JP6204215B2 - Handy terminal automatic settlement system and settlement method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a handy terminal automatic settlement system using a handy terminal operated by a customer in a store and a settlement method thereof.

  In a retail store such as a supermarket, when a customer purchases a product, the desired product is put in a shopping cart or shopping cart, brought into a cash register, and cleared at a POS (Point of Sales) register operated by a store clerk. The store clerk performs the clearing process by reading the bar code attached to the merchandise with the bar code scanner connected to the POS register.

  Also, in recent years, a product called a self-scanning system that has been able to prevent the occurrence of busy checkout jams by reading the barcodes described above, and further reduce the work burden on the store side. A sales processing system has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a customer operates a handy terminal that reads a product code and performs settlement at a POS terminal register. Specifically, the customer who visits the store operates the handy terminal to read the product code of the purchased product, and stores it in the database that stores the purchase desired product read in the order of important products (descending order of price). This makes it easier for the store clerk to find important products from the list display on the POS register. Therefore, when checking whether the product code read by the customer matches the actual purchased product, This can be easily confirmed. Further, by performing confirmation of products only on important products such as high-priced products that are a part of purchased products, the time and effort for confirmation can be reduced.

  Similarly, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a customer operates a handy terminal that reads a product code and performs settlement using a POS register. Specifically, after the customer visiting the store reads the product code of the product he / she wishes to purchase on the handy terminal and completes the registration of the purchased product, the store clerk operates the POS register to bring in the product code of the purchased product. Compare with the item you want to purchase. At this time, the data of the purchased product is automatically reflected in the POS register by setting the handy terminal that has read the purchased product in the cash register cradle to which the POS register is connected. Therefore, the store clerk selects one of the actual purchased products from the shopping basket received from the customer, and when the bar code scanner reads and matches, it determines that the purchased product information is correct and settles the purchase. . As a result, as with the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for confirmation by performing only on a product that is a part of the purchased product.

JP 2008-293179 A JP 2009-265746 A

  However, in any of the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since all purchased products are not confirmed, the reliability of the consistency between the read data and the actual purchased products is low. In addition, since the store clerk confirms the purchased product at the POS register, it is inevitable that a large number of customers are lined up before the cash register during the busy season.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a handy terminal automatic payment system capable of unattended a cash register and smoothly performing a payment process without a customer waiting for a cash register. Objective.

  In order to solve the above problems, the system and method of the present invention provide the following solution.

(1) A handy terminal automatic payment system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a handy terminal and a commodity comparison device, and performs an electronic payment using a customer IC card inserted into the handy terminal. The handy terminal includes a product ID reading unit that reads product identification information given to a product in a non-contact manner, and a card lock mechanism unit that locks the discharge of the IC card when the IC card is inserted. A communicator that communicates with the product comparison device, wherein the product comparison device includes a purchase wish list obtained by communication with the handy terminal and a product in a customer's shopping cart or shopping cart. When the product list obtained by reading the given product identification information in a non-contact manner matches, the settlement by the IC card is executed. And, characterized in that it comprises a card lock release unit which generates a control signal for releasing the lock of the card lock mechanism portion of the handy terminal.

(2) In the aspect of the above (1), it further includes a product management device connected to the handy terminal via a wireless network, and the product management device stores product information associated with the product identification information. When receiving the product information acquisition request from the handy terminal, the product information database may include a control unit that refers to the product information database and transmits the corresponding product information to the handy terminal.

(3) In the aspect of the above (2), the product management device, as the product information, in addition to the product identification information and the product name, at least one of the raw material of the product, the name of the product, and the number of products in stock You may comprise so that it may have one.

(4) In the aspect of (3), the product management device further includes an allergy information database in which allergy information is stored for each raw material of the product, and the control unit receives allergy based on the product from the handy terminal. When the information acquisition request is received, the allergy information database may be referred to and the allergy information of the product corresponding to the handy terminal that has transmitted the allergy information acquisition request may be transmitted.

(5) In the above aspect (2), when the product management device receives customer comment information input from the handy terminal, the product management device associates and stores the customer ID for identifying the customer and the comment information. You may comprise so that it may further have a customer information database.

(6) In the aspect of (2), the product management apparatus further includes a customer information database that stores a history of products purchased by the customer, and receives a request for a product purchase plan from the handy terminal, Analyzing customer preferences with reference to past history from a customer information database, generating the product purchase plan consisting of a list of products matched by matching with products recommended by the store, and receiving the requested handy terminal You may comprise so that it may transmit to.

