... Fraud determination means SY2 ... Store monitoring system C ... Member card T ... Fraud pattern table

Claims (7)

And accounting information acquisition unit to acquire the accounting information is the accounting result of the accounting processing unit,
An accounting information transmitting unit for transmitting the accounting information to a database;
An action detection unit that detects a predetermined action that is an entry or stay in the predetermined area of the store clerk in the store from the reading result of the IC card possessed by the store clerk ;
By the action detecting unit as a trigger detection of the predetermined behavior of the clerk, the reference to previous SL database, the accounting information the clerk has operated within longitudinal predetermined time detection point of the predetermined action, the An accounting information discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not predetermined information indicating exception processing of the accounting processing unit is included ;
A warning unit that issues a warning when the transaction information determination unit determines that the predetermined information is included in the transaction information;
Receipt printer, characterized in that it and a printing unit for printing on receipt paper on the basis of the accounting information. The exception handling is
“Cancellation process” for canceling input data during the accounting process, “cancellation process” for canceling the accounting process after the accounting process, “return process” for returning the product, discounting the product "Discount processing" for performing discounts, "discount processing" for discounting the above products, "exchange processing" for exchanging money, "withdrawal / refunds" for recording and refunding withdrawals The receipt printer according to claim 1 , wherein the receipt printer includes at least one of “processing” and “reissue processing” for reissuing a receipt . The warning part is
The accounting information, taking into account whether contains predetermined information indicating the transaction amount above a predetermined value prescribed Me pre receipt according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the warning Printer . Receipt printer
And accounting information acquiring accounting information is accounted result of accounting processing unit,
An accounting information transmission step of transmitting the accounting information to a database;
An action detection step of detecting a predetermined action that is an entry or stay in the predetermined area of the store clerk in the store from the reading result of the IC card possessed by the store clerk ;
By the action detecting step, as a trigger detection of the predetermined behavior of the clerk, the reference to previous SL database, the accounting information the clerk has operated within longitudinal predetermined time detection point of the predetermined action, the An accounting information determination step for determining whether or not predetermined information indicating exception processing of the accounting processing unit is included ;
A warning step for giving a warning when it is determined by the accounting information determination step that the predetermined information is included in the accounting information;
The method of the receipt printer and executes a print step for printing on receipt paper on the basis of the accounting information. The exception handling is
“Cancellation process” for canceling input data during the accounting process, “cancellation process” for canceling the accounting process after the accounting process, “return process” for returning the product, discounting the product "Discount processing" for performing discounts, "discount processing" for discounting the above products, "exchange processing" for exchanging money, "withdrawal / refunds" for recording and refunding withdrawals 5. The method of controlling a receipt printer according to claim 4 , comprising at least one of a “process” and a “reissue process” for reissuing a receipt . In the warning step,
The accounting information, taking into account whether contains predetermined information indicating the transaction amount above a predetermined value prescribed Me pre receipt according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the warning Printer control method. The program for making a computer perform each step in the control method of the receipt printer of any one of Claim 4 thru | or 6 .

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