(7) A handy terminal automatic settlement method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a handy terminal provided with a card lock mechanism that locks the discharge of the IC card when a customer's IC card is inserted; A handy terminal automatic settlement method in a system comprising: a step in which the handy terminal reads product identification information attached to a product in a contactless manner; and a purchase in which the product comparison device is acquired by communication with the handy terminal When the desired product list and the product list obtained by reading the product identification information given to the product in the customer's shopping cart or shopping cart in a non-contact manner all match, the settlement by the IC card And generating a control signal for releasing the card lock of the handy terminal.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the handy terminal automatic payment system which can perform payment processing smoothly, without making a cashier unmanned and a customer waiting for a cash register can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the basic concept of the handy terminal automatic payment system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of the handy terminal of FIG. 1 and an external view of a shopping cart 30 and a product comparison device 20. It is a figure which shows the functional block which shows the structure of the handy terminal automatic payment system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the merchandise management apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. It is a figure which shows the processing sequence of the handy terminal automatic payment system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen when a goods is read using the handy terminal of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example (1) of the menu screen of the handy terminal of FIG. 1, and its menu expansion | deployment screen. It is a figure which shows the example (2) of the menu screen of the handy terminal of FIG. 1, and its menu expansion | deployment screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen produced | generated when purchasing information is selected from the menu screen of the handy terminal of FIG. It is a figure which shows the functional block which shows the structure of the handy terminal automatic payment system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same number or code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element through the whole description of embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic concept of a handy terminal automatic settlement system (hereinafter referred to as the present system) according to the present embodiment. In this system, the handy terminal 10 that reads the product identification information (hereinafter referred to as a product tag or RF tag) attached to each product in a non-contact manner and the product comparison device 20 are close to each other. It is a system connected so as to be able to communicate by wireless communication. The handy terminal 10 is further connected to a merchandise management apparatus 40 installed in the store or in the center by middle / long distance wireless communication.

  As will be described later, once an IC card having an electronic settlement function such as a customer's credit card or electronic money is inserted into the handy terminal 10 until a release signal is transmitted from the product comparison device 20. A card lock mechanism that prevents the IC card from being ejected is incorporated.

  When a customer goes to a store such as a supermarket, a home center, a warehouse store, or a shopping mall, the customer first takes a handy terminal 10 installed at the entrance of the store and inserts a payment card such as a credit card. Carry it with you (step S1). Next, the customer picks up the product he / she wants to purchase, reads the product code (product identification information) with the handy terminal 10 he / she owns, and the shopping cart 30a or the shopping cart 30b (hereinafter, it is not necessary to distinguish between the two) Are collectively referred to as “shopping basket 30”). In order to cancel the purchase, a cancel button or the like of the handy terminal 10 may be pressed.

  The handy terminal 10 receives the product information from the product management device 40 based on the product code of the desired product for purchase (step S2) and displays it on its own display (step S3). Subsequently, the customer confirms that the displayed product information is a product desired to purchase, and repeats the procedure from step S2 to step S3 until the shopping is completed.

  When the shopping is completed, the customer puts the shopping cart 30 containing the desired product on the product comparison device 20 installed near the exit in the store or brings it close to the store. The product comparison device 20 collectively reads the product tags attached to the purchase desired products in the shopping cart 30. Subsequently, the merchandise comparison device 20 collects the merchandise tag assigned to each of the merchandise items in the shopping cart 30 and the like, and the merchandise tag assigned to each of the merchandise items in the shopping cart 30. Compare with the product list obtained by reading by contact. Then, when both the product lists match, an IC card settlement request is transmitted, and when the settlement is completed, an unlock control signal is transmitted to the handy terminal 10 to unlock the card lock mechanism (step) S4).

  After unlocking, the customer pulls out the IC card and returns the handy terminal 10 to the return shelf, thereby completing the shopping. In addition, the return shelf may be provided with a charging function of the handy terminal 10, and a newly visited customer may be able to take out the handy terminal 10 directly from the return shelf. In this way, the customer does not have to go through the cash register when purchasing the product, so that smooth payment is possible, and the store does not require payment processing by the store clerk. Can be realized. In addition, even if the customer leaves the store without buying anything, the customer can be interested in the product once by allowing the product information to be acquired with the card inserted in the handy terminal 10. The store side can use it as reference information for merchandise sales, and the customer can receive some proposal from the store side. Conversely, if the card is not inserted, product information acquisition and product comparison may be disabled.

  FIG. 2 shows the external structure of the handy terminal. On the front surface of the handy terminal 10, an operation unit 17 operated by a customer and a display unit 18 on which various display information such as product information, inventory information, purchase information, allergic component information, request / comment information, and the like are displayed. ing. A purchase button is mounted on the operation unit 17, and when the customer presses the purchase button, the purchase desire of the product is confirmed. Further, when the purchase button is pressed, it is considered that the product has been temporarily pressed, and the inventory quantity of the product is updated at that time. This is to avoid running out of stock by the time of settlement in the case of a product that cannot be carried in a shopping cart or shopping cart (such as when buying a large product or the same product in large quantities).

  In addition to a purchase button, various request buttons to be described later are mounted on the operation unit 17. By pressing these buttons, detailed product information (for example, information on the place of production and allergic ingredients), inventory information, purchase information, etc. Acquisition of various information services such as acquisition of requests and transmission of requests and comments on stores and products. The display unit 18 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device) or an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) as a display device. Details of these various information providing services will be described in specific examples described later.

  A card insertion / ejection mechanism 13 for an IC card 50 (hereinafter referred to as a credit card as a representative example) is provided on the upper surface or side surface of the handy terminal 10. In addition, a receipt printing function is provided on the upper surface of the handy terminal 10 to print product purchase information when purchasing the product. Further, on the back surface of the handy terminal 10, a product ID reading unit 16 that reads product identification information (product ID) attached to the product or product identification information attached to a product shelf on which the product is placed is provided. . The product ID reading unit 16 typically uses RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification), which is an individual identification technique using radio waves. It is assumed that an RF tag (an information medium in which ID information is embedded) is attached to the product, and an RF tag may be attached to the product shelf in the same manner, but a conventional barcode may be attached. .

  Next, external views of the shopping cart 30 and the product comparison device 20 using this system will be described. The shopping cart 30a has a plate 34 for identifying the shopping cart 30a at the lower portion of the shopping cart 30a, and the shopping cart 30b has plates 34 for identifying the shopping cart 30b on both sides of the shopping cart 30b. The merchandise comparison device 20 detects the plate 34 attached to the lower portion of the shopping cart 30a or the side surface of the shopping cart 30b by the shopping cart plate detection unit 33a or the shopping cart plate detection unit 33b, and the detected shopping cart 30a or the shopping cart is detected. The product tag given to each purchase desired product in the cart 30b is read. By having the plate 34 in the shopping cart 30 or the like, it is possible to control the timing at which the product comparison device 20 starts the comparison process, and to avoid erroneously recognizing the product in the other shopping cart 30 or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the handy terminal automatic settlement system (hereinafter referred to as the present system 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the system 1 includes the handy terminal 10, the product comparison device 20, and the product management device 40.

(Configuration of handy terminal)
The handy terminal 10 has a function of reading a product tag (RF tag) attached to each product in a contactless manner, and typically includes a communication unit 11 and a shopping information database (hereinafter referred to as a shopping information DB). 12, a card insertion / ejection mechanism unit 13, a card lock mechanism unit 14, a card lock release unit 15, a product ID reading unit 16, an operation unit 17, a display unit 18, and a control unit 19. The

  The communication unit 11 controls a communication interface when communicating with the product comparison device 20 and the product management device 40, and between the product comparison device 20, for example, with the ISO / IEC 18000 communication specification and the product management device 40. For example, communication conforming to TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is performed.

  The shopping information DB 12 is a database that stores products desired to be purchased at the time of shopping. The product information is stored when the customer reads the product code with the handy terminal 10 and presses the purchase button of the operation unit 17.

  The card insertion / ejection mechanism unit 13 has a mechanism for inserting and ejecting a credit card 50 possessed by the customer, and further includes a card reading unit 13a for reading the credit card 50 and controlling information necessary for electronic settlement processing. To the unit 19.

  The card lock mechanism unit 14 is a mechanism for locking the card so that the credit card 50 cannot be ejected until a release signal is transmitted from the product comparison device 20 when the credit card 50 is inserted under the instruction of the control unit 19. is there.

  The card unlocking unit 15 receives from the product comparison device 20 that the comparison between the list of products desired to be stored stored in the handy terminal 10 and the product list in the shopping cart 30 is the same and the payment is completed. In this case, a control signal for releasing the lock of the card lock mechanism is generated to release the card lock.

  The product ID reading unit 16 reads the product tag of the product 31 or the barcode attached to the product shelf itself on which the product 31 is displayed, and acquires the product code of the product 31. The handy terminal 10 reads the product code from the product shelf and presses the “stock / product location confirmation button” on the handy terminal 10 to transmit a request for purchase of the product to the product management device 40. Even if you are not in the field, you can check the inventory and get notified of where the goods are actually placed.

  In addition to the purchase button, various request buttons described later are mounted on the operation unit 17. By pressing these buttons, the purchase of the desired product for purchase is confirmed, or inventory information, purchase information, allergic components are determined. Provide various information services such as information, request / comment information acquisition.

  The display unit 18 has, for example, an LCD or an organic EL as a display device, and displays various display information such as product information, inventory information, purchase information, allergy component information, request / comment information, and the like.

  The control unit 19 reads a product tag attached to each product desired to be purchased in a non-contact manner and generates a purchase desired product list. Further, when the control unit 19 performs short-range wireless communication with the product comparison device 20 and receives a control signal for releasing the card lock from the product comparison device 20, the card lock mechanism unit 14 uses the card lock mechanism unit 14. A card lock release command (control signal) is transmitted. Furthermore, the control unit 19 detects the press of the button assigned to the operation unit 17 and communicates with the product management device 40 to execute the function assigned to each button in the product management device 40. The result is displayed on the display unit 18. Therefore, the control unit 19 includes the communication unit 11, the shopping information DB 12, the card insertion / discharge mechanism unit 13, the card lock mechanism unit 14, the card lock release unit 15, the product ID reading unit 16, the operation unit 17, and the display unit. Each of the 18 sequence controls is performed.

(Composition of product comparison device)
The product comparison device 20 is a product list acquired by reading the product tag attached to the product in the shopping basket 30 or the like in a non-contact manner, which is acquired by communication with the handy terminal 10. Is generated, a control signal for releasing the card lock of the handy terminal 10 is generated. For this reason, the product comparison device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a comparison unit 22, and a product ID reading unit 23.

  The communication unit 21 serves as a communication interface for communicating with the handy terminal 10 and performs communication based on, for example, TCP / IP.

  The comparison unit 22 sequentially compares the product codes of the products in the shopping cart 30 that are sequentially read by the product ID reading unit 23 with the product codes included in the product list generated by the comparison unit 22. The comparison unit 22 is acquired by the product comparison device 20 reading the purchase request product list acquired by communication with the handy terminal 10 and the product tag attached to the product in the shopping cart 30 without contact. When the merchandise list matches, the control signal for releasing the card lock of the handy terminal 10 is generated.

  The product ID reading unit 23 reads the product tag of the product 31 from the shopping cart plate detection unit 33a and the shopping cart plate detection unit 33b, and acquires the product code.

  The shopping cart 30 is provided with a plate 34 for identifying itself. A product tag (product ID 32) is affixed to each product 31, and a product code unique to the product is stored in the product ID 32. The product ID 32 may be affixed not only to the product 31 but also to a product shelf (not shown).

(Composition of product management device)
The merchandise management apparatus 40 is connected to the handy terminal 10 via a wireless network, and as merchandise information, in addition to the merchandise code and merchandise name unique to the merchandise, at least the merchandise raw material, the merchandise name, and the inventory quantity of the merchandise It has a database containing one.

  Upon receiving a product information acquisition request based on the read product code from the handy terminal 10, the product management device 40 has a “product information providing function” that transmits the product information of the corresponding product to the requested handy terminal 10. . Further, upon receiving a request for acquiring allergy information (allergy component information) based on a product from the handy terminal 10, the product management device 40 transmits allergy information of the corresponding product to the requested handy terminal. Function ".

  Upon receiving the comment information input from the handy terminal 10, the merchandise management apparatus 40 has a “request / comment input function” that stores a customer ID for identifying a customer in association with the comment information. When the product management device 40 receives a product purchase plan request from the handy terminal 10, the product management device 40 analyzes customer preferences with reference to the past history, and purchases a product consisting of a list of products that match the product recommended by the store. It has a “product purchase plan recommendation function” that generates a plan and transmits it to the handy terminal 10 that requested it.

  For this reason, the product management apparatus 40 includes a product information database 42 (hereinafter referred to as product information DB), a customer information database 43 (hereinafter referred to as customer information DB 43), and an allergy information database 44 (hereinafter referred to as allergy information DB 44). The comment information database 45 (hereinafter referred to as the comment information DB 45) is allocated and stored.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, an example of the data structure of the merchandise information DB 42, each entry includes a merchandise code, a merchandise name, a stock quantity, raw material / detailed information, and a place of origin. Consists of fields. For example, a product to which a product code of “00000100” is assigned is milk and has an inventory of 200 pieces, indicating that it is produced in Hokkaido. In the customer information DB 43, as shown in an example of the data structure in FIG. 4B, one entry includes fields of customer ID, store visit date, and purchase information. For example, it is stored that the customer who is given “000010” as the customer ID visited the store on January 1, 2014 and bought milk, apple juice,.

  In the allergy information DB 44, as shown in FIG. 4C, an example of the data structure is stored, in addition to 7 specific raw materials required to be displayed on the product, 18 items recommended to be displayed are stored. The The comment information DB 45 includes customer ID and comment fields as shown in FIG. 4D as an example of the data structure. For example, it is stored that a customer to whom a user ID “000020” has been posted has posted a comment that “there are too many food items.”

  In order to realize the above-described “product information providing function”, “allergy information providing function”, “request / comment input function”, and “purchase plan recommendation function”, the product management apparatus 40 and the product information The database 42 includes a customer information DB 43, an allergy information DB 44, a comment information DB 45, and a control unit 46.

  The communication unit 41 controls a communication interface when communicating with the handy terminal 10, and performs communication based on, for example, TCP / IP.

  When the product management device 40 receives a product information acquisition request based on the read product code from the handy terminal 10, the control unit 46 transmits the product information of the corresponding product to the requested handy terminal 10. "Allergy information providing function" that transmits allergy information of the corresponding product to the requested handy terminal 10 when receiving the allergy information acquisition request based on the product from the handy terminal 10 In addition, when the comment information input by the handy terminal 10 is received, the “request / comment input function” stored in association with the customer ID for identifying the customer and the comment information can be executed. When a product purchase plan request is received from the handy terminal 10, the customer's preference is analyzed with reference to the past history. The communication described above so that a “product purchase plan recommendation function” that generates a recommended product purchase plan including a list of matched products by matching with a product recommended by the store and that is transmitted to the requested handy terminal 10 can be executed. The unit 41 performs sequence control for reading or writing the product information DB 42, customer information DB 43, allergy information DB 44, and comment information DB 45.

  The functions and configuration of the system 1 described above are merely examples, and one functional block (database and function processing unit) is divided, or a plurality of functional blocks are combined into one functional block. Also good. Each function processing unit reads a computer program stored in a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), or hard disk by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) built in the device This is realized by a computer program executed by the CPU. That is, in each function processing unit, this computer program reads and writes necessary data such as a table from a database (DB; Data Base) stored in a storage device or a storage area on a memory, and may be related in some cases. This is realized by controlling hardware (for example, an input / output device, a display device, and a communication interface device). In addition, the database in the embodiment of the present invention may be a commercial database, but it simply means a collection of tables and files, and the internal structure of the database itself does not matter.

  FIG. 5 is a processing sequence diagram of the handy terminal automatic settlement system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an example of a screen when a product is read by operating the handy terminal 10, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of the menu screen of the handy terminal 10 and its menu expansion screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen generated when purchase information is selected from the menu screen of the handy terminal 10.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the handy terminal automatic settlement system of FIG. 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 5, a customer goes to a supermarket or the like for shopping. First, a plurality of handy terminals 10 installed at the entrance of the store are taken, and for example, a credit card 50 is inserted into the handy terminal 10 and carried in the store (step S101). ). When the credit card 50 is inserted, the card reading unit 13a of the handy terminal 10 reads the card information (step S102), and transmits customer information that is card information to the control unit 19 of the handy terminal 10.

  When the control unit 19 of the handy terminal 10 receives from the card reading unit 13a that the credit card 50 has been inserted, the control unit 19 transmits a lock command for locking the credit card 50 to the card lock mechanism unit 14 (step S103). . Upon receiving the lock command, the card lock mechanism unit 14 controls the card insertion / ejection mechanism unit 13 to be locked and prohibits the ejection of the credit card 50.

  In order to purchase a product, the customer operates the handy terminal 10 to read the product tag of the product 31 or the barcode attached to the product shelf with the product ID reading unit 16 (scanner) (step S104). When the control unit 19 reads the product code from the barcode or the like, the control unit 19 transmits a product information acquisition request based on the product code to the product management device 40 via the communication unit 11 (step S105).

  When receiving the product information acquisition request, the control unit 46 of the product management apparatus 40 refers to the product information DB 42 in which the product code and the product information associated in advance are stored, and obtains product information from the received product code. The specified product information is specified (step S106), and is transmitted to the handy terminal 10 that requested the product information acquisition via the communication unit 41 (step S107). The control unit 19 of the handy terminal 10 that has received the product information stores the product information in the shopping information DB 12 (step S108). The control unit 19 stores the product information and simultaneously displays the product information on the display unit 18.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the display unit 18 displays the product name, the place of origin, and the amount of money of the product information. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, by reading the product 31, a purchase list of products is displayed in a list. If the read product is acceptable, a “purchase button” assigned to the operation unit 17 of the handy terminal 10 is pressed to generate a purchase desired product list and register it as the shopping information DB 12. In the example of FIG. 6B, a case is shown in which a plurality of products are put into the basket at a time and the “purchase button” is pressed together. Of course, the “button” may be pressed. The control unit 19 of the handy terminal 10 continues the series of processing from step S104 to step S108 until the shopping is completed (step S109).

  When the customer presses the menu button assigned to the operation unit 17 of the handy terminal 10, a menu list is displayed on the display unit 18 under the control of the control unit 19. As the menu, for example, “Purchase desired product list”, “Inventory / product location confirmation”, “Purchase information”, “Allergy information”, and “Request / comment input” are prepared and displayed. The menu list displays icons that allow language selection, and the text is converted according to each language. For example, menus in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean are displayed.

  The “Purchase desired product list” menu is a function in which a customer displays the read products as a list on the handy terminal 10. That is, the customer operates the handy terminal 10 to read the product tag of the product desired to be purchased in the store, and acquires the product information corresponding to the product code recorded on the product tag from the product management device 40, whereby the product Information is displayed on the display unit 18. When there is no problem with the contents, the customer presses a purchase button assigned to the operation unit 17 of the handy terminal 10 to display a list of desired products for purchase on the display unit 18. In the purchase wish list, at least the product name, the number of purchases, the amount, and the total amount are displayed.

  The “stock / product location confirmation” menu is a function that is used when the customer does not know the location where the desired product is purchased. For example, if this function is used when the position where milk is placed is not known, the place where the product is placed is displayed in addition to the product name and the number of products in stock. When the “stock / product location confirmation” menu is selected and the product name is entered, a map of the store is displayed, and the place where the corresponding product 31 is placed blinks on the map. Alternatively, it may be guided by an arrow.

  When the customer selects “buying information” from the menu, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, recommended product purchase plans such as “recommended plan”, “saving plan”, “luxury plan” The menu is expanded and displayed on the display unit 18 of the handy terminal 10. The purchase plan is a means for providing recommended product information from the store when, for example, the customer is wondering what to buy, or when the type of item to be purchased is determined to some extent. Here, a recommended plan is illustrated and described with reference to FIG. When a recommended plan is selected, a product purchase plan acquisition request is transmitted, and the product management device 40 that receives the request analyzes the customer's preference from the past purchase history based on the customer ID acquired from the customer information DB 43, and stores A product purchase plan including a list of products matched by matching with products recommended by is generated. The generation of the purchase plan may refer to purchase schedule information (or purchase request information) explicitly input from the handy terminal 10 instead of the purchase history of the customer (for example, “Today's dinner is Menu information such as “Sukiyaki!” And product range designation information such as “Which would you like to beer or wine today?”). The product purchase plan created here is displayed as a product list on the display unit 18 as shown in FIG. 9, and the storage location of the picked-up product is displayed as an icon on the map.

  When the saving plan is selected, the merchandise management apparatus 40 uses the cheaper merchandise on the store side (for example, merchandise described in a flyer), the customer's past purchase history and purchase schedule information (hereinafter, purchase history, etc.). To create a savings plan by analyzing customer preferences. When the luxury plan is selected, the product management device 40 refers to the customer's preference with reference to the recommended product (for example, fresh meat and fish), which is expensive on the store side, and the customer's past purchase history. Analyze and create a luxury plan. For example, if the menu information is “Sukiyaki”, a luxury plan that recommends high-end foods of branded products such as “Meat is OO-produced Japanese beef, Tofu is a △△ product, and Shirataki is a □□ product” is created.

  “Allergy information” is a function for confirming whether or not there are materials / components that may cause an allergic reaction in the raw materials of products purchased by customers. When “allergy component information” is selected from the menu screen of FIG. 8, the handy terminal 10 generates an allergy information acquisition request based on the read product code and transmits it to the product management device 40. Upon receipt of the allergy information acquisition request, the merchandise management device 40 refers to the allergy information DB 44 based on the merchandise code and confirms whether or not allergic components are contained in the stored raw materials. When an allergic component is contained in the raw material, the content is displayed on the display unit 18 of the handy terminal 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a trade name and a raw material are displayed, indicating that allergic components are included.

  “Request / comment input” is a function in which a customer inputs an opinion or a request to the store. When “request / comment input” is selected from the menu screen of FIG. 8, the handy terminal 10 inputs the request / comment input screen on the display unit 18 using, for example, a touch panel as shown in FIG. 8. Display the software keyboard. The information input here is taken in by the merchandise management apparatus 40 and stored in the comment information DB 45 in association with the customer ID.

  “Contact other handy terminal” is a function in which the handy terminal 10 has a call function (may be an option) and can directly talk to a customer who owns the other handy terminal 10. For example, if a couple come to the store together and share shopping within the store using different routes, the wife's terminal will contact the husband's terminal to instruct them to search for specific products, heavy items, etc. Can instruct them to buy from there. If a family card is inserted in each handy terminal 10, data can be exchanged, and a list of items desired to be purchased can be confirmed from each terminal. By doing this, for example, it is easy for the wife to check whether the item that the wife asked her husband is surely included in the list of items that she wants to purchase, or that she has not bought any extra items, even from a remote place in the store. Can be checked.

  When the shopping is completed, the customer moves the shopping cart 30 or the like to the vicinity (communication range) of the product ID reading unit 23 provided in the product comparison device 20. When the product ID reading unit 23 detects the shopping basket 30 or the like (Step S110), the product comparison device 20 transmits a command to transmit the product list read by shopping from the handy terminal 10 (Step S111). The control unit 19 of the handy terminal 10 acquires a product code from the shopping information DB 12 and transmits the product code to the product comparison device 20 (step S112).

  Subsequently, the comparison unit 22 of the product comparison device 20 acquires the product code sequentially read by the product ID reading unit 23 from the product tag of the product 31 in the shopping cart 30 (step S113). The comparison unit 22 of the product comparison device 20 generates a purchased product list from the sequentially acquired product codes, and there is no difference between the purchased product list and the purchased product list stored in the shopping information DB 12 of the handy terminal 10. These are compared (step S114).

  If both match (step S115 “YES”), the comparison unit 22 transmits information (purchased item and amount) required for settlement to the handy terminal 10 (communication unit 11) (step S116). The handy terminal 10 (control unit 19) that has received the payment information displays a list of purchase desired products and the amount on the display unit 18 for electronic payment processing (step S117), and asks the customer for confirmation. The handy terminal 10 transmits a settlement request indicating completion of customer confirmation to the merchandise management apparatus 40 (step S118). After receiving from the handy terminal 10, the merchandise management apparatus 40 executes electronic payment (step S119).

  The merchandise management device 40 (control unit 46) transmits a notification that the electronic payment processing is completed to the merchandise comparison device 20 via the communication unit 41 (step S120). The product comparison device 20 (comparison unit 22) that has received the notification that the electronic payment processing has been completed transmits a release signal command (control signal) for unlocking the credit card 50 to the handy terminal 10 via the communication unit 21 ( Step S121).

  The control unit 19 of the handy terminal 10 that has received the lock release command transmits a lock release command to the card lock release unit 15, and the card lock release unit 15 unlocks the credit card 50 (step S122). As a result, the credit card 50 can be taken out (discharged) (step S123). If there is a difference between at least some of the products (“NO” in step S115), the comparison unit 22 transmits the product information of the product 31 to the handy terminal 10 via the communication unit 21. To do.

  The control unit 19 of the handy terminal 10 displays information on the product 31 corresponding to the display unit 18 (step S124), and if there is a problem, the product ID reading unit 16 of the handy terminal 10 displays the corresponding product in the shopping cart 30 or the like. And the comparison by the product comparison device 20 is performed again.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the system 1, the merchandise comparison device 20 is given to a merchandise list that is acquired by communication with the handy terminal 10 and merchandise in the shopping cart 30. The card lock of the handy terminal 10 is released when the merchandise list obtained by reading the merchandise tag without contact matches. This eliminates the need for customers to go through the cash register when purchasing products, making it possible to make smooth payments. Reduction and a large return on investment. Furthermore, by inserting the credit card 50 into the handy terminal 10 and locking the discharge until the end of the settlement, the handy terminal 10 can be prevented from being stolen. In addition, even if the customer leaves the store without buying anything, by acquiring the product information with the card inserted in the handy terminal 10, the product that the customer is interested in can be found. It can be used as reference information for merchandise sales on the side, and customers can receive some suggestions from the store side.

  Further, by storing allergy information in the product management device 40, allergy information can be provided by associating the raw material of the product information with the allergy information. Accordingly, allergy information is displayed on the display unit 18 for each product suspected of having allergies, and the user can purchase the product with peace of mind by browsing this information. At this time, it is also possible to store information on the allergic constitution of the customer in the customer information DB 43 and display allergy information only for products containing allergic components that react to the allergic constitution. Further, the merchandise management device 40 can manage customer requests or comments by associating and storing customer IDs and comment information on customer requests, and reflecting this in store operations to satisfy customers. It improves the degree of customer service, improves customer acquisition, and contributes to sales promotion.

  In addition, the product management apparatus 40 can refer to the past purchase information history by storing the purchase information history of the customer, and can calculate the customer preference and recommend the product purchase plan. Therefore, the customer can shop according to the recommended plan without considering a menu at the time of shopping. As a result, the rate of attracting customers to the store increases.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the handy terminal automatic settlement system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the product management device 40 has the function of the comparison unit 22 included in the product comparison device 20 of the first embodiment. Since various functions have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  Although illustration of the processing sequence of the system is omitted, differences from FIG. 5 in the first embodiment will be described below. When the product comparison device 20 detects the shopping basket 30 or the like, the product comparison device 20 transmits a product list read by shopping from the handy terminal 10 to the product management device 40. The handy terminal 10 acquires the product code from the shopping information DB 12 and transmits the product code to the product comparison device 20.

  Subsequently, the product comparison device 20 acquires the product code from the product tag of the product 31 in the shopping cart 30 and the like, and the product code received from the handy terminal 10 and the product code acquired by itself are stored in the product management device 40. Send. The comparison unit 47 of the product management device 40 generates a purchase product list based on the product code acquired from the product comparison device 20 and compares the purchase product list with the purchase product list in the shopping information DB 12 of the handy terminal 10. The comparison unit 47 of the merchandise management device 40 transmits the payment information to the handy terminal 10 in order to shift to the payment processing procedure when both of them match.

  After that, as in the first embodiment, the handy terminal 10 that has received the payment information displays a list of desired products for purchase and the amount of money, and if the customer has no problem with the displayed contents, the customer is allowed to execute the payment. To do. The merchandise management apparatus (comparison unit 47) that has received the completion of the electronic payment transmits a release signal command to unlock the credit card 50 to the handy terminal 10.

  According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the product management device 40 compares the product list, and the product information and the product comparison device 20 are managed in a centralized manner, The store side can quickly grasp the usage status of the product comparison device 20.

(Modification)
As a further modification of the second embodiment, the comparison unit 47 of the product management device 40 may be provided on the handy terminal 10 side. In this embodiment, when the commodity comparison device 20 detects the shopping cart 30 or the like, the product comparison device 20 determines that the customer wants to finish shopping and pay with a credit card, and sends a confirmation request to the handy terminal 10. To do. The handy terminal 10 that has received the confirmation request compares the commodity list desired to be stored stored in the terminal with the commodity list obtained as a result of collectively searching the commodity IDs of the commodities contained in the shopping basket 30. Information indicating whether or not all match is displayed on the display unit 18. However, this comparison may be performed at the timing when the customer presses a predetermined operation button (for example, a comparison confirmation button) on the handy terminal 10 without going through a confirmation request from the product comparison device 20.

  The customer confirms the comparison result displayed on the display unit, and if OK, presses a predetermined operation button (for example, a settlement request button), and transmits a settlement request to the merchandise management apparatus 40. Upon receiving this payment request, the merchandise management apparatus 40 transmits a card lock release signal to the handy terminal 10 in response to the completion of payment approval from the customer's credit card company system. The handy terminal 10 receives the release signal and enables the card to be discharged, and the customer can take out the card from the handy terminal 10 and leave the store. The above processing is summarized as the function unit of the handy terminal 10 as follows.

  A handy terminal used by a customer in a store, a card insertion / discharge mechanism part having a mechanism for inserting and discharging the customer's IC card for payment of a product price, and when the IC card is inserted, A card lock mechanism for locking the discharge of the IC card, a product ID reading unit for reading the product identification information given to the product in a non-contact manner, and a product identification information for which the product ID reading unit individually reads the product. The product ID reading unit collectively reads the storage unit that stores the desired product list for purchase by a predetermined operation and the product identification information of the product in the customer's shopping cart or shopping cart. When the product list and the stored desired product list for purchase all match, the control unit that transmits a settlement request by the IC card, and the settlement request is accepted. In response to the, and a card releasing member for releasing the lock of the card lock mechanism.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. Further, it is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the present invention is regarded as a product invention and described as a handy terminal automatic settlement system, but the present invention can also be regarded as a method invention (handy terminal automatic settlement method).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Handy terminal automatic payment system 10 Handy terminal 11 Communication part 12 Shopping information database (shopping information DB)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Card insertion / ejection mechanism part 13a Card reading part 14 Card lock mechanism part 15 Card lock release part 16 Product ID reading part 17 Operation part 18 Display part 19 Control part 20 Commodity comparison apparatus 21 Communication part 22 Comparison part 23 Commodity ID reading part 30 Shopping cart or shopping cart (shopping cart etc.)
30a Shopping cart 30b Shopping cart 31 items 32 items ID
33a Shopping cart plate detection unit 33b Shopping cart plate detection unit 40 Product management device 41 Communication unit 42 Product information database (product information DB)
43 Customer Information Database (Customer Information DB)
44 Allergy Information Database (Allergy Information DB)
45 Comment Information Database (Comment Information DB)
46 Control unit 47 Comparison unit 50 Credit card (IC card)

Claims (8)

A handy terminal automatic settlement system that has a handy terminal and a product comparison device, and performs electronic settlement using a customer IC card inserted into the handy terminal,
The handy terminal is
An identification information reading unit that reads the product identification information given to the product in a contactless manner;
A card lock mechanism for locking the discharge of the IC card when the IC card is inserted;
A communication unit that communicates with the product comparison device;
The product comparison device includes:
The purchase desired product list acquired by communication with the handy terminal and the product list obtained by reading the product identification information given to the product in the customer's shopping cart or shopping cart in a contactless manner are all A handy terminal automatic settlement system comprising: a card lock release unit that executes payment by the IC card and generates a control signal for releasing the lock of the card lock mechanism unit of the handy terminal when they match . A product management device connected to the handy terminal via a wireless network;
The product management device includes:
When a product information database storing product information associated with the product identification information is received from the handy terminal and the product information acquisition request is received, the corresponding product information is referred to the product information database. The handy terminal automatic settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that transmits to the handy terminal. The product management device includes:
3. The handy terminal automatic settlement according to claim 2, wherein the merchandise information includes at least one of merchandise raw materials, merchandise production name, and merchandise inventory in addition to the merchandise identification information and merchandise name. system. The product management device includes:
Further comprising an allergy information database storing allergy information for each raw material of the product,
When the control unit receives an allergy information acquisition request based on the product from the handy terminal, the control unit refers to the allergy information database and transmits the allergy information of the product corresponding to the handy terminal that has transmitted the allergy information acquisition request. The handy terminal automatic settlement system according to claim 3. The product management device includes:
The customer information database for storing the customer ID for identifying the customer and the comment information in association with each other when the customer comment information input by the handy terminal is received. Handy terminal automatic payment system. The product management device includes:
A customer information database for storing a history of products purchased by the customer;
When receiving a request for a product purchase plan from the handy terminal, the customer's preference is analyzed with reference to the past history from the customer information database, and the product comprising a list of products matched by matching with a product recommended by the store 3. The handy terminal automatic settlement system according to claim 2, wherein a purchase plan is generated and transmitted to the handy terminal that has made the request. A handy terminal automatic settlement method in a system comprising a handy terminal having a card lock mechanism that locks the discharge of the IC card when a customer's IC card is inserted, and a product comparison device,
The handy terminal is
Reading the product identification information given to the product in a contactless manner;
The product comparison device is obtained by contactlessly reading the product list desired to be acquired by communication with the handy terminal and the product identification information given to the product in the customer's shopping cart or shopping cart. A payment method using the IC card and generating a control signal for releasing the card lock of the handy terminal when all of the merchandise lists match, a handy terminal automatic payment method comprising: A handy device used by customers in the store,
A card insertion / discharge mechanism having a mechanism for inserting and discharging the customer's IC card for settlement of the product price;
When the IC card is inserted, a card lock mechanism for locking the discharge of the IC card;
A product ID reading unit that reads product identification information given to the product in a contactless manner;
A storage unit for storing product identification information obtained by the product ID reading unit individually reading the products as a purchase desired product list by a predetermined operation;
The product list obtained by the product ID reading unit collectively reading the product identification information of the products put in the customer's shopping cart or shopping cart matches the stored purchase desired product list. A control unit that transmits a settlement request by the IC card,
In response to the approval of the settlement request, a card lock release unit that unlocks the card lock mechanism unit;
A handy terminal comprising:

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